March 27, 2014 News Business improvement solutions provider SMMT Industry Forum is partnering up with the JCB Academy on an exciting engineering challenge for students. Taking place at Industry Forum’s Birmingham offices on Tuesday 8 April, the Automotive Challenge will see 36 JCB Academy students design, build and launch a 1:6 scale vehicle made from a selected range of materials and components. The vehicles will then undertake a series of tests, demonstrating their acceleration and deceleration, handling ability, energy efficiency, ride, luggage space, occupant comfort and safety. The students, in teams of four, will ‘launch’ their vehicles to a panel of judges including SMMT Industry Forum Chairman [Mike Baunton] as well as representatives from JCB Academy and CAT. The Automotive Challenge runs alongside the students’ current coursework on Innovation, Enterprise and Technological Advance which is part of an OCR Level 2 Principal Learning qualification, and can be used by the students as part of their submitted course work towards their GCSE. The day itself will run from 10.30am until 3.30pm with the winning team presented with a trophy and individual plaques.
March 13, 2014 News Paul Hardiman from SMMT Industry Forum was invited to speak at the JIPM TPM awards ceremony in Japan on the 13th March 2014. Paul, representing SMMT IF as one of the 6 JIPM Associate Agencies, was the only non-Japanese TPM Assessor present at the awards. He was invited on stage with the other 24 Japanese Assessors at the event, which included a recognised world expert on TPM, Mr Tokutaro Susuki. The event was attended by 60 companies from 19 countries who won TPM awards, with over 450 delegates present. Click here to watch a recording of the Award Ceremony
October 17, 2013 News Are you looking to grow your business? Do you want to identify key improvement areas of your business before your customers do? Are you aware that some leading vehicle manufacturers mandate MMOG-LE on their suppliers? Find out the implication of MMOG-LE on your business What is MMOG-LE? The Materials Management Operations Guideline/Logistics Evaluation (MMOG/LE) defines a common, industry-wide set of best practices can help to improve delivery performance. MMOG/LE is an assessment tool used to measure and improve materials planning and logistics efficiency within a manufacturing facility. It is designed to eliminate supply-related delivery risk for all partners within the supply chain. The intent of the MMOG/LE is to validate the organization has robust material planning and delivery processes in place to support overall business objectives. Vehicle manufacturers require annual submission of their suppliers’ score and/or assessment. Although developed for the automotive industry, the tool can be used by any manufacturing organisation to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of their processes. Who should attend? The seminar is designed for senior and middle Managers working directly in the logistics processes (incoming, internal or dispatch) and for personnel working in support functions such as manufacturing, purchasing and IT. It is also relevant for personnel who will be assisting in undertaking a MMOG-LE logistics evaluations in an organisation. What are the objectives? The seminar is designed to make delegates aware of the structure of MMOG-LE, the assessment criteria and how to undertake an evaluation using the tool. Topics Covered Introduction to structure and content of MMOG-LE Navigating the MMOG-LE Assessment Document The MMOG-LE Assessment Process Evaluating the Assessment Results How do I register? The cost for the seminar is £195+VAT, inclusive of lunch, refreshments and access to the seminar materials. The seminar will be held at Industry Forum Learning Centre, Birmingham on the 27th November 2013, starting with registration at 8.30am and finishing at 1.15pm. To can book your place on-line or call Stacie Dicken on +44 (0)121 717 6614. For further information about the MMOG-LE Seminar: [email protected] +44 (0)121 717 6614 Download the MMOG-LE-Seminar flyer (pdf)
October 15, 2013 News Industry Forum Chief Executive Dr Chris Owen was invited as guest speaker to the the QAD EMEA Customer Conference where he spoke about Change Management and the common issues that were faced with implementing a change programme. The customer conference, which was situated in the stunning Weston Park country house, allowed existing QAD customers to network with over 100 of their manufacturing peers and to receive hours of learning and networking opportunities as well as access to QAD related products and services. Dr Owen’s presentation, through a mixture of practical and theoretical based models, focussed on how employee up skilling and development is a vital part of any change programme and a pre requisite if the programme is to be a success. There was acknowledgement amongst the delegates of these fundamental points and great interest in the tools and techniques that Industry Forum has used with its clients to implement successful change management programmes. Dr Owen’s presentation was concluded with two case study videos of international companies that Industry Forum has successfully worked with on change programmes, an exclusive first public showing of the newly commissioned films. QAD provides innovative enterprise software and services for global manufacturers. To see how QAD can help your organisation visit www.qad.com
