Frequently Asked Questions

What is Automotive Supplier Finder?

SMMT Automotive Supplier Finder (ASF) is the UK’s most comprehensive supplier directory. This free to use service allows suppliers to add and maintain company profiles and buyers to identify and approach suppliers based on a wide range of criteria including product categories, location and quality standards.

How do I view the directory?

You need to register to use the directory, you must use a work email to register and link to the same company in order to be approved.

How do I update my personal details?

To update your personal details, go to your Personal Profile.

How can I change my email address?

To change your email address, contact [email protected]

How can I update my marketing preferences?

To update your marketing preferences go to Marketing Preferences.

I want my data to be deleted.

To remove your data from ASF, please fill in the unsubscribe form and select Yes when prompted.

How do I use RFI/RFQ?

To make an RFI or RFQ, once in the directory of companies, you can use the 'Select' + tool at the bottom of each entry block. Once you have selected all the companies you wish to raise an RFI or RFQ to, simply select RFI or RFQ and complete the steps as guided.

How can I make an open request?

To make an open request, please contact [email protected]

I’m looking for something, how do I find it?

You can use the search bar to find companies, or alternatively, use product categories to filter your directory view.

I have forgotten my password

Reset your password using your email address, here.

I can’t login

First, check you are using your work email address that you originally registered with. Then, attempt to reset your password, (link above).

If this does not work, please contact [email protected] 

I can’t see my company when I am registering

Your company may not have been created in ASF yet, if so you will need to create a new company profile. You can do this by selecting ‘Create Company’ during registration.

Why can’t I register using my personal email?

This ensures only employees of the company selected are able to access the company. By using your work email, it allows our admin team to quickly match you to your company and prevent any errors.

Why are there multiple companies showing under my company name?

Your company may have multiple sites registered on ASF, but trading under the same name. Please check the postcode for each company if unsure.

Our company profile isn’t showing in the directory, why?

Your company profile may be pending admin approval for changes to the company profile. Or, the main contact for your company may have opted out of being displayed in the directory.

Who is our main contact?

You can view your company’s main contact under Company Contacts.

Our SIC code isn’t an option in the menu.

Please contact [email protected]. We may be able to add your SIC code to the listing.

Our logo isn’t showing correctly.

Logo images should be no larger than 3000px by 3000px in size.

Why can’t I make changes to our company profile?

You may not be the main contact for your company. Only main contacts can edit the company profile.

If you should be listed as the main contact for your company, please contact [email protected].

How do I approve a new colleague?

As a main contact, you can approve a new colleague via the email notification, clicking on their name. Or, via Company Contacts.

How to remove a colleague who has left the company?

The main contact can remove colleagues via Company Contacts page, using the ‘Remove contact’ button. If your main contact has left, please contact [email protected] with the name of your main contact and who you would like to replace them as main contact.

Our images/videos are not uploading.

Image files should be maximum of 1000px x 1000px and under 1MB.
For video, only YouTube and Vimeo video links are supported currently.

Why is our logo and description not showing on our company profile?

You may have a basic profile. Logos, descriptions, images and documents are only available to Premium Profile companies. This is automatically applied to SMMT Members.

What is our turnover and other non-visible information used for?

This is used only by SMMT to help develop and improve our products and services.

Our product/service isn’t listed in products/services categories.

If you cannot find your product or service listed, please contact [email protected]. We may be able to recommend a category, or add an alternative.

My changes haven’t saved

Please ensure you have used the ‘Save’ button following all changes to the profile. If the error continues, please contact [email protected]

Can I take part in Meet the Buyer?

Any company can express interest to take part in Meet the Buyer, as long as you are involved in the automotive industry.

What is Meet the Buyer?

Meet the Buyer is aimed at helping buyers meet suppliers that fit their particular needs at any point during their purchasing cycle.

The events are regularly used by organisations of all shapes and sizes to find new suppliers, connect with old ones or to lay the foundations for future partnerships.

How does the Meet the Buyer process work?

There are 4 main steps to the Meet the Buyer process:

1. Express your interest – EOI on behalf of your company
2. Register your event attendance and optionally purchase exhibition space, alongside any colleagues attending also.
3. Update your company profile once commodities are announced to link to commodities and to buyers highlighting your capabilities and interests.
4. Confirm any meetings offered to your company.

How do I express my interest?

To make an expression of interest (EOI), please select either buyer or supplier here.

Why can’t I EOI?

