Road to Rail: Supporting Light Vehicle Manufacturing

4th February 2025 08:30 to 13:00 BCIMO Free

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C&W Business Solutions, is organising a high-profile Meet the Buyer event on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority for the Supply Chain Transition Programme for the sectors of Very Light Rail (VLR), Electric Light Vehicles (ELV) and Micromobility.

Working alongside partners the Finditin Network and the West Midlands Growth Company, the Meet the Buyer event is specifically for Cohort members of the programme for the emerging sectors.

The headline sponsor for the event is Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) who is leading on the Micromobility strand of the programme.  

The event follows a programme of 1:1 support and expert-run workshops, and is designed to help SMEs develop an understanding of these sectors.

Attendees will have the opportunity to speak to key customers about the current and future procurement requirements within the sectors, and to engage and access light vehicle manufacturing supply chain opportunities with key OEMs.

The event is also a platform for SMEs to network with and meet industry experts, leaders, public and private sector organisations, programme partners and other cohort members, to transfer knowledge and ideas for diversification.

Taking place on the morning of Tuesday 4 February 2025 at the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO) in Dudley from 8:30am – 1pm, the event will be opened by keynote speaker and West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker (pictured right).

This is an excellent chance for visitors to take a look at the BCIMO facility's ground floor engineering hall and test track which supports the development, testing and demonstration of future rail technologies.

PLEASE NOTE

This event is an opportunity for businesses on the programme and there are still places available. If you are interested, please read more about the new Supply Chain Transition Programme here >  

If you have been approved by the programme, then please book your place below.


Headline Sponsor:

WMG is a world leading research and education group, transforming organisations and driving innovation through a unique combination of collaborative research and development, and pioneering education programmes.


BOOKING VIA THIS PAGE HAS NOW CLOSED. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND PLEASE EMAIL:  info@finditin.co.uk 

This event is free.
Free parking is available on BCIMO's car park B, but spaces are limited. Further spaces are available for this event on the zoo carpark opposite (price: £4.00).

BCIMO, Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre, Zoological Drive, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4AW

Sorry, this event is now fully booked!

Event Speakers

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Richard Parker

Mayor of the West Midlands at West Midlands Combined Authority

Richard is the recently elected Labour and Co-operative Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority. Richard previously provided strategy, policy and governance advice to the public and private sector. As a Partner at PwC he helped broker the deal, working with Council Leaders, that led to the creation of the West Midlands Combined Authority in 2016. He remains passionate about devolution and is currently working on policy interventions that will improve opportunity, fairness, diversity and inclusion across the West Midlands.

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Rachel Eade MBE FRSA - Event Compare

Supply Chain Specialist at University of Birmingham

Rachel is a Manufacturing and Supply Chain Specialist with over 20 years’ experience in business development management roles within transport manufacturing sectors and continues to play a pivotal role in evolving the SME business support offer working with and supporting UK OEMs and Tier 1s with growth and innovation support.

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Rowan Crozier MBE

CEO at C. Brandauer & Co Ltd

Rowan’s expertise in stamping technology has propelled C. Brandauer & Co Ltd to the forefront of innovation, fostering growth and excellence in manufacturing precision metal components. Serving as Chair for Make UK, Rowan’s role encompasses industry advisory and strategic development for the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Event Buyers

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Aurrigo

Services: Autonomous technology; Systems; Software

Aurrigo was formed in 1993 by brothers David and Graham Keene and is a leading international designer and developer of fully integrated smart airside solutions for the aviation industry, including automated vehicles, systems and software.


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Coventry Very Light Rail

Services: In the future Coventry VLR will be looking to engage with vehicle and track component suppliers.

Coventry Very Light Rail is a research and development project, using the latest automotive expertise in the region to develop an innovative track design and vehicle, and deliver an affordable light rail system, for Coventry and beyond. https://www.coventry.gov.uk/coventry-light-rail/light-rail 

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Midland Metro Alliance

Services: Construction

The Midland Metro Alliance consists of the West Midlands Combined Authority, which owns West Midlands Metro; a consortium of design experts from Egis, Tony Gee and Pell Frischmann; and rail construction specialists Colas Rail – with Colas’ sub-alliance partners Colas Ltd, Barhale, Bouygues UK and Auctus Management Group.

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Simworx

Services: Design; Development; Manufacturing

Simworx is recognised as one of the world’s leading suppliers of dynamic media based attractions for the themed entertainment industry, with over 25 years of experience delivering projects around the world. We have skills and capabilities that extend from full turnkey solutions, custom attractions, product development, manufacturing & service support, film content and motion programming.

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Unipart Manufacturing

Services: Manufacturing; Supply chain; Consultancy

Unipart Manufacturing Group (UMG) is a global specialist in manufacturing, supply chain and consultancy and part of the Unipart Group. UMG consults and delivers a unique and tailored solution to manufacturing, engineering and supply chain problems.

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Watt Electric Vehicle Company Ltd

Services: Vehicle manufacture

WATT is a pioneer in the design, engineering and manufacture of innovative, lightweight and sustainable materials, structures and vehicles. Versatile PACES EV platform and lightweight Flex-Tech® structures can underpin a wide range of L7 to M1/N1 passenger, sports and light commercial vehicle applications.

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