Councils lead to strengthen automotive industry links
Tuesday 30 October 2012
A business dinner held to forge closer relations between local government and key automotive companies in Coventry and Warwickshire has been held at the Coventry Transport Museum.
The dinner, on 25 October, was hosted by Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council, and attended by representatives from Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, Citroen UK and Tata.
The event, sponsored by leading construction company Wilmott Dixon, gave automotive companies the opportunity to discuss their aspirations, expansion plans and concerns with both councils and encouraged potential joint working and understanding in relation to property developments, supply chain opportunities and wider issues.
Cllr John Mutton, Leader of Coventry City Council, said: "We are delighted to have brought together top decision makers from key automotive companies who are keen to develop their businesses within the region.
"Business growth and job creation remain as one of our top priorities and it is extremely positive to hear about the level of confidence these businesses have about our great city and county."
Cllr Lynnette Kelly, Cabinet Member for City Development, added: "The evening was extremely successful, informative and a fantastic opportunity to network with key decision makers and businesses throughout the region.
"We are confident that this event has strengthened our understanding of the concerns that the automotive industry face and has enabled us to work collaboratively to bring further business and jobs to Coventry and the surrounding region."
Gary Church, Company Sales and Marketing Manager at the West Midlands office of construction firm Willmott Dixon, said: "Coventry is synonymous with motor manufacturing and remains at the heart of one of the West Midlands' most successful industries. The Council is keen to protect and develop jobs, and attract new investment in the sector, and Willmott Dixon is delighted to support these aspirations."
Following the success of the inaugural Automotive Business Dinner earlier this year, Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council has continued to collaborate to ensure that business relationships in the local automotive industry continue to thrive.
