Pictured above: Rachel Eade

Two important automotive events are heading to the West Midlands in May and targeting companies looking to boost their eco credentials and those keen to protect their business against risk.

Organised by MAS-WM Auto, the first interactive workshop will focus on the growing need for the supply chain to understand 'green growth' and how it should address its environmental performance to reduce energy costs, save money and maintain relationships with key customers.

The event, which is free of charge, will be held on the 12th May at Birmingham's Midlands Arts Centre and will feature an industry insight from Pro Enviro's Nersi Salehi and a case study from Shakespeare Forgings on how it is working through a 4 phase programme that will save it £95,000, cut emissions by 600 tonnes per year and facilitate a move to a single site.

This will be followed by a breakfast seminar on May 18th in Cradley Heath, where George Green LLP will address how manufacturers can protect themselves against unexpected events and the increasing burden of compliance.

MAS-WM Auto's Rachel Eade explained: "The automotive industry is changing dramatically and suppliers need to be able to tap into expert advice and guidance quickly and effectively...something we try to achieve with our extensive events programme.

"One of the major shifts in approach has been the car producers insisting that the supply chain follows its lead when reducing potential impact on the environment. This could include minimising carbon footprint, a 25% reduction in waste to landfill and cutting inbound and outbound logistic emissions."

She continued: "This could be an issue for our firms if they don't meet the challenge head-on and the first workshop 'Green Growth' will help them understand what is expected and how they can begin to work towards it."

'Manufacturing - it's a risky business' is extremely topical after global events, such as the tsunami in Japan, armed conflict in Libya and political instability in the Middle East, sent oil costs soaring and caused disruption in industry.

Led by experts from George Green, the seminar will look at how manufacturers can guard against these risks and offer some practical solutions on how to keep business plans on track.

Rachel concluded: "Interest has been high in both events, but there are a few limited spaces still left. Bookings will be on a first come, first served basis and all places are free of charge."

To book your place please contact Rachel Eade on 07968 025406 or email reade@mas-wm.org