New manufacturing advisory service launched
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Issued
on 03 January 2012 - BIS
A new national programme
which will focus on helping small and medium manufacturing businesses
to grow has officially launched, Business Minister Mark Prisk and the
Manufacturing Advisory Consortium (MAC) announced today.
The new Manufacturing
Advisory Service (MAS) is now available to all manufacturing businesses
across England. It will be delivered by the MAC, which is comprised of
Grant Thornton, Pera, WM Manufacturing Consortium Ltd and SWMAS Ltd. It
has been estimated that the new MAS will help to generate £1.5 billion
in economic growth, 23,000 jobs and safeguard 50,000 jobs.
Businesses interested in
finding out more about the programme can find out more by visiting www.mymas.org or by
calling an advisor on 0845 658 9600.
Business Minister Mark Prisk
said:
“Manufacturing contributes
half of Britain’s exports and has much higher productivity than the
rest of the economy so it is essential to our plans for growth. That is
why we are taking steps to ensure our industrial base is thriving as
part of a strong and balanced UK economy.
“The new Manufacturing
Advisory Service will play a key role, providing tailored advice to
businesses helping them to grow and thrive, with a specific focus on
helping SMEs improve competitiveness and unlock their growth potential.”
Karl Eddy, Head of
Government Infrastructure Advisory at Grant Thornton and Head of MAS,
said:
"This type of programme is
vital to support Britain's businesses and economy in growth. MAC is
driven by a passion for
dynamic, innovative business and has proven experience in delivering
advice for growth. As we drive this historically successful programme
in to a new era we encourage business leaders, innovators and
entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sector to contact a local advisor to
find out more about how MAS can deliver real benefits for their
business."
Small manufacturing
businesses will also have access to a new initiative recently announced
by the Government to improve the global competitiveness of UK advanced
manufacturing supply chains. The up to £125 million fund will cover the
whole of England and will help to support the UK supply chain,
encourage new suppliers to invest in the UK and support economic
growth.
Notes
The new MAS offer will comprise:
Level 1 (Enquiries)
Provided by a small team of experienced advisors
geographically dispersed round England. This will ensure detailed local
knowledge supported by an enhanced website offering a range of online
support packages.
Level 2 (Manufacturing Review)
Continue to provide 1 day (2 day for more complex businesses),
on-site specialist manufacturing diagnostic review. MAC will use a new
diagnostic tool based on the principles of “Manufacturing Excellence”
developed in conjunction with the Warwick Manufacturing Group which
includes comparisons against best-in-class. In addition, a “Fast Track”
over the ‘phone Level 2 will be introduced for common, well understood
issues.
Level 3 (Events)
Continue to provide training and networking events, including
best practice visits. These will be an integral part of delivering the
Business Improvement actions identified at Level 2 . This will be
complemented by a Sustainable Improvement Community using best practice
social networking tools to provide peer-led best practice examples and
lower cost forms of self help.
Level 4 (Consultancy)
Introduction of a three tier Level 4 project structure:
• MAS Foundation Service: Funding up to £1,000 (or a maximum
of 50%) towards an improvement project - targeted at companies who need
basic low level help.
• MAS Step Change Service: Funding of up to £3,000 (or 50%
maximum) towards a more significant improvement programme.
• MAS Transformation Service: Funding of up to £10,000 (or 50%
maximum) for a strategic change to the business.
Level 5 (Referrals)
MAS advisors are responsible for identifying partner
organisation support but retain responsibility for referral until it is
demonstrated and confirmed by the client that the partner organisation
has addressed the client need.
Supply Chain
Focus on helping SMEs p into advanced manufacturing
supply
chains; helping Original Equipment Manufacturers and their
supply chains develop better relationships and greater efficiency;
helping groups of SMEs in supply chains or clusters interact more
effectively. It will use the tools available through Levels 1 – 5 with
custom implementation packages assembled to suit client needs delivered
by a team of dedicated supply chain experts.
About the Author
© Crown Copyright. Material taken from the BIS Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Reproduced under the terms and conditions of the Click-Use Licence.
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Article Published/Sorted/Amended on Scopulus 2012-01-09 10:58:57 in Business Articles
