Automotive firms set out plans to drive forward

These ambitions are contained in The North East Automotive Alliance’s Trade Group strategy for the next 12 months.

Established in 2019, the Trade Group supports member firms trade activity through networking, collaboration and shared best practice.

Its 2021 strategy – formulated using updated intelligence received in a members’ survey – includes sharing best practice, support with the latest industry challenges in relation to trade and identifying, facilitating, and understanding funding opportunities for overseas trade missions.

With only 58% of members having a plan for international expansion, the group also plans to support companies with developing a new trade strategy.

Chris Black, global sales director of automotive business development at TR Fastenings and chair of the Trade Group, said: “The group brings together member companies to help one another in trade and export.

"TR Fastenings has proudly been part of the group since its formation and have shared experience, knowledge, and best practice with fellow members to help them with growth and international expansion plans."

He added: ”We have greatly benefited from collaborating with fellow NEAA members and are now in a position where we can showcase the benefits of being part of the group.

"2021 is really about highlighting these, as well as getting companies ready to maximise future trade missions and face-to-face events.”

Rohan Kohli, project manager at the NEAA, said: “The Trade Group has gone from strength-to-strength.

"The strategy for 2021 is to continue to share experiences and support members grow their export business and we encourage organisations who are exporting, or with export intentions, to get in touch to discuss the benefits the group can offer.

"If there is one thing the past year has shown, it’s that we can achieve more by working together.”