Britishvolt executive to speak at NEAA virtual event

One of the bosses behind a £2.6 billion industrial investment in Blyth is to speak at a North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) event on February 24.

Britishvolt chief strategy officer Isobel Sheldon will outline the EV battery producer’s plans to transform the former coal-fired Blyth power station at the virtual meet-the-buyer event.

It is thought that the Britishvolt ‘gigaplant’ could create up to 8000 jobs in the region.

Paul Butler, CEO of North East Automotive Alliance, said: “We welcome Britishvolt to the North East and to the automotive sector in the region.

“Isobel Sheldon, chief strategy officer, will open the event, providing an insight to the company and its plans to develop the UK’s first gigaplant to manufacture electric car batteries at Blyth.

“This is a huge coup for the NEAA and our members, as we look forward to developing an ongoing relationship with Britishvolt.

“Like Britishvolt, the NEAA is committed to long-term sustainability and last year saw the launch of our EV North to strengthen the North East’s manufacturing and research activity in electrified powertrain components and systems.

“We commend Britishvolt for its plans to exclusively use renewable energy.

“The virtual meet the buyer will play a key role in supporting the recovery for many companies who want to re-engage with the automotive community, establish new contacts and develop a sales pipeline to recoup any lost revenue experienced during the challenging business conditions many members have faced.”

This will be the sixth NEAA meet the buyer event, which is usually held as part of the North East Automotive Expo, and the first as a stand-alone online alternative.

Nissan, Komatsu, Cummins, Marelli, Nifco, Unipres, Minth Automotive and Magna Exteriors are all confirmed as buyers at the event.

Confirmed sponsors are MAKE it Sunderland, North East LEP and Invest South Tyneside.

Isobel Sheldon OBE, chief strategy officer of Britishvolt, said: “I am delighted to be a keynote speaker at the virtual meet-the-buyer event.

“This great platform allows me to engage directly with the business communities in the North East.

“We, at Britishvolt, are looking forward to working closely with the NEAA and its members, developing fruitful relationships, as our project to build the UK’s first battery gigaplant develops.”