Networking opens up great opportunities for EKGB
ENGINEERING
On display – EKGB showcased its products at the NEAA Expo in 2023 .
WIDENING THE NET
Networking opens up great opportunities for EKGB
The general manager of one of the region ’ s biggest manufacturers has revealed how being part of networking groups and trade member organisations has helped the company to expand and reach new customers .
Stephen Braithwaite was appointed general manager of EKGB – part of the German-headquartered ElringKlinger AG – in June 2022 .
The Redcar plant – which supplies gaskets and shielding components to the automotive industry – employs just under 200 people and marks its 60th anniversary on Teesside in 2024 .
Stephen says his 17 years ’ experience in several specialist roles has made him appreciate the importance of networking to boost business , and that working with several regional groups has meant that the profile of the organisation has become better known within the business community .
One great example of this , Stephen says , is the work done within the North- East Automotive Alliance ( NEAA ).
The NEAA is an industry-led automotive cluster centred around the North-East . It is the largest automotive cluster in the
Meeting – EKGB hosted the MAKE UK advisory board members for one of the organisation ’ s quarterly meetings .
UK , which gives EKGB access to key information about what is happening in the sector .
Stephen points out : “ The great thing about the NEAA is that not only does it have automotive manufacturers as members , but also a number of associate members who are able to give support in many service areas of the business .”
An advisory board member for the NEAA , Stephen explains that being a supplier of automotive parts in Redcar means it is remote from the cluster of automotive suppliers based in and around the Nissan plant in Sunderland .
“ This means that it is important to have access to the knowledge and ideas that have been built up in the cluster and I can do this through my association with the NEAA ,” he added .
One of the key benefits of networking with the NEAA is that it allows EKGB employees to visit other member sites and learn from one another .
Stephen highlights the fact that EKGB is involved in several groups built up through NEAA support .
He explained : “ For instance , we are members of the HR group , and this gives us a view of what other members are doing regarding HR topics .
“ This has helped us benchmark our policies with other group members .”
Another NEAA group EKGB has recently joined is the Assembly Group . The purpose of this group is to collaborate on a problem-solving topic in one of the group member plants .
“ This is a great way for the group to share best practice and to get a good
ElringKlinger general manager Stephen Braithwaite .
networking experience for all levels within the organisation ,” says Stephen .
While NEAA is a great network for automotive manufacturers , it is important that EKGB has an overview of what is happening locally within other manufacturing organisations .
EKGB is also a member of Make UK , which is a trade association representing and supporting UK manufacturers .
“ Associating with MAKE UK is another excellent way in which we can get support from a team of experts ,” says Stephen .
“ It allows us to have a direct input into government policy relating to manufacturing .
“ I am also a member of the local regional advisory board , and we meet each quarter at one of our member premises to discuss policies .
“ For me , the most important aspect of this meeting is the fact that we get to sit down with other business leaders and get an understanding of how their organisation is dealing with current issues .
“ From these meetings , EKGB can help share best practice among members .
“ One most important element of the networking groups is that they are a good forum to be able to be open with each other , while maintaining confidentiality .
“ Joining these networking groups has helped me develop the skills and knowledge that I need to run the business ,” added Stephen .
“ There is no specific qualification for being a GM and it can be a pretty lonely job . Just to have a group of people in whom to confide and learn from has been a great benefit to me .”
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