Green jobs drive focus at NEAA Expo

A regeneration boss is set to champion how green jobs and investment can transform the North East economy at one of the region’s biggest industry events.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness will take centre stage at the North East Automotive Expo 2025 on Thursday, September 25 at the Beacon of Light in Sunderland. 

Organised by the North East Automotive Alliance, the event is expected to draw over 800 delegates and 100 exhibitors from across the UK supply chain.

Mayor McGuinness will highlight the importance of “Good Jobs-Green Jobs,” building on her recent backing for a £150 million Port of Tyne initiative projected to create thousands of roles in the green energy sector.

The programme will also feature Jeff Pratt, head of UK operations at AESC, who will discuss why the region is primed to lead the next wave of electric vehicle battery manufacturing.

Paul Butler, chief executive of the NEAA said: “We are delighted to welcome North East mayor Kim McGuinness to Expo 2025 and we look forward to her address around good jobs-green jobs and manufacturing.

“Sustainability is a key strategic imperative for the NEAA and its members and we applaud the mayor for the leadership, investment and backing she is providing in this area, including some of the very significant announcements she has made recently.”

A Women in Automotive panel discussion will also bring further insight, with senior voices from Nissan, Vantec Europe, Seaward Group, Truenorth Marketing and the North East Combined Authority among the speakers.

Paul added: “Statistics show a significant underrepresentation of women in UK manufacturing, including automotive.

“This panel will debate how the automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors can increase the representation and advancement of women in roles at all levels, foster an inclusive and supportive environment that enables women to excel and lead and what we can collectively do to inspire future generations to want to work within the industry.”

Delegates will also be able to connect with buyers through the returning Meet the Buyer initiative, explore innovations in the Tech Zone, as well as learn about workforce development in the Skills Lounge.

Backed by long-standing and new sponsors Pirtek Tyne and Wear, Preston Technical and Applied Integration, the Expo remains a showcase of the region’s strengths in innovation, manufacturing and supply chain growth.

To find out more and to buy tickets in advance, see here.

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