Tag: UK

The human resources department at the average UK automotive firm is a busy place. Positions throughout the firm are open on a weekly basis, which means that thousands of applications pour into the department via post or e-mail. Candidates come in for interviews with HR personnel while current employees utilise HR departments to answer pension or sick leave questions. All of these activities are happening simultaneously, with HR professionals trying to juggle one job responsibility along with several others. These professionals need a skilled HR manager in order to help them keep their automotive firm full of talented professionals.

Automotive HR managers need to learn how to succeed in their jobs for a number of reasons. Exceeding expectations and performing in an exemplary manner will be noticed by automotive executives, especially in regards to a talented work place assembled by an HR department. As well, HR managers who are successful in their job ensure that their subordinates have the tools and confidence to succeed in their jobs. In essence, the automotive HR manager’s success provides a domino effect throughout the firm.

The question then is how an HR manager can learn to succeed in the automotive industry. The first step for these management professionals is to assess their communication skills. Obviously, those who hired the automotive HR manager in question knew that they had the potential to be a great communicator. However, effective communication requires hard work and constant awareness of how different people need to be communicated with differently. By understanding how they communicate in various situations, an HR manager is aware of their shortcomings and may implement solutions to these issues.

As well, automotive HR managers need to exude confidence in everything they do. From hiring decisions to simple paperwork on behalf of an engineer, HR managers need to demonstrate that they are confident in their own abilities. Confidence is infectious in the workplace and will lead to a more competent HR staff.

Finally, automotive HR managers throughout the UK need to be fully aware of the industry in which they are hiring. While an experienced HR manager may be familiar with general trends in the automotive industry, this is insufficient in finding the best talent in the marketplace. Indeed, the difference between a strong staff and a weak one falls largely on the ability of an automotive HR manager to find exceptional talent before their competitors do. HR managers need to review trade publications and news sites in order to stay ahead of the curve on hiring needs in the industry.

The UK is the center of diverse automobile manufacturing base in Europe. The automotive sector in the UK is vibrant and world class. Many global automotive companies have set up their base in the UK for its supportive business environment, workforce skills and engineering excellence available.

More than 40 well known automobile manufacturing companies such as Ford, BMW, Nissan, Honda, and Toyota have manufacturing units set up in the UK. The automobile industry is supported by a strong supply chain ranging from world class design, high precision and high performance engineering companies. There are over 10,000 active businesses in the UK automotive sector ranging from small and medium sized manufacturers to large plants controlled by multinational manufacturers. The focus of these businesses is on innovation in technology and component design.

The businesses operating in the automotive sector can be differentiated into five categories
Component design and manufacture
Vehicle manufacture
Construction vehicle manufacture
High performance motorsport design and manufacture

Key Strengths of the Automotive sector

The UK has an established infrastructure for automotive manufacturing companies. International automotive manufacturing companies have presence in the UK. Component manufacturing companies can sell their products to these multinational companies or overseas. Engineering and design excellence make the UK the front runner in the global automotive industry. There are more than 2,000 small and medium sized businesses involved in motor manufacturing alone.

Preferential Duty rates for importing

The generalized system of preferences (GSP) allows automotive manufacturers to import components from a range of countries at a reduced or zero duty rate. The EU also has trade agreements with third world countries because goods imported from these countries are eligible for preferential rates of duty. Preferential rates are also applicable while exporting to the least developed countries mentioned in GSP. EU goods attract a reduced rate when goods are exported to such countries. It is also easy to trade with EU countries as the UK is part of the EU. The EU market is one single market and there are no trade restrictions for companies based within EU countries. The automotive industry in the UK has a bright future based on demand for sophisticated vehicles that deliver cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles. The creativity and inventive nature of the UK automotive industry will play a vital role in the UKs prosperity.

Advanced Manufacturing

The UK is also known as the European hub for its advanced engineering capabilities in the fields of aerospace, energy, food and drink, automotive, environmental technology, medical and pharmaceutical. The growth in this sector is fueled by advanced materials industry that is forefront in development of new products that gives improved performance and functionality. The UK has high volume of exports when it comes to automotive, construction equipment. The space and aeronautics industry is also a great revenue earner and adds up to 7 billion pounds to the UK’s economy.

To help advanced engineering explore it full potential, the UK offers
Internationally famed expertise in high quality manufacturing, high precision engineering and metals production
Over 170,000 qualified people and 1,400 specialist companies
Availability of large number of precision forgers
World class science and technology based incubation infrastructure
Easy access to rapidly growing UK and EU markets
Manufacturing facilities to produce quality titanium castings
Unique Advance Manufacturing Park focused on innovation materials research and technology for advanced manufacturing businesses.
Pioneering R&D

UK businesses enjoy a world class academic and science expertise and link to wide network of leaders in similar businesses throughout the world. The unique multicultural and entrepreneurial economy of the UK brings the world to your companys door.

Automobile design is a niche area within the automotive industry. It is largely concerned with the design of automobiles including cars, trucks, public transportation, boats, vans, motorcycles and alternative sources of mobility. Automotive designers are responsible for the aesthetic appeal of vehicles and for developing concepts in the form of sketches and drawings leading to accurate full-size drawings and models. They are a part of multi-disciplinary team that defines the interior and exterior forms, materials, textures and colors applied in the shaping of an automobile.
Primarily, automotive designers take care of everything that gives us pleasure when we look at an automobile: style, function, quality, safety etc. Design is more than just aesthetics. It is about innovation. A good design is a well thought-out combination and balance of form, fit and function. Ten years ago, companies competed on price. Then it was quality. Today it is design, thus placing a premium on automobile designers.
Scope:
Globally, the automotive industry employs one in ten people. According to a report by Automotive Mission Plan 2006-2016, the automotive industry is expected to require an additional 25 million workforce by 2016 in manufacturing and downstream/ upstream activities. Based on the current employment pattern, it is estimated that automotive industry would require at least seven million trained managers in all disciplines.
In India, automobile designing is still in its infancy and cannot draw on local talent or experience. Consequently the demand for qualified designers is enormous. This creates a situation of more demand, but less supply.
Word of advice:
The world is entering a creating-economy phase and design as an activity can never ever be commoditized as opposed to other types of economies. For example, the knowledge economy as we know it is already being commoditized by emerging world powers. Also it is said that future CEOs will be from the design community as they have a vision and the ability to presage the future as well as think multi-dimensionally. In India as well, the relevance of being a designer as a career option is therefore a great story.
Where to study?
Having made your choice for a career in Automotive Designing, the next question is where should you study? Should you continue in India or study abroad? India is fast catching up with quality courses in automotives. But then, Indian institutes are relatively new in the field and lack the expertise and experience. For those of you who can afford it (and those who cant can always apply for scholarships) and want a head start, UK qualifications provide some benefits. First of all, it is well recognized by most employers world over. Secondly, the independence, creativity and self reliance that you get from your study abroad are highly valued by potential recruiters. UK institutes follow the highest quality standards and thus can guarantee to make you a better professional. You also cannot ignore the prestigious tag of a degree from abroad that may give you an unimaginable starting salary!
Some Engineering Universities in UK offering courses in the field of Automotive are:
University of Bath
University of Sheffield
University of Southampton
Coventry University
Brunel University, West London
University of Loughborough
University of Leeds