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The MAS recently celebrated its sixth anniversary and in the South West we have achieved a huge amount since the service launched.
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Since 2002, we have provided information and advice to more than 2,000 companies, made over 800 visits to manufacturers, delivered £60m of operational savings, and added value through strategic change, across 415 businesses. These are phenomenal figures and demonstrate why the MAS has been declared as one of the Government’s most successful business support initiatives.
But now is not the time to rest on our laurels, particularly with shifts in the UK economy, growing overseas competition and increasing costs. Manufacturing is continuously evolving and we strive to deliver flexible support which is relevant, adds value and carries manufacturers along a journey of improvement to enhance productivity, competitiveness and innovation.
MAS will continue for at least another three years to March 2011 and plans are underway to extend the service to cover areas such as new product development and sourcing.
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This will see the MAS able to help manufacturers find new materials or components through a web-based enquiry service as well as offering a spare capacity posting facility. These new services will complement existing support in operational efficiency, people and skills development and business growth and innovation.
Manufacturing remains one of the South West’s key industries – worth over £11billion and employing nearly 300,000 people. One of the most important aspects of the industry’s success in the region to date has been its ability to strive for continuous improvement and innovation in its production processes. We intend to build on this success and make the region, which is renowned for its engineering prowess, innovation and enterprise, a leading light in UK manufacturing.
Arthur Richardson
Chief Executive
South West MAS |
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NEW Downturn Readiness Review
What does the economic slowdown mean for you? Is it an opportunity or a problem?
The MAS in the South West has launched a new programme aimed at helping businesses cope with the potential downturn and build manufacturing strategies to maximise on emerging opportunities.
The Downturn Readiness Review looks at a business' ability and plans to cope with challenges arising from a tightening of the economy and covers a review of business finances, changing customer needs, operational costs and overall efficiency. It aims to help businesses understand their exposure to risk, and identify opportunities for improvement through a series of “what-if" projections and scenario planning to develop company action plans.
Simon Howes, Business Development Director of SWMAS, comments: "The new
service aims to provide a rapid review and realignment of business and
manufacturing strategy to ensure that South West companies are well
prepared for whatever lies ahead."
For more information on the Downturn Readiness Review, email info@swmas.co.uk or call 0845 608 3838
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"Delivery performance has improved significantly - we are now delivering on specific days rather than leaving everything until the end of the month".
Lee McMullen, team leader at Priest Engineering
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Dorset manufacturer flying high with the MAS
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Poole-based, Priest Engineering was founded in 1972, and specialises in fine limit sheet metal fabrication using the latest CNC machinery. Its clients include aerospace, defence, OEMs, ATE suppliers, PCB equipment manufacturers, machine tool suppliers and process equipment companies.
The company has been sponsored by BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce to sign up to Supply Chains for the 21st Century (SC21) - a nationwide initiative aimed at improving the competitiveness of the aerospace and defence supply chain. As a SC21 signatory company, it has begun implementing a continuous improvement programme with support from the MAS.
Mark Priest, managing director of Priest Engineering, comments: "We have
worked on site with the MAS to develop a continuous improvement
programme which aligns to the requirements of the SC21 programme. It has
focused on introducing the team to lean manufacturing methods, using the
tools to eliminate manufacturing inefficiencies, and therefore increase
productivity."
To read more, click here
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"If you’d asked me a year ago, I never would have believed that the shop floor could look this good".
Clive Hayward, works manager at Priest Engineering
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Spotlight on Nigel Jones, MAS specialist for Dorset
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What excites you about your day-to-day work?
The job is very varied, from meeting with clients and identifying improvement programmes that fit their needs, working directly with companies on the shop floor, liaising with partners such as Business Link and Train to Gain to organising and running best practice workshops. There is no ‘standard’ day.
In a typical day, what is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?
Returning to companies that I have worked with and seeing that they have not only sustained the initial improvements made, but used the programme and techniques suggested as a springboard to make continuous improvement part of their culture.
