Birmingham Automotive Forum
About this Event
The UK automotive sector stands at a critical crossroads, facing a period of profound transformation that will reshape its landscape for decades to come. As the industry navigates the rapid shift toward electrification, fluctuating global trade dynamics, and escalating geopolitical tensions, the choices made today by businesses and policymakers will decide the future competitiveness of British manufacturing.
The Birmingham Automotive Forum brings together senior industry leaders, trade union representatives, leading academics, and policymakers for a vital, forward-looking exploration of these challenges and opportunities. Hosted in the heart of the UK’s industrial heartland, this high-level forum serves as a collaborative platform to dissect the shifting realities of vehicle manufacturing, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the regulatory frameworks governing the sector.
Throughout the day, expert-led panels will delve into the commercial and infrastructural realities of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, examining the policy mechanisms required to stimulate consumer uptake and support robust domestic supply chains. In an increasingly volatile international landscape, the forum will analyze the UK’s evolving trade relationships, regulatory alignment with the EU, and the competitive pressures introduced by emerging global industrial frameworks, such as the EU's Industrial Accelerator Act.
A central focus will be dedicated to resource security and the race for industrial resilience. Attendees will evaluate strategies for securing access to technology metals and critical minerals, alongside the vital task of scaling a competitive domestic battery manufacturing ecosystem. By connecting distinct voices from across the battery supply chain, gigafactories, and research institutions, the event aims to outline what an effective, resilient automotive industrial strategy looks like in practice.
Designed for professionals spanning manufacturing, public policy, trade unions, procurement, and academic research, the forum provides essential insights and actionable perspectives on the future of one of the UK's most economically significant industries. The event concludes with a dedicated networking reception, offering delegates an invaluable opportunity to forge cross-sector partnerships, share strategic insights, and contribute directly to the debate driving the sector forward.
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Arrival & Registration
Info: Breakfast Rolls, Tea & Coffee (VE) Options Provided
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Opening Remarks & Introduction
Info: Welcome address by the Forum Chairs
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:20 AM
Session 1: EV Transition, Consumer Uptake & Policy
Info: Panel discussion + Q&A on the ZEV mandate and infrastructure
🕑: 11:20 AM - 12:10 PM
Session 2: Production Trends & Industrial Strategy
Info: Panel discussion on domestic supply chains and manufacturing
🕑: 12:10 PM - 12:35 PM
Morning Networking Break
Info: Morning Refreshments
🕑: 12:35 PM - 01:25 PM
Session 3: The International Dimension
Info: Panel discussion on global trade, UK-EU relations, and geopolitics
🕑: 01:25 PM - 02:30 PM
Lunch Break
Info: Buffet Lunch & Networking
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:20 PM
Session 4: Critical Materials, Motor & Battery Production
Info: Panel discussion on gigafactories, battery and motor production and raw material security
🕑: 03:20 PM - 03:45 PM
Afternoon Refreshments
Info: Tea & Coffee Break
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:20 PM
Interactive Town Hall & Closing Remarks
Info: Open floor discussion followed by final wrap-up.
🕑: 04:20 PM - 06:00 PM
Evening Reception
Info: Wine & Canapés Networking
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
