Welcome

In less than five years time, our country will be engulfed in Olympic fever. Hopefully, we will have raised a generation of athletes and will have some medals to boast about at the end of it. But more importantly, the heartfelt wish of so many is that the legacy of London 2012 will be lasting and significant for the UK economy and communities throughout the country.

Many of the opportunities promised by the Olympics are already arising. UK and international companies will be able to compete for £30bn worth of contracts in a huge variety of sectors, including manufacturing.

After all, the Olympic villages and facilities will require lockers, towels, seats, steel framework, mascots, clothing, and a myriad of other products that UK manufacturers are perfectly positioned to supply. The Games represent a huge opportunity to win new business and the rewards are too good to ignore.

Some of you will already be on the starting blocks, others are just limbering up. Whatever your position, there’s lots of support available to help you secure gold. If you need an extra hand, why not contact us and ask a specialist to help you think through your Olympic strategy?

To find out more about tendering opportunities, click here or visit eTendering

Arthur Richardson

Director

South West MAS

Case Study

Healing hands of the MAS take Wiltshire manufacturer to new productivity levels

One of the medical world’s leading manufacturers, based in Wiltshire, has received a boost in productivity, potentially worth £2million, having completed a project with the South West MAS.

Machine down time at First Water has been reduced by 75 per cent and as a result the company, which specialises in products for professional modern day wound, burn care and first aid, can now handle 30 per cent more orders, worth up to £2million a year.

Working in partnership with Blue Chip Medical companies and through investment in research and development, First Water has launched a range of new products over the past two years. This growth in product variety presented a real challenge to the company as it was creating more products than ever before but with the same staff and equipment in place to handle the diversity.

Chris Love, production manager of First Water, recognised the need to look at the production line and see where improvements could be made to meet increasing demand from customers.

Chris Love said: "We are committed to continuously improving our customer service and also to growing the business and to do this we decided to look at improving the efficiency of our production lines in terms of timing. Having called upon MAS specialist Chris Eldridge, we identified opportunities for improvement and spent time training the production staff and sharing tools and techniques that cut down on time and quicken changeover practices."

To read more, click here

For more information on support available from the South West MAS, call our helpdesk on 0845 608 3838 or email info@swmas.co.uk

Spotlight on Yi Sun, KTP Associate, Manufacturing Process Engineer, Owen Barry

Owen Barry has a long pedigree in manufacturing sheepskins using traditional hand-crafted methods

Photo of Yi Sun What is your role?
I am a KTP associate working on a two-year project with Owen Barry Ltd and the University of Exeter. At the moment, I am implementing a Sage manufacturing system combined with a Kanban system to improve manufacturing efficiency, particularly to enhance production control and stock control.

What excites you about your day-to-day work?
Firstly, I love the fact that I face new challenges and learn new skills every day. Secondly, because I work in an SME, I can see very quickly when the changes I initiate are making real impacts on the business.

In a typical day, what is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?
I am always encouraged when people respond to the initiatives I have set up. It is also very gratifying to see people use their own initiative to make positive changes to the business.

What has been your greatest achievement in the last year?
Switching my career from academia to industry and putting abstract business theory into practice in the company. The senior management of the company trust me and allow me to make significant contributions to their strategic planning and my KTP regional advisor commented that it is rare for associates to gain a company’s trust in such a short period.

To read more click here

News

Cornwall manufacturers face ultimate challenge

On 30 October, the South West MAS will be hosting the Cornwall Challenge at the Lakeview Country Club in Bodmin.

Ten companies will send four representatives to attend and the teams will be given the brief of a virtual company facing a diverse range of business challenges which they will have to tackle and provide solutions. At the end of the event, a county ‘champion’ will be crowned who will then go on to meet the ‘champions’ from other areas.

The aim of the day is to provide manufacturers with a fun way to demonstrate their competence whilst exploring areas where they might require additional support or training.

To find out more email info@swmas.co.uk

Managers invited to hone their leadership and manufacturing skills

The South West MAS’ Operational Leadership Programme (OLP) has been especially designed with first line managers in mind. The action-based development programme, with measurable outcomes, culminates in the delivery of a work-based project and will help first line managers get more from their people and shop floor processes.

Run over approximately 12 weeks, participants will grow in their confidence and ability to lead people, while finding out how to put new process improvement techniques into action.

To find out more or book your place on the course, email olp@swmas.org.uk

Stop press! Great news - South West SMEs (5-250 employees) may be eligible for a £500 grant for each delegate attending the OLP, reducing the cost to an amazing £750 +VAT for 12 week Programme

1st November, Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel (Junction 15, M4)
23rd January, The Exchange, Bridgwater, Somerset

Combining academia and industry

There is expertise in the UK's universities, colleges and research organisations that could be of value to your business in developing new products, services and processes. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) is Europe's leading programme helping businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base.