What has been your greatest achievement in the last year?
Getting stuck into the role of manufacturing specialist for Dorset having joined the MAS team in January. The role has a high degree of autonomy and it takes time to get established. Oh, and I won the Karting event recently!
To read more, click here
Would you like to appear in next month’s e-Newsletter in the Spotlight section? We are looking for manufacturers who are willing to answer eight simple questions about their day-to-day role. More than 7,000 people worldwide read the monthly
e-Newsletter, so if you would like to share your thoughts on working in manufacturing or tell us more about your role, email the editorial team on info@swmas.co.uk
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Did you know...
MAS South West has delivered over 4,300 days of best practice modules and workshops
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Manufacturers take lessons from the world of Formula One
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Manufacturers in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Bristol and Bath are being invited to find out how techniques used in pit stops at race tracks across the world could help transform their manufacturing operations.
In the Achieving Quick Changeovers workshop, the MAS will use the world of Hamilton, Schumacher and Mansell to show teams how they can improve the turnaround from one job to the next, becoming quicker and more efficient and therefore increasing business productivity.
To read more, click here |
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| UK manufacturing sectors outperforming rest of economy says industry report |
Published by EEF and business advisers BDO Stoy Hayward, ‘Modern Manufacturing – The High Performers’ reveals the top 20 sectors in the UK manufacturing industry. The figures show that, even in the current economic climate, UK manufacturers are experiencing stronger rates of growth than their French and German counterparts.
The research also adds weight to the claim that manufacturers are seeing the benefits of a growth in world trade by employing new strategies. These include technology-driven responses to globalisation, innovations in process, design and services.
To read more, click here
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Vocational qualifications landscape revealed
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Last year, over 3,250,000 vocational qualifications were awarded in the UK according to figures announced recently to mark the first Vocational Qualifications Day (VQ Day).
In an independent review of vocational qualifications by Edge, the education foundation, figures show a 8.3 per cent rise on 2006 and a 117 per cent rise in VQs awarded compared to five years ago.
To read more, click here
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Did you know...
MAS South West has developed 250 case studies of companies demonstrating examples of best practice. Take a look at the website and see for yourself.
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MAS success sees recruitment drive for lean practitioners
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The MAS in the South West is looking to strengthen its network of Specialists through the recruitment of Lean Practitioners for all of the South West sub regions (Bristol, Glos, Wilts, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset).
To find out more about these exciting positions and how you can apply, click here.
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Did you know...
MAS South West has organised over 400 events, attracting nearly 8,000 attendees.
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The new Enterprise Europe Network in the South West – manufacturer wanted to partner UK company
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Further to the Innovation Relay Centre merging with the Enterprise Europe Network - a new pan-European network established by the European Commission - companies are already contacting the network in search of new partnerships.
Here are three current technology partnering opportunities:
Coating technology for internal surfaces (Ref: SWMAS 08 LV 58AD 0IFK)
A Latvian company, manufacturing different electronic devices for trucks, is looking for a new technology to protect internal tube surface against rust. The technology should be laboratory tested and ready for use. The company is looking for partners providing them with technology, know-how and equipment.
A universal stabilising and levelling system (Ref: SWMAS 08 BE 0427 0IBY)
A Belgian SME has developed a universal stabilising and levelling system. The technology, that is conceived as an enclosed hydraulic system, is based on a unique control valve. It can be applied for stabilising any type of construction, from trestles over scaffoldings up to container offices, offering assembly time reduction and safety. The company is looking for partners to further develop and benchmark the technology in a range of applications and products.
Washable smart labels with an integrated chip (Ref: SWMAS 08 DE 0958 0III)
A German SME with long-time experience in development of new innovative products in the field of technical textiles has developed smart labels with an integrated chip that can give information by radio (RFID). The company is looking for manufacturing agreements to test the applications in practice, especially in the fashion sector.