A colleague may have already EOI’d on your company’s behalf. Only 1 EOI per company is allowed to prevent duplication.

How do I set up my Meet the Buyer profile?

You can set up your Meet the Buyer profile here.

How do I link to commodities?

After they are announced, you can link to commodities via your company profile. Note, only the main company contact can update the company profile.

How do I register my event attendance?

One person should register all colleagues attending Meet the Buyer in any capacity. To register for the event, follow this link.

How many colleagues can we bring?

SMMT recommends no more than 2 colleagues attend any meetings you have secured. This is due to the size of the meeting rooms. However other colleagues can join and attend the event for the networking or exhibiting opportunities.

I have dietary requirements

Please include any dietary or access requirements when registering your event attendance.

How do I exhibit at Meet the Buyer?

You can register to exhibit during your registration process. If you have completed your registration, you can use the confirmation code to alter your registration and include exhibition stands. If you require an invoice and are unable to pay via online card payment, please contact [email protected]

How do I request meetings with buyers?

Suppliers cannot request meetings with buyers. Buyers review all suppliers who have EOI’d and offer meetings based on their needs.

How do I request meetings with suppliers?

Buyers can request meetings with suppliers once the matching period is open. To do this, view the supplier list.

Once viewing suppliers, you can filter via product categories, capabilities and accreditations/certifications.

If you would like to meet a company, select a time under the company name and confirm. This will send a request to the supplier, they have 5 days to accept your request or it will expire.

What do the buyers want to meet us for?

SMMT are not involved in the selection process and are not able to share why you have been selected.

How do I accept a meeting?

To accept meetings, use the link provided in your email, or alternatively accept via your Meet the Buyer calendar.

Why has my meeting been cancelled?

There may be multiple reasons for your meeting being cancelled, it should be clarified in the system.

Common reasons are:

• The buyer can no longer attend.
• The request expired.
• The time of your meeting needed adjusting, in this case an alternative meeting time will be offered.

How do I view my meeting calendar?

You can view your meeting calendar here.

I can no longer attend, can I share my details for the buyers I was meeting?

Yes, please contact [email protected] with the meetings you can no longer attend and your contact details. SMMT will share this information with the relevant buyers, the buyers will then be able to contact you.

I haven’t received any meeting invites

Unfortunately, if you have not received any meeting invites by the end of the matching period, you have not secured a meeting. You can still attend and request an on-the-day meeting.

What time do I need to arrive?

You should aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before your meeting time to allow you to check-in, access the event and make your way to the meeting area.

However SMMT recommends attending from the plenary onwards as there are many opportunities to network and meet with other suppliers, exhibitors and buyers throughout the day.

How do I make an on-the-day request?

You must attend the event in person to make an on-the-day request. Once at the event, you will be able to scan our QR codes and fill in the on-the-day meeting request form. You only need to do this once for all the buyers you wish to request an on-the-day meeting with.

On-the-day meetings are confirmed by early afternoon via telephone and text message to the number provided on your request form.

I didn’t get a person’s contact details, can you share them with me?

Please contact [email protected], SMMT will not provide the contact details to you, but may be able to share your details with the contact.

I didn’t get a meeting, how do I receive a refund?

Please contact [email protected] to apply for a 50% partial refund after the event. However, if you do decide to attend the event for the facilitated networking, seminars or workshops you are not eligible for a refund.

Who are SMMT?

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. Its resources, reputation and unrivalled automotive data place it at the heart of the UK automotive industry.

SMMT is the voice of the UK motor industry, supporting and promoting its members’ interests, at home and abroad, to government, stakeholders and the media.

SMMT represents more than 800 automotive companies in the UK, providing them with a forum to voice their views on issues affecting the sector, helping to guide strategies and build positive relationships with government and regulatory authorities.

What are the benefits of membership?

SMMT undertakes a wide variety of activities to support its wide membership base, helping them grow their businesses, become more profitable and improve their sustainability.

In addition to hosting member events, regularly producing industry reports and providing access to a wide range of industry data, SMMT also offers a wealth of services to its members.

Find out more on SMMT’s member benefits, here.

How do we join?

To join SMMT, contact [email protected]. You will receive further information on membership, including our prospectus and membership fees, alongside an application form to fill out and return.

Once your form is returned, it will be processed by SMMT’s membership team. All applications are reviewed on a monthly basis and once approved, you will receive full access to all of SMMT’s benefits.

Contact SMMT

For more information or other queries, contact [email protected].