The KTP scheme is structured, enabling businesses to deliver a project of real strategic importance over a two-three year period. The programme attracts grant funding of up to 60 per cent of costs to support a high calibre graduate working on a project which has been identified as crucial to future business success. Projects can solve business problems or develop opportunities. The business will also gain access to University academic expertise and facilities.

Businesses of all sizes in most industries and commercial sectors can take part though there are some limitations affecting the type of project and the sectors that can be supported.

Kingfisher Boats, based in Falmouth, has benefited from using KTP to streamline its design process. To find out more, watch this online video

For further information on KTP, click here

Does your company use, recycle or produce plastics?

If it does, you should be aware of the Recyclate Market development study that the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) has commissioned.

GnoSys has been asked to collect and analyse information related to the market, economic, technology and materials aspects of plastics manufacture, conversion, use and recycling in the South West. The aim of the study is to inform the South West RDA about the regional business make-up of those sectors involved in both virgin and recycled plastics and those operating with, or considering the use of, recycled plastics. This information will be used to inform possible sector support initiatives.

GnoSys would like to ask you some simple questions on your business activity in plastics and your company’s experience and perception of barriers to improved recycling in this important area.

Your participation will assist the region in its planning and the findings will be made available to assist all those with plastics business interests.

For further details please contact Professor Gary C Stevens, managing director of GnoSys UK Ltd, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, 01483 689 164 or email g.stevens@gnosysgroup.com

South West Innovation Relay Centre

Adopting new technology could give you that competitive edge that will make all the difference in securing market share. Another way to get ahead could be to trade your own technology and expertise.

The role of the South West Innovation Relay Centre (SWIRC) is to bring companies, universities and research institutes together so that they can profit from each other's research, technology and expertise.

As part of the Innovation Relay Centre Network, which was established by the European Commission in 1995 and has nearly 300 offices, the SWIRC has access to hundreds of technology partnering opportunities through its Technology Watch Service, such as:

New measuring technology to improve the quality of complex and sensitive thermoplastic components during the moulding and coating process. Ref: 07 DE SDTA 0IP0
A German automotive supplier, involved in the moulding and surface treatment of thermoplastic materials, is looking for a non-destructive measuring technology to improve the quality of complex and sensitive plastic parts during the moulding and coating process. The company seeks partners for technical co-operation or a commercial agreement.
For further Info click here

Fuel Cell Miniaturisation Project Ref: 07 GB NMRT 0IIG
A multinational company with an R&D facility in the UK wishes to partner externally to identify technology enablers for the miniaturisation of fuel cells for portable electronics. The company's preference is to find partners with existing knowledge and materials. Should further research be necessary, preferred projects will have a 0-2 year timeline with significant milestones at 3-month intervals. For further info click here

Every month the South West MAS e-Newsletter will highlight select technology partnering opportunities. To find out more contact Kenny Legg on 0117 9330293 or email swirc@southwestrda.org.uk. For further information on the Innovation Relay Centre network click here

SWMAS is run in partnership with:

For general business advice contact your local Business Link 0845 600 9006

You have been sent this newsletter because you have shown an interest in the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service. If you do not wish to receive further copies please click HERE to unsubscribe.

For further information on any of the issues or items mentioned above, or on the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service in general, contact us on 0845 608 3838; email info@swmas.co.uk or visit http://www.swmas.co.uk