For more information on the Enterprise Europe Network in the South West, email Kenny Legg Kenny.Legg@enterpriseeuropesw.org.uk
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| You can now book your place at South West MAS events online. Simply visit the South West MAS website, provide your details and you will receive confirmation of your booking, be able to pay online and download maps and directions. You can also see what events you’ve attended in the past. |
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>Introduction to Lean – Gloucestershire
This half-day workshop will introduce attendees to practical, down-to-earth ways to implement lean techniques. You will be able to identify and implement improvements through practical demonstrations of lean manufacturing tools and identification of the seven types of waste found in manufacturing e.g. over-production and excess inventory. The workshop also looks at shop floor layout and how to apply the concepts within your own business.
For further information and booking click here. |
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Wednesday 20th August 2008 - Cirencester, Cotswold Water Park Hotel, Gloucestershire |
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9am – 12.30pm |
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Manufacturers |
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£25 + VAT,
morning workshop |
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>Achieving Quick Changeovers – Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
This workshop will offer valuable support to South West manufacturing businesses that need to sharpen their existing manufacturing and production processes and deliver good products consistently on time.
The workshop will look at the importance of performing faster changeovers in manufacturing, or any process, and how this can make low-cost flexible operations possible and reduce production lot sizes, thereby improving flow.
For further information and booking click here. |
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Wednesday 20th August 2008 - Cirencester, Cotswold Water Park Hotel, Gloucestershire |
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1.30 – 5pm |
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Manufacturers |
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£25 + VAT,
afternoon workshop |
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>Operational Leadership Programme - Dorset Celebratory Event
The Dorset Operational Leadership Programme, which commenced on 28 April 2008, concludes with a celebratory event. Each delegate has undertaken an in-company improvement project as part of the Programme and will present their project results together with an insight into their personal development journey.
Programme delegates and their managers, managing directors, directors and operations managers who would like to get a better understanding of the Programme, will also discover the challenges faced by local manufacturers and how they were tackled by using the skills learned as part of the Operational Leadership Programme.
For further information and booking click here. |
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Thursday 4th September 2008 - Dudsbury Golf Club, Ferndown, Dorset |
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9am – 1pm |
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Manufacturers |
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>Operational Leadership Programme, Bristol and Devon
This six stage development programme, run over approximately 10 weeks, helps first line managers to improve management and manufacturing skills to add value to their business. Participants will boost their confidence and ability to lead people, while finding out how to put new process improvement techniques into action.
For further information and booking click here for Bristol or click here for Devon. |
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Starts Wednesday 10th September 2008 - Bristol City Football Club |
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Starts Tuesday 23rd September 2008 - Kaba UK, Tiverton, Devon |
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Manufacturers |
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£1,500 + VAT for SME
(0–250 employees) |
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Note: South West SMEs
(5-250 employees) may be eligible for a grant. |
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>Lean Sales Programme
Have you ever asked yourself how many new clients you acquired in the last six months, or how many big contracts you have won? Or how many you have lost and do you know why?
By participating in this six session programme (four workshop sessions and two individual one-to-one sessions) South West manufacturers will be able to find answers to these vital questions.
You will learn more about Lean Sales, how it is being applied alongside the well-established concept of lean manufacturing, and how it is being deployed in the drive for the highly effective Lean Enterprise of today.
For further information and booking click here. |
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Thursday 2nd October 2008, Clevedon, Nr Bristol |
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Four workshop sessions and two individual one-to-one sessions |
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Manufacturers |
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£1,500 + VAT per delegate |
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>Tendering to Win - £400M up for grabs in Bristol area alone
With huge opportunities for SMEs to bid for a share of £400m worth of supply contracts in the wider Bristol area and £2bn a year available in the South West through the tender process, this workshop will give manufacturers hands-on exposure to different types of tenders, both small and large.
You will be able to identify opportunities for business growth and get answers to your key questions about tendering.
For further information and booking click here. |
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Thursday 23rd October 2008 - Bristol City Football Club, Ashton Gate, Bristol |
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9.15am – 4.30pm |
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Manufacturers |
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£70 + VAT |
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