91ÖÆƬ³§¹ÙÍø

• Oxfordshire hosts latest SMMTRegional Forum to assess automotive business growth opportunities in the region.
• New analysis reveals importance of sector to the South East, with 17,000 jobs supported and £1.4 billion invested by global brands since 2015.
• Speakers from BMW, Ford of Britain, DAF Trucks and Wrightbus to join hundreds of auto executives from across the area.

Some of the UK’s most advanced automotive manufacturers and suppliers from across the South East will this week come together in Oxfordshire for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (91ÖÆƬ³§¹ÙÍø) Regional Forum. The event will explore how companies are responding to current challenges – including trade tensions, the slower than expected transition to electrification and cost pressures – and seizing opportunities to grow.

New SMMTanalysis reveals the importance of automotive manufacturing to the South East, with firms in the region delivering an annual economic contribution of £1.3 billion and supporting the livelihoods of more than 17,000 people – equivalent to one in 11 of all UK automotive manufacturing jobs.¹ Since 2015, £1.4 billion has been invested in the South East sector underscoring its continued strategic value to the UK economy.²

The South East has a strong automotive heritage, with the Brooklands motor circuit opening in 1907 and many famous marques beginning their illustrious history in the region. Almost 750 manufacturing companies are now based in the South East, making it a production hotspot in the UK and globally. The region’s manufacturers include some of Britain’s world-famous premium, sports and luxury brands, such as Caterham, Gordon Murray Automotive, McLaren, MINI and Rolls Royce, while also being home to Ford’s UK engine plant. It is also a renowned location for R&D, innovation and testing – notably for motorsport and automated vehicles – with the adjacent Motorsport Valley and Cambridgeshire Innovation Corridor helping position the South East as a key area for investment.

Regional Forum is part of 91ÖÆƬ³§¹ÙÍø’s efforts to provide nationwide support, networking and business connections for members, and this year’s agenda consists of two informative sessions with industry leaders, including: Dr Andy Harris, Head of Research and Data Analytics, Wrightbus; Lisa Brankin, Managing Director, Ford of Britain; Louis Jones, EV & Connected Services Director, DAF Trucks; and Ramona Dienel, Finance Director, BMW (UK) Manufacturing & Swindon Pressings. They will be joined by senior representatives from 91ÖÆƬ³§¹ÙÍø, including CEO Mike Hawes.

Representing more than 800 automotive companies in the UK across production, sales, supply chain and aftermarket, SMMTprovides a forum for members to voice their views on issues affecting them – helping firms to grow their businesses to become more profitable, competitive and sustainable. SMMTholds major events throughout the year, including SMMTSummit and Electrified, alongside regional events across the UK. Members benefit from free event access and enjoy other exclusive benefits, including access to industry data, webinars and intelligence not available elsewhere.

Regional Forum South East takes place at the Oxford Belfry Hotel in Thame, Oxfordshire on Wednesday 15 October. Find out more about the event and register to attend here: www.smmt.co.uk/event/regional-forum/

Notes to editors

1. ONS data for South East – SIC29 automotive manufacturing for 2023 – including London.
2. SMMTcalculations based on publicly announced investment commitments, public and private, in UK automotive production and R&D in the South East from 2015-2025.