For internationally recognised manufacturer, Jo Bird, a series of workshops and support from MAS has seen a reduction in product movement around the workshop and improved space utilisation by 30 per cent.

Jo Bird is a manufacturer of storage cabinets for fire fighting, life saving and emergency equipment for use in physically demanding locations – from offshore and marine applications to onshore industrial uses.

The company needed to increase productivity through improved layout, workplace organisation and implementation of appropriate lean manufacturing methods. In turn, this would help prevent the building of planned new manufacturing space, saving Jo Bird vital cash in the process.

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David Parkman is commercial director of Somerset-based Exmoor Trim - manufacturer of leather and leather products

What excites you about your day-to-day work?
The interaction with our customers as this keeps me focused on what we do – making quality products which our customers value and, on the retail front, exceeding customers expectations. Our military arm of the business often receives some demanding enquires, which are good for the business as this encourages us to look at new production methods and products.

In a typical day, what is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?
Receiving a call from a customer who is bringing back to life an old Series Land Rover and is looking for original style seats and Soft Top Hood. It’s hard not to share a customers passion when talking about their pride and joy, particularly when they send me images of the finished vehicle with our products fitted.

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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 10,000 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

What does the economic slowdown mean for you? Is it an opportunity or a problem?

MAS 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, market landscape, people and processes. It aims to help businesses read situations in terms of risk, exposure and opportunities and through a series of "what-if" projections and scenario planning, develop company action plans.

The Downturn Readiness Review is tailored to South West manufacturing businesses taking part, regardless of sector or size, and is aimed at ensuring they continue to grow in the face of an economic slowdown.

For more information on the Downturn Readiness Review, email info@swmas.co.uk or call 0845 608 3838

The Government’s manufacturing troubleshooter is predicting that the sector will rise above the money meltdown as long as businesses work to minimise cash exposure now and embrace lean manufacturing.

Despite factory outputs dropping for the sixth consecutive month, the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) believes that adopting proven techniques by world-class manufacturers to cut down waste, reduce production lead times and improve stock levels will build stability for the sector and financial security in the face of recession.

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REACH: Remember to pre-register your chemicals

If you import or manufacture more than one tonne of a chemical substance in a year, you must register or pre-register the substance by 1st December 2008. This includes chemicals contained in finished goods. Pre-registration is free and may mean you won't need to apply for full registration for up to 10 years. You can pre-register online with the European Chemicals Agency.

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The law on companies’ display of names at their premises has changed. From 1st October the Companies (Trading Disclosures) Regulation 2008 are effective and mean that companies will have to display their registered name anywhere they do business and their inspection place. Registered names must be displayed in a position where they can be easily seen by visitors. A company's registered name, number, place of registration and registered office address must also be displayed on business letters, e-mails, websites and other documentation

For further information , click here

The House of Lords has urged the government to cut VAT on green products. The report, by its Science and Technology committee, entitled 'Waste Reduction', recommends that firms adopt greener approaches to business and highlights ways to reduce private sector waste. According to the Committee, the introduction of lower VAT rates for businesses using sustainable materials would have a significant impact on the environment. It also recommends the introduction of VAT reforms on the repair of products to encourage businesses to fix broken equipment rather than buy replacements.

For further information , click here

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 two current technology partnering opportunities:

Innovative materials, manufacturing processes and components for the housebuilding industry (Ref: 08 SWMAS GB 41n8 0IVQ )
The UK branch of a multi-national company is in the business of supplying PVCu building products to the house-building and renovation industry. They are looking for protectable product or process innovation, coming from SMEs or individuals. The type of agreement may vary. The company can access global markets.

Micro Recessed Air Bearing (Ref: 08 SWMAS EEN 8)
A UK company, with considerable experience in aerostatic bearings, has developed radial and axial micro-recessed aerostatic bearings which will offer improved performance over existing products by providing increased static stiffness and reduced friction compared to conventional designs.

A partner is sought to develop this technology with a number of collaboration types offered.

For more information on the Enterprise Europe Network in the South West, please click here.