New help for manufacturers

A new nationally operated Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) has been announced by Business Minister Mark Prisk.

The new service will be delivered by the Manufacturing Advisory Consortium and, says the Government, will help create an estimated £1.5 billion in economic growth and 23,000 jobs, across the UK.

It will have a number of specific objectives, including helping manufacturers operate in global supply chains, and linking SMEs with the apprenticeship programme.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Simon Howes, MD at the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS), said: “We are delighted to have won the contract to continue to deliver these services via our network of local manufacturing specialists.

“While the contract details are still being worked on, we can reassure manufacturing SMEs that we have listened carefully to their needs and will continue to provide services which make a tangible difference to their profitability, sustainability and long-term prospects.

“We will be supporting the Government’s growth agenda – for example by working closely with companies to tackle productivity issues, new market opportunities and potential barriers to growth.”