October 2007 Edition
Web: www.swmas.co.uk • Email: info@swmas.co.uk • Telephone: 0845 608 3838 • Case Studies
Contents	Arthur's thoughts Case Studies News Printer Friendly	Workshops Understanding Six-Sigma Organised by South West MAS, this awareness day for leaders and senior managers is designed to demonstrate how Six Sigma can be used as an essential tool in the journey towards sustainable continuous improvement, whilst increasing competitiveness, improving performance and motivating employees. To book your place, email info@swmas.co.uk Thursday, 18th October, Moorland Links Hotel, Plymouth, 9-4pm Manufacturing Showcase - Lean Sales Organised by South West MAS, this showcase is for South West SME manufacturers who understand that they must move towards a lean enterprise and are finding traditional, long established customers are changing, or have lapsed or are even taking their business abroad. It will offer valuable support to companies who know they must sharpen their selling processes, grow their existing sales and go out and develop new, profitable business. It will introduce a new approach to selling and how it is being applied alongside Lean Manufacturing. This event is free to attend, but places are strictly limited. To find out more or reserve a place, email: info@swmas.co.uk Thursday, 22nd November, 10am -1.30pm plus a plant tour, D S Smith Packaging, Bristol " It has been encouraging to see how everyone on the Operational Leadership Programme has made significant progress over the duration of the training." Simon Rogers, operations manager, Algram Group Introduction to Lean Manufacturing in Wiltshire The South West MAS is hosting FREE workshops in Wiltshire to introduce manufacturing teams to the latest lean tools and techniques. The workshops will cover topics such as identifying and eliminating seven types of waste found in manufacturing processes, removing production bottlenecks, Kanban and continuous improvement. Any South West manufacturer who wishes to receive an invitation should email Jackie Howard at info@swmas.co.uk The workshops will run in December and January Manufacturer LIVE Launched in 2003, The Manufacturer LIVE brings manufacturers together to share, promote and learn best practice. The two day event is specifically aimed at decision-makers within the manufacturing community. To book your place, click here Wednesday, 17th October, The Ricoh Arena, Coventry "Leadership and communication skills are vital to ensure first line shop floor management is effective in delivering change. The Operational Leadership Programme seemed focused on getting confidence and/or competence raised in these vital areas. " Steve Brown, managing director, Algram Group Innovate ’07 What does it take to convert new ideas into marketable products and services? Where will the next innovation-based markets be? How can businesses transform great ideas into real services and products? Innovate 07, hosted by the Technology Strategy Board, is a major annual conference where you will be able to hear from leading speakers and specialists in their field on practical approaches to the exploitation of innovative ideas. For more information, click here Thursday, 8th November, QEII Conference Centre, London For further details on these events and to book your place, click here
Welcome In less than five years time, our country will be engulfed in Olympic fever. Hopefully, we will have raised a generation of athletes and will have some medals to boast about at the end of it. But more importantly, the heartfelt wish of so many is that the legacy of London 2012 will be lasting and significant for the UK economy and communities throughout the country. Many of the opportunities promised by the Olympics are already arising. UK and international companies will be able to compete for £30bn worth of contracts in a huge variety of sectors, including manufacturing. After all, the Olympic villages and facilities will require lockers, towels, seats, steel framework, mascots, clothing, and a myriad of other products that UK manufacturers are perfectly positioned to supply. The Games represent a huge opportunity to win new business and the rewards are too good to ignore. Some of you will already be on the starting blocks, others are just limbering up. Whatever your position, there’s lots of support available to help you secure gold. If you need an extra hand, why not contact us and ask a specialist to help you think through your Olympic strategy? To find out more about tendering opportunities, click here or visit eTendering Arthur Richardson Director South West MAS Case Study Healing hands of the MAS take Wiltshire manufacturer to new productivity levels One of the medical world’s leading manufacturers, based in Wiltshire, has received a boost in productivity, potentially worth £2million, having completed a project with the South West MAS. Machine down time at First Water has been reduced by 75 per cent and as a result the company, which specialises in products for professional modern day wound, burn care and first aid, can now handle 30 per cent more orders, worth up to £2million a year. Working in partnership with Blue Chip Medical companies and through investment in research and development, First Water has launched a range of new products over the past two years. This growth in product variety presented a real challenge to the company as it was creating more products than ever before but with the same staff and equipment in place to handle the diversity. Chris Love, production manager of First Water, recognised the need to look at the production line and see where improvements could be made to meet increasing demand from customers. Chris Love said: "We are committed to continuously improving our customer service and also to growing the business and to do this we decided to look at improving the efficiency of our production lines in terms of timing. Having called upon MAS specialist Chris Eldridge, we identified opportunities for improvement and spent time training the production staff and sharing tools and techniques that cut down on time and quicken changeover practices." To read more, click here For more information on support available from the South West MAS, call our helpdesk on 0845 608 3838 or email info@swmas.co.uk Spotlight on Yi Sun, KTP Associate, Manufacturing Process Engineer, Owen Barry Owen Barry has a long pedigree in manufacturing sheepskins using traditional hand-crafted methods What is your role? I am a KTP associate working on a two-year project with Owen Barry Ltd and the University of Exeter. At the moment, I am implementing a Sage manufacturing system combined with a Kanban system to improve manufacturing efficiency, particularly to enhance production control and stock control. What excites you about your day-to-day work? Firstly, I love the fact that I face new challenges and learn new skills every day. Secondly, because I work in an SME, I can see very quickly when the changes I initiate are making real impacts on the business. In a typical day, what is guaranteed to put a smile on your face? I am always encouraged when people respond to the initiatives I have set up. It is also very gratifying to see people use their own initiative to make positive changes to the business. What has been your greatest