October 1, 2013 News SMMT Industry Forum is proud to have been selected as one of the delivery partners for the innovative and ambitious Sharing in Growth programmes in the Aerospace and Civil Nuclear sectors. Both of these programmes will raise the capability of progressive UK Aerospace and Civil Nuclear suppliers so that they can take full advantage of the anticipated growth in their sectors. Our other partners on the programme include: Rolls-Royce plc Unipart Expert Practices Institute for Manufacturing Alexander Mann Solutions Global Integration Inspire SMMT Industry Forum’s expertise and experience in Supply Chain Development secured the prestigious position of ‘First Provider’ for Supplier Development Leaders and ‘Sole Provider’ for employee engagement in Business Improvement Techniques. ‘I am very pleased that Industry Forum has won a place as a delivery partner on the ambitious Sharing In Growth programmes. We are looking forward to playing our part in improving competitiveness in these key sectors and creating new jobs in the United Kingdom’ Mark Hopkins, Sector Manager Aerospace and Defence In co-operation with the other selected delivery partners, SMMT Industry Forum will be deeply involved in four year programmes with up to 55 UK suppliers. In each programme SMMT Industry Forum will support them through a structured approach to improve their competitiveness in three main stages: 1. Engage – A comprehensive business diagnostic leading to a robust 4 year business case. 2. Develop – Tailored, high intensity training for Management and Staff including: Leadership Business Improvement Techniques Lean production Modern manufacturing Sub-tier management Cost management 3. Sustain – Ongoing support to ensure that the business case is realised and improvements sustained. If you are interested in joining the Sharing in Growth programme please follow the appropriate link below to express your interest. Links Sharing In growth – www.sig-uk.org AMRC – www.namrc.co.uk/work-with-us/sig/
October 1, 2013 News Industry Forum will be exhibiting at the Plant & Asset Management Show 2014 8th – 10th April. Come and visit us on Stand P632 to see how we can use Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) to help your business eliminate ALL of its losses! On hand will be a qualified JIPM TPM Assessor who can help you understand TPM, its capabilities and it full potential on your organisation. We will also be presenting a 30 minute TPM technical seminar during the exhibition, day to be confirmed. To book your tickets for the Plant and Asset Management Show register for your free tickets on-line. You can also follow the Twitter feed for the show by following @PlantAssetMgt Industry Forum is one of only 6 global JIPM Approved Associate Agencies.
September 9, 2013 News Industry Forum will be holding a Total Productive Maintenance Seminar on 5th December 2013 at the Industry Forum Learning Centre, Birmingham, UK. Seminar Overview The Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance (JIPM) approach to TPM Focus on zero accidents, zero breakdowns and zero defects Case study from an international organisation How to start TPM implementation Opportunities for questions and open discussion The seminar is designed for Senior Management, Functional Managers (e.g. Maintenance, Quality, Safety) and change agents (e.g. Lean, TPM) who are embarking on TPM implementation within their organisations. The seminar is designed to give delegates an appreciation of the “Pillar” approach to TPM, demonstrating how TPM can be used to recognise and reduce losses, delivering sustainable business improvement. The seminar will cover: What TPM is, how it will align to your business strategy and other improvement initiatives such as Lean The pillars of TPM and how they can drive the elimination of losses How to deploy TPM within your organisation The seminar will include teach points, interactive discussions and case study examples of TPM deployment as well as the opportunity to network. “I knew nothing about TPM before this workshop. I now feel like I have a foundation to build on” Gemma Osula, National Skills Academy, Food & Drink “Thought provoking, useful real world case examples” Scott Spindley, Hain Daniels Group “Very good presentations and presenters with a clear and concise message” Graham Wilkinson, Carlsberg Group The cost for the seminar is £95+VAT, inclusive of lunch, refreshments and access to the seminar materials. The seminar will be held at Industry Forum Learning Centre, Birmingham on the 5th December 2013, starting with registration at 8.30am and finishing at 1.15pm. Places are strictly limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. You can book your place on-line or contact Stacie Dicken using the information provided below. For further information about the TPM Seminar: [email protected] +44 (0)121 717 6614 Download Flyer (pdf)
July 8, 2013 News Industry Forum will be holding a Total Productive Maintenance Seminar on 2nd September 2013 at the Industry Forum Learning Centre, Birmingham, UK. Seminar Overview The Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance (JIPM) approach to TPM Focus on zero accidents, zero breakdowns and zero defects Case study from an international organisation How to start TPM implementation Opportunities for questions and open discussion Attendance by Senior Management from JIPM The seminar is designed for Senior Management, Functional Managers (e.g. Maintenance, Quality, Safety) and change agents (e.g. Lean, TPM) who are embarking on TPM implementation within their organisations. The seminar is designed to give delegates an appreciation of the “Pillar” approach to TPM, demonstrating how TPM can be used to recognise and reduce losses, delivering sustainable business improvement. The seminar will cover: What TPM is, how it will align to your business strategy and other improvement initiatives such as Lean The pillars of TPM and how they can drive the elimination of losses How to deploy TPM within your organisation The seminar will include teach points, interactive discussions and case study examples of TPM deployment as well as the opportunity to network. “I knew nothing about TPM before this workshop. I now feel like I have a foundation to build on” Gemma Osula, National Skills Academy, Food & Drink “Thought provoking, useful real world case examples” Scott Spindley, Hain Daniels Group “Very good presentations and presenters with a clear and concise message” Graham Wilkinson, Carlsberg Group The cost for the seminar is £95+VAT, inclusive of lunch, refreshments and access to the seminar materials. The seminar will be held at Industry Forum Learning Centre, Birmingham on the 2nd September 2013, starting with registration at 8.30am and finishing at 1.15pm. Places are strictly limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. To register visit www.industryforum.co.uk or contact Stacie Dicken using the information provided below. For further information about the TPM Seminar: [email protected] +44 (0)121 717 6614 Download Information (pdf)
