Dear colleague,
This week, the government published the first Automotive Sector Deal. It was encouraging to see that both government and industry will invest about 25 million pounds to support the electric, connected and autonomous vehicles and ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of modern transportation. It remains crucial to work closely with government to ensure that franchised retailers can continue to operate in a stable environment. More details in the news.
Drive My Career is the new NFDA initiative aimed at promoting the retail automotive industry as a potential career path for young people and highlighting the job opportunities available at the dealer groups of those who have signed up. The website will feature success stories of those who already work in the industry and a number of ‘hot jobs’ available every week. Drive My Career will be launched in a few weeks, please read this week’s news for more information and contact louise.woods@rmif.co.uk to join this project.
On Friday, Rt Hon Sir Vince Cable MP visited Inchcape Volkswagen dealership in Twickenham, London. The visit provided another ideal opportunity to highlight the priorities for the sector and continue to actively engage with government. On Monday, David Drew, MP for Stroud, will visit Bristol Street Motors Stroud Ford. If you are interested in taking part in the NFDA Parliamentary Engagement Programme, please contact katy.recina@rmif.co.uk.
We are running two more workshops on General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) ahead of May’s deadline. There are only a few places left for the workshop taking place on Thursday 1 February, so we encourage you to attend the one on Friday 9 March. Both workshops are held at the Warwick Hilton and run by NFDA’s TLT Solicitors. If you would like to attend, please contact louise.woods@rmif.co.uk.
The new NFDA Spring Ball will be taking place on Saturday 21 April 2018 at the stunning Grove Resort in Hertfordshire (https://www.thegrove.co.uk/). If you want to participate in an evening of fun and networking with professionals form our sector, please contact louise.woods@rmif.co.uk or ring Louise on 01788 538 332.
NFDA is your trade association and we want to hear from you: if you need any assistance, please pick up the phone and ring our member helpline on 01788 538303
Sue Robinson, NFDA Director
