Member Article

Northern Powerhouse Minister to address inaugural NEAA Expo

James Wharton, the Northern Powerhouse Minister, has been named the keynote speaker for the first North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) Expo, to be help at SUnderland Football Club’s Stadium of Light later this month.

Organised by the industry-led cluster group NEAA with support from Make it Sunderland, Tees Valley Unlimited and Zerolight, the expo will bring together more than 250 delegates from the automotive sector including buyers travelling to the region from Jaguar Land Rover’s headquarters in Coventry.

James Wharton will speak about the strength of the North East’s automotive industry, which is responsible for £7bn in annual sales and directly employs 26,000 people.

He said: “The North East and Teesside’s strong and thriving automotive industry is a key part of creating a Northern Powerhouse and has enormous potential to bring further growth and jobs to the local economy.

“The Government is determined to rebalance the economy and I want our businesses to tap into the opportunities this industry offers to ensure the future success of Teesside and the North East.”

NEAA chief executive, Paul Butler, added: “It’s a real coup to secure the services of James Wharton to speak at the NEAA Expo.

“The North East’s automotive sector will play a crucial role in the drive to create a Northern Powerhouse, and we’re delighted that its importance is recognised by the Government.

“Our Meet the Buyer event has also scored a coup by bringing Jaguar Land Rover to the region for the first time, along with another eight high profile buyers.

“This event really is a must-attend for any companies working in – or aiming to work in – the automotive supply sector.”

Nine buying companies have been confirmed for the event, most recently Faurecia. Komatsu and Nissan will be present, as well as Land Rover Jaguar, which is coming to the region for the first time from its heartlands in the Midlands.