June 20, 2013 News The search for the UK’s next big automotive innovation starts today, as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders launches its 2013 Award for Automotive Innovation, sponsored by GKN Driveline and supported by The Times. The Award seeks out fresh ideas, inventive concepts and pioneering products that have the potential to leave a lasting impact on the automotive industry and provide tangible benefits to motorists. Recognising innovations from a wide variety of disciplines across the automotive sector, it acknowledges the time, effort and investment that the businesses in the UK motor industry dedicate to R&D and innovation. From the invention of the world’s first steel brake discs to the development of reflective road lighting, UK engineering has, without a doubt, played a major role in shaping the global automotive industry. Today, automotive is the UK’s third largest sector for R&D investment, with domestic companies spending more than £1.5bn a year on R&D projects that push the boundaries of automotive technology and innovation. UK automotive companies and individuals are invited to enter the Award, which will be judged by SMMT and a panel of senior industry experts including: Dave Salt, Chief Engineer, GKN Driveline Jim Higginbotham, Managing Director – Large Corporate and Specialist Asset Finance, Lombard John Laughlin, Programme Manager – Low Carbon Vehicles, Technology Strategy Board Robert Lea, Industrial Editor, The Times “The UK is home to some of history’s most renowned automotive innovators, but today we are calling for designers and engineers that are working on the technology of tomorrow,” said Mike Baunton, SMMT Interim Chief Executive. “UK automotive is working hard to stay at the forefront of our global industry and SMMT’s Award for Automotive Innovation will draw attention to some of the best ideas that could benefit the sector for years to come.” Last year’s Award was won by Optare plc for its Optare Versa EV – the UK’s first fully operational, full-sized, battery-powered electric bus. Glenn Saint, Deputy CEO of Optare said, “Winning the SMMT Innovation Award was a major boost to our efforts to make electric buses an integral part of the UK transport infrastructure. It significantly raised awareness among key audiences leading to an increase in enquiries, from both domestic and international markets, and has confirmed our status as the UK’s leader in the field of low carbon buses.” The Award for Automotive Innovation 2013 is free to enter and the winner will be announced at SMMT’s 97th Annual Dinner on 26 November 2013 at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, in front of more than 1,000 senior industry delegates. To find out more about the Award, visit www.smmt.co.uk/aai. For more information about this year’s Annual Dinner and for tickets, click here. While SMMT scours the nation for the UK’s best automotive innovation, you can tweet @SMMT and share your top automotive innovation or technology using the hashtag #UKAutoInnovation.
June 3, 2013 News The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the organisation representing the UK automotive industry, is today announcing that Michael Hawes will be joining as its new Chief Executive in the early Autumn. Mike will lead the executive team that will promote the interests and successes of the UK motor industry and help address the challenges of the current climate. He will also ensure the SMMT delivers stronger representation and engagement with all its stakeholders and help accelerate growth of the two key subsidiary companies: SMMT Industry Forum Limited and Motor Codes Limited. “I am very proud to be joining the SMMT as its new Chief Executive”, said Mike Hawes. “The SMMT is a highly respected and influential trade association, valued by all stakeholders. My role will be to build on this reputation and grow the value and range of services provided to our members. There is a strong organisation in place and I look forward to working with SMMT employees, as well as our partners and European colleagues, as the industry continues to develop.” Tim Abbott, SMMT President, said, “I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Mike Hawes as SMMT’s new Chief Executive. Mike brings a tremendous amount of expertise, both in terms of automotive industry experience and the skills necessary for the job. He has built a strong personal reputation and is credited with establishing a number of strategic relationships which have benefited the automotive companies for which he has worked. He is also very familiar with SMMT and will maintain the momentum that has been established. “I would also like to thank Mike Baunton for his support as Interim Chief Executive of SMMT since the end of January,” continued Tim. “He has provided the leadership the organisation needed during this time and will continue his engagement with SMMT as Chairman and Non-Executive Director of SMMT Industry Forum.” Mike Hawes has more than 20 years’ experience in policy and public affairs, the majority of which has been spent in the motor industry. He joins SMMT from Bentley Motors where he held a number of PR, corporate and public affairs roles. Having also worked for both Toyota and, more recently, Bentley’s parent company, Volkswagen AG, he has the European and global knowledge needed for this challenging role. www.smmt.co.uk
