Reflections from Ramona Dienel, Finance Director for BMW (UK) Manufacturing and Swindon Pressings at the SMMT Regional Forum
As Business Development Manager for Rudolph & Hellmann, staying close to the beating heart of the automotive industry is essential. Our clients, partners, and the supply chains we serve are shaped by constant innovation, evolving production models, and the challenges of electrification, sustainability, and global competitiveness. This is why our membership with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is so important—not just for me personally, but for the organisation as a whole.
Being part of SMMT gives Rudolph & Hellmann a seat at the table. It allows us to stay ahead of industry changes, join crucial conversations with OEMs and suppliers, and ensure our logistics and operational solutions evolve in step with the sector we support. The automotive industry is in the midst of one of the most significant transformations in its history, and the only way to navigate that change effectively is to remain engaged, informed and connected.
This is exactly why attending the SMMT Regional Forum on 15 October 2025 at the Oxford Belfry in Thame was so valuable.
Understanding the Future—Directly From the Source
The Forum brought together senior leaders from across the UK automotive landscape. For me, it was an opportunity to hear directly from those shaping the direction of the industry, including Ramona Dienel, Finance Director for BMW (UK) Manufacturing and Swindon Pressings.
Hearing Ramona speak about the financial and operational challenges facing modern manufacturing provided insight that is invaluable from a business development perspective. Understanding the drivers behind organisations like BMW—how they are planning investments, managing cost pressures, preparing for electrification, and strengthening supply-chain resilience—enables R&H to better align our capabilities with their needs.
When someone of Ramona’s calibre speaks, you don’t just hear financial data; you gain clarity on strategic priorities. You gain context for the decisions OEMs make, the pressures they face, and the expectations they have of partners like us.
That understanding helps us:
- anticipate future logistics requirements
- shape solutions that support OEM cost efficiency
- explore opportunities for added value beyond traditional service models
- strengthen collaboration in areas of sustainability and innovation
- better support growth plans across the automotive sector
As the industry transitions into a new era, these insights become a competitive advantage—not just for R&H, but for the clients we serve.
The Value of Presence
Attending the Forum also reinforced the importance of relationships. SMMT events create a rare environment where OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, logistics partners, and innovators gather with a shared purpose: to understand how we can collectively support the evolution of UK automotive manufacturing.
For someone in my role, visibility matters. Listening matters. Asking the right questions matters.
The conversations I had throughout the day—formal and informal—were grounded in genuine collaboration. Whether discussing electrification challenges, supplier shortages, regional investment, or workforce demands, the atmosphere was one of openness and shared ambition. You come away with a stronger sense of where the opportunities lie and how to position R&H as a proactive, strategic partner.
Why It Matters for Rudolph & Hellmann
R&H has deep roots in automotive logistics, but our future depends on ensuring we stay aligned with the direction of travel for OEMs and suppliers. Events like the SMMT Forum help us:
- understand the evolving needs of current and prospective clients
- benchmark our services against future industry expectations
- strengthen our reputation as an informed and engaged supply-chain partner
- build trust through consistent presence and participation
- identify future partnership pathways, especially around electrification and sustainable logistics
For me personally, attending reinforces why our involvement in SMMT is so critical. We are not passive observers in this industry—we are contributors, collaborators, and enablers. Staying informed is part of how we deliver value.
Looking Ahead
The SMMT Regional Forum in Thame reminded me that the automotive sector is evolving at a pace we’ve never seen before. But it also reminded me that Rudolph & Hellmann thrives in environments of change. Our strength lies in understanding what our partners need—and being ready with solutions that move industries forward.
As new technologies emerge, as manufacturing models shift, and as global pressures reshape supply chains, we will continue to invest in our relationships, our knowledge, and our presence within SMMT.
Because the more we understand the challenges and aspirations of organisations like BMW, the better equipped we are to support them—not just as a logistics provider, but as a strategic partner.
And that is why R&H will always show up, listen, and lead where it matters.
