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This month sees the launch of the Government’s new manufacturing strategy and its plans to boost the sector.
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It identifies major dynamics that are reshaping manufacturing including the accelerated pace of technology, the growing importance of investing in intangibles such as design, branding and R&D, and the increased recognition that investment in people and skills is among the most important for companies to make.
The MAS is set to play a fundamental part in supporting this vision, in particular building the skills and expertise which will help manufacturers to not only meet daily challenges but to become agile, responsive and adaptable to compete in the future. This will involve attracting and building the skills of new talent in the industry and supporting the existing workforce by building teams with widespread skills spanning marketing, management and leadership.
We are already putting in place new partnerships to help meet this need such as the Strategic Leadership Programme with Leadership South West. The programme, which goes live next month, is focused on individual learning around real business issues being experienced by manufacturing firms in the region. It aims to build an army of managers, executives and decision-makers with enviable strategic thinking and leadership skills which can be cascaded back into their organisations.
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There is no denying that effective leadership will be key to the future success of manufacturing and this is particularly true in a downturn. A slowdown in the economy is a time for strong leadership, business ideas and entrepreneurs to sparkle with previous recessions providing fertile ground for the likes of GE, Hewlett Packard and Microsoft who all opened their doors whilst others were cutting back.
Contrary to popular belief, a downturn is the perfect time to invest in your staff, particularly your senior team and leaders. After all, they are your guiding force in securing competitive advantage, delivering continuous improvement and innovation, and ensuring your business is ready and equipped for the upturn in the economy when it arrives.
To find out more on the Strategic Leadership Programme visit www.leadershipsouthwest.com or call Leadership South West on 01392 269231.
Simon Howes
Business Development Director
South West MAS
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Edwards Sports increases goal score with MAS
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Edwards Sports is a UK-based sports equipment manufacturer with over 100 years’ experience, offering everything from synthetic pitch equipment to goalposts and netball hoops. The company has many high profile customers in the world of sport including English Premiership football clubs and the All England Club at Wimbledon.
Having experienced a growth in the sales of goalposts, Edward Sports wanted to improve the manufacturing and dispatch processes in order to cope more effectively with the increase in demand for this seasonal product.
Working onsite with a manufacturing specialist from the MAS, the framework for the implementation of a continuous improvement programme was formulated to include the creation of a core improvement team, introducing them to lean manufacturing methods, and process mapping goalpost production from enquiry to dispatch.
To read more, click here
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"Working with the MAS has allowed us to take a step back from involvement in day-to-day production issues and identify wastes and non-value adding times."
Archie Barclay, Edwards Sports
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Spotlight on Jonathan Littlewood, managing director of Price Western Leather Ltd
Jonathan Littlewood is managing director of Taunton-based Price Western Leather Ltd - one of Europe's major manufacturers of leather and synthetic security equipment, accessories and lifestyle products
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What excites you about your day-to-day work?
Seeing a new design go from idea to prototype and full production is always a satisfying experience.
In a typical day, what is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?
Winning a new contract! With an extra smile for a new customer.
What has been your greatest achievement in the last year?
Confirmation of our ISO 14001 Environmental Certification was a great result after a lot of hard work throughout the company.
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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"The knowledge and experience I gained from working alongside the MAS specialist has been really beneficial, and the programme I attended has definitely improved my skills in getting the best from our staff. It’s a development programme which lasted ten weeks, but will stay with me for the rest of my life."
Mark Hill, Smurfit Kappa Machine Systems
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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 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
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Four streams for Manufacturer Live conference 2008
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The Manufacturer Live conference will be split into four streams this year: 'Finance Costs and Input Prices', 'Your People', 'Production Strategies' and 'Sustainable Manufacturing'.
The line-up includes leading case studies, thought leaders and provocative commentary offering an opportunity to get up to speed and gain flexibility in the global market.
Alongside the Manufacturer Live conference will be the Manufacturer Live 2008 Exhibition – an opportunity to present products and services to key decision-makers in manufacturing and meet conference delegates.
To find out more click here |
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"The work we have done with the specialists at the MAS has been invaluable in taking the business forward. The lean techniques that we have introduced are being used to great effect throughout the business"
Francis Russell, Francis Russell Designs
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| EEF launches new annual survey |
Successful collaboration with both customers and the science base is delivering superior results from manufacturers’ more sophisticated innovation strategies, according to a new annual survey of Innovation published today by EEF.
EEF’s Innovation Monitor, the first of its kind, provides the most up to date picture of the breadth of companies’ innovation capabilities and activities.
Commenting, EEF Chief Economist, Steve Radley, said: "Real progress has been made by both companies, in their efforts to collaborate with outside expertise, and by universities in becoming more responsive to business. But getting these relationships off the ground is not straightforward. Widening the scope of some existing and successful schemes would offer further support for small companies trying to launch a collaborative partnership."
To read more, click here
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"I don't know how we would have got started on continuous improvement without the help from MAS"
Alan Stevenson, Kaba Ltd
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International music supremo and global car manufacturer to inspire the region's trailblazing businesses
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Miles Copeland, an American serial entrepreneur, record executive and music publisher, will take to the stage next month at the biennial Beacon Summit to inspire the region's top trailblazing businesses.
Founded on promoting music concerts, Miles' business career evolved to discovering, managing and promoting some of the most successful artists in the world including The Police, REM, Sting, The Bangles and Jools Holland.
