MAS boosts free consultation days for manufacturers

In addition MAS will also offer a greatly extended range of help and advice including: · Strategic planning and skills development; · Sourcing materials, services and technology; · Management and operational advice on all aspects of company business; · Improving the performance and operation of the supply chain; · Improved resource efficiency in both energy and waste. Hodge said: “MAS has already delivered for many manufacturing firms, helping them boost productivity, improve turnover and invest for the future. “This expansion builds on that success and offers our world class manufacturers a tremendous opportunity to secure long term competitive advantage. “World class manufacturers require world class manufacturing support and with a centre of expertise in every region, MAS is providing manufacturing companies with access to world class best practice, tailored to meet their individual needs. “MAS is a great success and I want to keep it a success. The government will keep working with the CBI, the EEF, TUC and all our manufacturers to make sure the manufacturing strategy and the Manufacturing Advisory Service deliver for Britain.” MAS was created in 2002: its practitioners have carried out over 18,000 on site reviews and completed more than 5,000 consultancy projects since its inception. The boost for MAS was welcomed by a range of organisations. EEF director general, Martin Temple said: “The Manufacturing Advisory Service has been highly valued by manufacturers and should be the benchmark by which all government support schemes for business are set. It is simple, practical, easy to administer and access. Most importantly, it delivers tangible results on the bottom line.” The new service is based on a pilot developed by MAS in the East Midlands. Chairman of East Midlands Development Agency, Dr Bryan Jackson said: “We know that manufacturing companies want to become more innovative, productive and globally competitive. EMDA and all the RDAs continue to work closely with the DTI in shaping services to meet their needs. I welcome the development of an improved UK MAS service, recognising the important contribution this sector makes to our strong and successful economy.” In the South East, David Caddle, principal manufacturing specialist for MAS South East said: “MAS South East has already generated £98 million of value to manufacturing businesses across the region through direct hands-on support. Manufacturers in the South East have benefited from our support and we look forward to helping many more to become more productive and more profitable.”