The South West European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is set to invest £3.5 million over the next three years to enable the Manufacturing Advisory Service in the South West (MAS-SW) to continue to help local businesses compete more effectively in the marketplace.
MAS-SW will use the European funding to provide a range of manufacturing services to ensure the region’s small and medium-sized businesses improve their competitiveness, productivity and performance through hands-on expert help and guidance.
Arthur Richardson, chief executive of MAS-SW, said: “At a time when there is so much doom and gloom around, this is great news for the region’s manufacturers. There is no disputing that the unprecedented economic situation is proving to be a challenge but MAS-SW can provide tangible help to improve firms’ operations, quality and delivery to make significant and real improvements to cash flow and ultimately, the bottom line.”
Nigel Howells, head of competitiveness at the South West RDA, added: “This EU funding will help introduce more manufacturing businesses in the region to MAS-SW’s expert guidance to ensure South West firms are at the forefront of the increasingly competitive global marketplace. It is all about arming local businesses with the skills and ammunition they need to succeed and to ensure that they are ready for the upturn when it happens.”
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