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As summer approaches, many of us will get swept up following the highs and lows of sporting stars taking part in Wimbledon, the Beijing Olympics and Euro 2008. We will watch and see how strong competition brings out the best in contenders.
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The same principle applies in the world of manufacturing, where having rivals is actually a good thing, rather than something to fear. Competition can spur you on to think about how you can stand out from the crowd, add value to your product or service and work more efficiently.
To reap the benefits of healthy competition, you will need to spend some time analysing your market and working out where you sit amongst your competitors. What are you doing that is different to the rest? Who is emerging as a strong contender and what are they doing to compete? Is there a 'new kid on the block' and are they doing things differently to make an impact? Your competition might not be who you initially thought once you undertake some intelligence gathering.
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If it becomes apparent that there are lots of companies fighting for the same customers, could you diversify and look to new markets? What do you need to do to secure your market share? The South West MAS could help you think through some of these key questions so if you would like some assistance in exploring your market and offering, get in touch!
This summer, do your groundwork and embrace the competitive spirit. Being out of your comfort zone and an increase in competition could be the best thing to happen to your business!
Arthur Richardson
Director
South West MAS
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Spotlight on David Phelps, the commercial director at Taunton Fabrications, a provider of steel fabrication and architectural metalwork
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What excites you about your day-to-day work?
I like the fact that no two days are the same and, even though we are successful at what we do, there are always plans on the table on how to develop the business even more.
In a typical day, what is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?
When you watch others that you have trained and developed make important decisions and carry out their duties to a high standard without having to ask for advice.
What has been your greatest achievement in the last year?
Filling a number of key positions with individuals who are real team players and have the ability and vision to help progress the business.
On a day-to-day basis, what do you find frustrating about your work?
Trying to persuade others that are reluctant to change that there are more ways than one to get from A to B!
To read further, 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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MAS lights the way for ornamental lantern designer
For one specialist craft business, Francis Russell Designs, meeting the MAS has helped them develop their design capabilities and quicken the transition from solely being a manufacturer to also creating bespoke work for end-clients.
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With more than 20 years’ experience in producing ornamental metalwork for leading interior designers, architects and celebrity clients, the Salisbury-based company employs 25 craftsmen and has a turnover of £1.5m. Francis Russell was initially introduced to the MAS by a business in their supply chain that had already benefited from working with the MAS and implementing lean.
Chris Eldridge, MAS specialist, says: "To help Francis Russell evolve as a business, the leadership team enrolled on our Strategic Management Programme (SMP). This enabled them to think about how they could extend their design team and develop a customer base of their own, designing and manufacturing products for companies rather than simply supplying others. To grow the business in this way, they also needed to address inefficiencies in the workshop through the adoption of lean manufacturing techniques."
To read more, click here
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Tendering to Win |
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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 masterclass on successful tendering.
It is estimated that there will be £21bn of potential new business up for grabs nationally through the 2,000 Direct Contracts with the Olympic Delivery Authority, 5,000 contracts with The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) plus 75,000 supply chain opportunities.
The diversity of contracts available is wide-ranging, spanning the structural framework, lighting and security systems for the Olympic Park to manufacturing turnstiles, seating and vending machines. Over the next few years, manufacturers from across the UK and from many sectors will be invited to submit tenders in relation to the development and furnishing of Olympic venues and villages in East London, Eton Dorney, Weymouth and Portland.
The ‘Tendering to Win’ workshop for leaders and senior managers will give manufacturers hands-on exposure to different types of tenders, both small and large. It will explore tendering as part of a manufacturing business strategy, why tender submissions fail, how to access opportunities and most importantly how to improve tender performance.
| Workshop Dates |
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| 19th June |
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Gloucestershire |
For more information, click here.
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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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>Understanding Six-Sigma event
The South West MAS invites leaders and senior managers of SME manufacturing businesses to an event in Gloucester to see how Six-Sigma can be used as an essential tool in the journey towards sustainable continuous improvement. Cost is £100
To book a place, click here. |
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Tuesday 24th June 2008 - Messier Services UK, Gloucester, GL2 9QL |
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9-5pm |
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Manufacturers |
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>LEAN Office/LEAN Business through B-IT
Gloucestershire College is inviting manufacturers to a breakfast seminar to
find out more about the new LEAN programme of Business Improvement
Techniques (B-IT) which were initially pioneered by Nissan UK. You will
discover how B-IT can support the whole of your organisation in achieving
its goals. To book your place, call 01452 563400 or e mail
richard.peers@gloscol.ac.uk |
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Thursday 5 June 2008 - Renaissance Restaurant, Gloucestershire College, Cheltenham Campus |
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7:30-9:15 am |
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Manufacturers |
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>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 |
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Monday 30th June 2008 |
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Manufacturers |
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>Challenge Towards World Class Manufacturing
Participate in an intensive five-day mission in Japan for EU managers and executives from European Member States manufacturing companies. Receive an in-depth analysis of Japanese manufacturing methodology and acquire a better understanding of TQC (Total Quality Control), TQM (Total Quality Management), TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), JIT (Just In Time), TIE (Total Industrial Engineering) practices and the current KAIZEN manufacturing methods (continuous improvement). The training course consists of lectures and workshops and visits to some of the world’s most advanced Japanese. For more information, click here |
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20 - 24 Oct 2008,
application deadline: 11 Jun 2008 |
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Manufacturers |
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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
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EEF report reveals manufacturers are employing older workers
An Ageing Workforce – How are manufacturers preparing?’, a report by EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, has revealed that manufacturers are employing more older workers in order to address the challenges posed by continued skills shortages and an ageing population.
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The report showed that older workers were perceived to be a valuable part of a workforce, more productive and less likely to be absent than their younger counterparts. The more physical nature of manufacturing employment is also felt to be no barrier to the employment of older workers.
Commenting, EEF Chief Medical Adviser, Professor Sayeed Khan, said: "Contrary to popular perception, our evidence shows that older workers are highly valued by manufacturing employers. At a time when skills are at such a premium, the experience and technical abilities of older workers are regarded as invaluable."
The importance of the skills and experience older workers possess is illustrated by the fact ‘loss of specialist skills’ was cited by over three quarters of companies as a concern, with 60 per cent describing it as significant. This was more than twice the level of the next concern, loss of workforce due to retirement.
For more information, click here
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The Operational Leadership Programme – starting again in Cornwall
This June, the MAS’ highly successful Operational Leadership Programme (OLP) is coming to Cornwall.
Much more than the normal training course, the OLP is an action-based development programme with measurable outcomes, culminating in the delivery of a work-based project. It aims to be a fast-paced, fun, down-to-earth programme, designed specially for first line managers who are eager to get more from their people and shop floor processes.
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The six stage development programme, run over approximately 10 weeks, helps first line managers improve management and manufacturing skills to add value to their business.
The cost per delegate is £1,250 + VAT for SMEs (0–250 employees) but SMEs may be eligible for a £500 grant for a delegate attending, reducing the cost to £750 + VAT.
To find out more or register to attend the Cornwall programme which begins on 11th June, please download PDF file here
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South West Manufacturing Advisory Service - the trusted provider of advice and hands-on support for manufacturers aiming to achieve sustainable success
South West MAS is run in partnership with:
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©2008 South West Manufacturing Advisory Service www.swmas.co.uk. All rights reserved.
Chargrove House | Main Road, Shurdington Cheltenham Glos GL51 4GA | United Kingdom | Telephone +44 (0) 1242 864129 | Email info@swmas.co.uk
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