Whilst Copeland will share his experiences from the cut throat world of the entertainment industry, Ian Armstrong, the brand manager of Honda UK and Dennis Turner, the chief economist at HSBC will also address the audience, providing insight into the power of brand in the future world of business and trends emerging in the current economic situation.
Throughout the day, other experts taking to the podium will include Russell Crisp, speaking on Talent Management in 2010 and Beyond; Ian Irvine on Standing out from the Crowd; and Korash Sanjideh whose session will engage the audience in demonstrating the power of digital technology.
The Summit at Sandy Park Conference Centre in Exeter on 28 October 2008 is hosted by Beacon South West which brings together forward-thinking companies in the region to pool knowledge and expertise and spearhead economic growth.
For further 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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>Operational Leadership Programme, 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. |
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Tuesday 23rd September 2008, Kaba UK, Tiverton |
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Monday 6th October 2008, Toshiba, Ernesettle, Plymouth |
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Manufacturers |
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>Lean Sales Programme
Ever asked these questions about your business: How many new clients have you acquired in the last six months? How many big contracts have you won? How many have you 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 can benefit from this programme in Lean Sales. You will learn more about this approach to selling, 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. You will be introduced to applying lean techniques within the office and ‘in the field’ also looking at how to become Lean in the sales order process and why this is vital for today’s SME.
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 plus VAT per delegate |
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>Manufacturing: Managing the Future
The South West Manufacturing Network is planning to host this event designed to raise the profile of manufacturing in the SW by celebrating its achievements. This will be an opportunity for over 200 companies from the manufacturing sector to share, learn and network. The key themes of skills, innovation and climate change will be aired with key speakers drawn from companies such as Honda and Mulberry who will share their thoughts and best practices. The event will also include a small exhibition of manufacturing and business support organisations.
Please feel free to come and speak with the South West MAS team on their exhibition stand.
For further information and booking click here. |
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Thursday 2nd October 2008, Sandy Park, Exeter Rugby Club |
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Manufacturers |
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£40 plus VAT per delegate |
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>Improving your Manufacturing Operation
An interactive workshop to train employees in identifying manufacturing improvement opportunities within their business.
Delegates will participate in factory simulation, to understand the impact of non-value added activities and also look at teamwork communication, problem solving and decision making to encourage operational improvements by understanding the impact these have on their business.
For further information and booking click here. |
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Thursday 9th October, 2008, The Fingle Glen Golf Hotel, Tedburn St Mary, Exeter |
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Manufacturers |
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£25 per delegate plus VAT |
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>Introduction to Lean Manufacturing
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 7 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. |
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Thursday, 23 October 2008 - Bristol City Football Club |
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Morning Session |
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Manufacturers |
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£25 plus VAT per delegate |
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>Practical Problem Solving
Continually improving requires continually solving problems - whether these are technical or recurring day-to-day problems.
What is the best way of engaging my team in problem solving?
How do we find the route cause, so the problem doesn’t recur?
In just half a day, you will learn practical and proven tools and techniques that really work on the shop floor.
Management by Fact is a term frequently used in manufacturing. We will show you, using team-based activity, how to identify process / production variability and what changes will give you the biggest improvements for least time, cost and effort.
You will learn tools and techniques to demonstrate to your team and senior management the real bottom line benefits of implementing change.
For further information and booking please click here.
NOTE: When booking to attend the "Practical Problem Solving" workshop, why not book for the morning session as well "Introduction to Lean Manufacturing" |
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Thursday, 23 October 2008 - Bristol City Football Club |
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Afternoon Session |
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Manufacturers |
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£25 plus VAT per delegate |
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Shell springboard funding applications open again
Tackling climate change is not just about cost and compliance; if you've got a great idea and a sound business plan, it could be a huge opportunity. Shell springboard is now open for a fourth round of applications, for small businesses who have a product or service that reduces greenhouse gasses. The fund will make awards of between £20,000 and £40,000 in early 2009. To be eligible your product or service must reduce greenhouse gases, be innovative and commercially viable. You must have been in business for at least three months as a sole trader or a company employing fewer than 250 people.
Deadline for applications is 7 November 2008.
For further information on this scheme please email info@swmas.co.uk
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Carbon reduction commitment - will it affect you?
Find out if the new carbon reduction commitment affects your business. If it does you need to collect information about your electricity consumption from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008.
Click here to find out more.
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The new Enterprise Europe Network in the South West – manufacturer wanted to partner UK company
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:
High-quality resin injection process for manufacturing of fibre-reinforced composites (Ref: SWMAS 08 DE 0958 0IMC)
A German SME has developed and tested an innovative high-quality resin injection process for manufacturing of high-performance component parts made of fibre-reinforced composites. An advantage of the technique is the high surface quality. No kind of paintwork is needed.
The company is looking for partners from industry and research to do ability tests and necessary adaptations for special products. The company seeks a technical co-operation and/or manufacturing agreement.
Expertise in diffusion bonding of thin laminate sheets (Ref: SWMAS 08 GB 43O3 0IMR)
A UK division of a US company is looking to work with a company that has experience in the diffusion bonding of thin laminate sheets in a number of metal alloys including high nickel and chromium alloys. This will include the development of the necessary pressure, temperature and time conditions to produce a bonded structure greater than 90% solid on the bonded joint. The UK registered division wishes to identify partners for technical cooperation and licensing.
For more information on the Enterprise Europe Network in the South West, email Kenny Legg Kenny.Legg@enterpriseeuropesw.org.uk
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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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