|
|
 |
Amongst a backdrop of doom and gloom about the economy, falling house prices and rising fuel and food costs, the manufacturing sector is a beacon of light. Those in high value manufacturing are talking positively about their present position, pointing to strong order books, and buoyant activity levels.
|
Manufacturing is clearly the engine room of the economy, accounting for 15 per cent of UK GDP, 60 per cent of UK exports and employing around 15 per cent of the UK workforce.
For many years, the pound’s strength against the euro has been a barrier to growth but now with a weaker pound, our factories are gaining competitiveness against those on the continent and demand for UK exports is high. This is aided by the fact that many manufacturers in the region are operating efficiently and effectively, with sound balance sheets.
|
|
Therefore, it’s our job in the manufacturing sector to keep the foot on the accelerator and not stop looking for opportunities to grow and expand our offerings and add value to what we offer our customers.
Furthermore, it is important to anticipate the next recovery as changes in the economy will always offer up new avenues for growth which it’s good to spot before anyone else. If you need any practical advice or support doing this and are based in the South West, you know where to come.
Arthur Richardson
Chief Executive
South West MAS |
|
|
STOP PRESS
Messier Services UK, Gloucester is kindly hosting the MAS' Understanding Six Sigma event on Tuesday 24th June and will incorporate a short tour of its facility where aircraft landing gears are maintained, repaired and overhauled. To sign up, click here
|
|
 |
 |
Spotlight on Tom Cull of Dartmoor Kitchen
Tom Cull is managing director of Dartmoor Kitchen, a food manufacturer based in Clyst St Mary, Exeter
|
|
What excites you about your day-to-day work?
When I see my staff working together to achieve the main company goal of moving the business forward. Knowing my staff are enjoying their jobs is really important to me and means I have peace of mind throughout the day when I am occupied by various tasks.
In a typical day, what is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?
When I work hard on securing a new contract and it comes to completion.
What has been your greatest achievement in the last year?
Moving the business into a new, 4,000 square ft premises, whilst keeping the business running in the process. We have also tripled our order book, securing the financial future of the business in the coming years.
On a day-to-day basis, what do you find frustrating about your work?
Red tape! Procedures and documentation, albeit essential to the running of a business, are often time consuming and sometimes, over the top.
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
|
|
 |
MAS helps Smurfit Kappa leader look the full package
|
|
Smurfit Kappa Machine Systems is a manufacturing business which specialises in the design, manufacture and repair of bespoke packaging equipment. It employs 20 people at its base in Bristol.
The company, whose client base includes Kellogg’s and Weetabix, wanted to develop its production manager’s management and leadership skills so he could run the shop floor in a more efficient way, and learn how to lead and manage better in a pressurised manufacturing environment.
The MAS recommended its Operational Leadership Programme (OLP), a 10-week programme which helps build leadership qualities of front-line managers. The OLP consists of formal training sessions and in-company coaching, requiring delegates to manage and deliver a work-based improvement project that enables them to put their skills into practice.
To find out more, click here
|
|
 |
 |
Tendering to Win |
With Public Sector spending at £550 billion and new research showing that manufacturers are not taking advantage of Olympic opportunities, the South West MAS has teamed up with Business Link and Team South West to deliver a series of masterclasses on successful tendering.
| Workshop Dates |
|
County |
| 19th June |
|
Gloucestershire |
| 13th August |
|
Somerset |
| 11th September |
|
Devon |
For more information email info@swmas.co.uk or click here. |
|
|
|
|
Act now and get free access to Public Sector contract opportunities online
The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) has announced that small businesses can get access to the public sector contracting website Supply2Gov for free, for a limited period of time.
Businesses registering between 1 May and 31 July 2008 can access public sector contract opportunities valued under £100,000 through the whole of the UK. The free trial is part of measures outlined in this year's Budget which aim to increase the amount of public sector business won by small firms.
Once the free trial period has ended, registered businesses will revert to the free local area access service unless they choose to keep the UK-wide service for a fee. To find out more, visit www.supply2.gov.uk
|
|
|
 |
Renishaw seeks out colleges and training centres to help it establish a Renishaw Productivity Centre in the South West
|
|
Best known for its probe systems, Renishaw has been supplying companies across the world for thirty years, particularly in the aerospace and automotive sector. It has just launched a nationwide education initiative to create a network of Renishaw Productivity Centres, each equipped with contemporary machine tools and Renishaw metrology equipment, as well as education facilities.
The vision is that manufacturing engineers in companies of any size, from SMEs through to aerospace OEMs, will be able to benefit from the facilities and sign up to training courses at the centres.
The first centre, the West Midlands Manufacturing Measurement Centre (WMMMC), is launching this month and is based within Coventry University.
Philip Williams, Technical Sales Support at Renishaw in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire is now searching for suitable colleges or industrial training centres in the South West that could be part of this national network of Renishaw Productivity Centres.
If you are part of or know of an institution that could help make this vision a reality and contribute to improving the skills base of manufacturers in the UK, please contact South West MAS on info@swmas.co.uk and your information will be forwarded to Renishaw.
To find out more, click here
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| 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. |
|
  |
|
>Lean Sales plus tour of Renishaw
The South West MAS is running a workshop where manufacturers can explore the developing subject of Lean Sales. The event will offer valuable support to companies who know that they must sharpen their selling processes, grow their existing sales and go out and develop new, profitable business. It will also include a tour of the Renishaw facility.
To book a place, click here or email info@swmas.co.uk |
 |
Thursday 3rd July, 2008 - Renishaw facility in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire |
 |
9 – 1pm + tour |
 |
Manufacturers |
| |
£25.00 + VAT |
|
|
|
>Operational Leadership Programme Bristol Awareness Event
Manufacturers are invited to a half day event to find out more about the Operational Leadership Programme and why it is so different to the plethora of leadership courses available. Managing and operational directors and others wishing to improve their manufacturing company's performance and improve the knowledge and skills of their first line managers, should attend the awareness event.
The Bristol Operational Leadership Programme will commence on 10th September 2008, so the half day promises to explain more about how the programme works.
An added extra, is that in the afternoon at the same location, the MAS is hosting a 5S workshop. So why not come to the OLP Awareness event and stay for the afternoon too?
To book a place, click here or email info@swmas.co.uk |
|
Tuesday 8th July, 2008 - Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol, BS3 2EJ |
|
9 – 1pm |
|
Manufacturers |
| |
 |
|
|
|
>Workplace Organisation: 5S Method
South West manufacturers are invited to attend a free event on Workplace Organisation - 5S method (Sort, Set, Shine, Standardise,Stick). 5S is the cornerstone that supports the development of an organised factory / facility and underpins a truly effective way of working.
An added extra, is that in the morning at the same location, the MAS is providing an introduction to its OLP. So why not come to the OLP Awareness event in the morning and stay for the afternoon too?
To find out more and book a place, click here |
|
Tuesday 8th July 2008 - Bristol City Football Club, Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol, BS3 2EJ |
|
2 – 5pm |
|
Manufacturers |
| |
|
|
 |
|
>ExploreExport
As part of 'International Month' in June 2008, UK Trade & Investment in the South West is hosting an International Trade Fair in Exeter on Monday 30 June 2008. The aim of the day is to provide businesses from the region with expert advice and guidance on how make a success of international trade. Arthur Richardson of South West MAS will be running a workshop. For more information, click here |
|
Monday 30th June 2008, Exeter University |
|
Manufacturers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
