SMMT Industry Forum and UKBIC announce MoU to support battery manufacturing in the UK

The SMMT Industry Forum and the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to help create a training infrastructure to support the UK’s emerging battery sector.

The collaboration between the SMMT Industry Forum – the commercial arm of the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) – and UKBIC, the UK’s national battery manufacturing development facility, is designed to better support the growing battery industry in the UK.

The partnership aims to foster a thriving ecosystem of innovation and growth within the UK’s electrified technology sector.

The MoU is expected to lead to an SMMT training programme designed to support suppliers at every stage, ensuring they are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of electrified technology development and production.

Ashley Fernihough, chief executive officer of SMMT Industry Forum, said: “This MoU represents a significant step forward in the drive towards sustainable and competitive manufacturing in the UK.

“The establishment of a comprehensive training infrastructure to cater for existing suppliers and new market entrants, guiding them through the entire journey from technology development to the establishment of robust supply chains and ultimately, OEM supply.” Sean Gilgunn, the managing director of UKBIC, added: “By combining the expertise of the SMMT Industry Forum and UKBIC, we’re poised to help deliver a more effective training programme to support the growing UK battery sector in the UK.”