achievement in the last year? Switching my career from academia to industry and putting abstract business theory into practice in the company. The senior management of the company trust me and allow me to make significant contributions to their strategic planning and my KTP regional advisor commented that it is rare for associates to gain a company’s trust in such a short period. To read more click here News Cornwall manufacturers face ultimate challenge On 30 October, the South West MAS will be hosting the Cornwall Challenge at the Lakeview Country Club in Bodmin. Ten companies will send four representatives to attend and the teams will be given the brief of a virtual company facing a diverse range of business challenges which they will have to tackle and provide solutions. At the end of the event, a county ‘champion’ will be crowned who will then go on to meet the ‘champions’ from other areas. The aim of the day is to provide manufacturers with a fun way to demonstrate their competence whilst exploring areas where they might require additional support or training. To find out more email info@swmas.co.uk Managers invited to hone their leadership and manufacturing skills The South West MAS’ Operational Leadership Programme (OLP) has been especially designed with first line managers in mind. The action-based development programme, with measurable outcomes, culminates in the delivery of a work-based project and will help first line managers get more from their people and shop floor processes. Run over approximately 12 weeks, participants will grow in their confidence and ability to lead people, while finding out how to put new process improvement techniques into action. To find out more or book your place on the course, email olp@swmas.org.uk Stop press! Great news - South West SMEs (5-250 employees) may be eligible for a £500 grant for each delegate attending the OLP, reducing the cost to an amazing £750 +VAT for 12 week Programme 1st November, Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel (Junction 15, M4) 23rd January, The Exchange, Bridgwater, Somerset Combining academia and industry There is expertise in the UK's universities, colleges and research organisations that could be of value to your business in developing new products, services and processes. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) is Europe's leading programme helping businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base. The KTP scheme is structured, enabling businesses to deliver a project of real strategic importance over a two-three year period. The programme attracts grant funding of up to 60 per cent of costs to support a high calibre graduate working on a project which has been identified as crucial to future business success. Projects can solve business problems or develop opportunities. The business will also gain access to University academic expertise and facilities. Businesses of all sizes in most industries and commercial sectors can take part though there are some limitations affecting the type of project and the sectors that can be supported. Kingfisher Boats, based in Falmouth, has benefited from using KTP to streamline its design process. To find out more, watch this online video For further information on KTP, click here Does your company use, recycle or produce plastics? If it does, you should be aware of the Recyclate Market development study that the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) has commissioned. GnoSys has been asked to collect and analyse information related to the market, economic, technology and materials aspects of plastics manufacture, conversion, use and recycling in the South West. The aim of the study is to inform the South West RDA about the regional business make-up of those sectors involved in both virgin and recycled plastics and those operating with, or considering the use of, recycled plastics. This information will be used to inform possible sector support initiatives. GnoSys would like to ask you some simple questions on your business activity in plastics and your company’s experience and perception of barriers to improved recycling in this important area. Your participation will assist the region in its planning and the findings will be made available to assist all those with plastics business interests. For further details please contact Professor Gary C Stevens, managing director of GnoSys UK Ltd, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, 01483 689 164 or email g.stevens@gnosysgroup.com South West Innovation Relay Centre Adopting new technology could give you that competitive edge that will make all the difference in securing market share. Another way to get ahead could be to trade your own technology and expertise. The role of the South West Innovation Relay Centre (SWIRC) is to bring companies, universities and research institutes together so that they can profit from each other's research, technology and expertise. As part of the Innovation Relay Centre Network, which was established by the European Commission in 1995 and has nearly 300 offices, the SWIRC has access to hundreds of technology partnering opportunities through its Technology Watch Service, such as: New measuring technology to improve the quality of complex and sensitive thermoplastic components during the moulding and coating process. Ref: 07 DE SDTA 0IP0 A German automotive supplier, involved in the moulding and surface treatment of thermoplastic materials, is looking for a non-destructive measuring technology to improve the quality of complex and sensitive plastic parts during the moulding and coating process. The company seeks partners for technical co-operation or a commercial agreement. For further Info click here Fuel Cell Miniaturisation Project Ref: 07 GB NMRT 0IIG A multinational company with an R&D facility in the UK wishes to partner externally to identify technology enablers for the miniaturisation of fuel cells for portable electronics. The company's preference is to find partners with existing knowledge and materials. Should further research be necessary, preferred projects will have a 0-2 year timeline with significant milestones at 3-month intervals. For further info click here Every month the South West MAS e-Newsletter will highlight select technology partnering opportunities. To find out more contact Kenny Legg on 0117 9330293 or email swirc@southwestrda.org.uk. For further information on the Innovation Relay Centre network click here SWMAS is run in partnership with: For general business advice contact your local Business Link 0845 600 9006 You have been sent this newsletter because you have shown an interest in the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service. If you do not wish to receive further copies please click HERE to unsubscribe. For further information on any of the issues or items mentioned above, or on the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service in general, contact us on 0845 608 3838; email info@swmas.co.uk or visit http://www.swmas.co.uk

October 2007 Edition

Contents

Workshops

Understanding Six-Sigma

Manufacturing Showcase - Lean Sales

Introduction to Lean Manufacturing in Wiltshire

Manufacturer LIVE

Innovate ’07

For further details on these events and to book your place, click here