Britishvolt aims to connect with North East suppliers at online event

A supply chain event will take place later this month as manufacturing bosses ramp up plans for a £2.6 billion North East automotive battery factory.

Britishvolt wants to engage with potential partners in the region on its blueprint to create a 3000-job plant in Blyth, Northumberland.

A supplier outreach online event – hosted by the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), North East England Chamber of Commerce, North East of England Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) and Supply Chain North East – will take place on March 24.

Organisers say the event, which has already attracted a large number of registrations, will be the first in a series of supplier-focused engagement sessions, which will provide businesses with an opportunity to ask direct questions to Britishvolt’s procurement team.

It will follow a wider meet-the-buyer event held in February, which was co-ordinated by the NEAA and attracted more than 100 delegates.

Leon Denis, head of procurement at Britishvolt, added: “It is great to partner with NEAA and NEPIC to reach out and engage with local businesses and connect with possible future suppliers.

“A big driver for our mission is to have as short and efficient supply chains as possible.

 

Britishvolt’s Leon Denis

“We intend to be a good neighbour, up-skilling the work force and creating long lasting relationships.”

Paul Butler, NEAA chief executive, said: “Our most recent virtual meet-the-buyer event benefited from a fascinating insight to Britishvolt’s plans and its commitment that it was very keen to engage with the region’s supplier base.

“Due to huge member demand, we are looking forward to welcoming back Britishvolt where potential suppliers can learn about core procurement ideologies and become aware of how Britishvolt plans to engage businesses, including an understanding of the approach to active supplier engagement.

“Given the significance of Britishvolt’s future investment, the NEAA recognises this offers a huge opportunity for North East businesses and as such we have come together with several partners and other networks to extend the reach of this event to ensure their members can also benefit.