The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), today join a growing list of industry associations to host their cluster on Valuechain’s new intelligent Business-to-business networking platform, iQluster, by launching their NEAA Cluster Link initiative.
The NEAA Cluster Link, powered by iQluster, is the first regional industry association to host their cluster on the platform, following effective training and implementation phases. This follows successful iQluster projects with leading European Aerospace and Robotics clusters, and a 9-month pilot with the Advanced Propulsion Centre that began in September 2017. Valuechain’s iQluster platform will provide the NEAA and their members with an interactive database to host their network on; while also giving members the tools to create and track collaboration projects, within the online portal.
Launched in March 2015, and with over 300 cluster participants, the NEAA is the largest regional automotive cluster in the UK and one of the fastest growing clusters across Europe. Now adopting the iQluster platform, Paul Butler, CEO at the NEAA said “The automotive industry is advancing rapidly, with the sector focusing on emerging technologies such as electric and autonomous vehicles. And in this economic climate, it is important that we provide a digital platform for our members to promote capabilities and interests and find new global customers, suppliers and innovation partners. The NEAA is excited about the impact of the iQluster platform, and how it will enable our members to connect effortlessly, collaborate effectively, and innovate more efficiently.”
iQluster is integrated with Valuechain’s software applications, offering analytics & reporting, data capture solutions and CRM tools, to all users of the platform. Paul continued “The platform offers more than typical B2B networking databases, including industry 4.0 solutions to help digitalise our members and ensure they remain globally competitive.”
During a NEAA trial workshop in March, members were given a hands-on introduction to using the NEAA Cluster Link and seemed encouraged by the forward-thinking of the organisation; “The Cluster Link has the potential to offer members increased visibility, information sharing and B2B business opportunities not only in the North East but Nationwide. The Cluster Link could allow members to appreciate and drill down the supply chain beyond the traditional tier 1, or 2 approach.” – TR Fastenings.
Happy Dudee, Project Manager for Valuechain, spoke of the benefits of collaborating with NEAA; “The NEAA’s vision for economic sustainable growth and competitive differentiation sees them continually looking for a modern approach to drive cluster excellence. From working with their team, we’re excited about the innovation and growth opportunities that their members will be able to generate using our iQluster platform.”
Access to iQluster will be included in standard membership with The North East Automotive Alliance, and will be available to members from November 2018.
ENDS