In this newsletter

	Welcome from Barry Warburton
	Spotlight - Taunton Aerospace
	Case study - Righton
	Events and Workshops
	News

The South West boasts the largest and most diverse aerospace and defence sector in the UK with global players including Airbus, Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, Augusta Westland, GE and GKN all competing successfully on the world stage.

The current global downturn is affecting businesses of all shapes, sizes and sectors across the UK. While no sector can claim total immunity from the unprecedented economic challenges, the region’s robust aerospace and defence industry is well-placed to weather the storm over the coming turbulent months.

However, its supply chain needs to be competitive in order to continue to survive and thrive. This means looking at opportunities to collaborate and innovative ways to add real value for customers.

While the region’s aerospace and defence firms have not been hugely hit by the recession yet, with the downturn continuing to bite, there are going to be casualties and the question is whether businesses in the South West are ready to take advantage of any opportunities that arise and are they ready for the inevitable upturn?

Initiatives such as adopting lean principles to the manufacturing process and innovative strategies, such as Supply Chains for the 21st Century (SC21), will help the region’s firms deliver better-performing supply chains and more effective working across business relationships. This will ensure that the UK retains its world-leading position despite growing global competition.

At the same time, it is crucial British aerospace businesses embrace the huge technological changes taking place within the sector. Firms need to understand future customer requirements and invest now in the right machinery, processes and skills to survive

The West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF) champions and supports the interests of the aerospace and defence industry in the region, alongside the MAS South West, which is a key partner providing support to ensure the aerospace and defence industry continues to grow.

Those firms that embrace innovation and technology and make a concerted effort to deliver a leaner, more efficient supply chain will ultimately survive the recession and will put themselves in pole position to take advantage of all the opportunities when the economic recovery begins.

Barry Warburton
Chief Executive
West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF)

"As a new player in the aerospace sector, with no immediate potential of a prime sponsor, we recognised that we would have to be a self starter and engaged the services and help of the MAS-SW to help support us through the SC21 process."
Andy Gauler - sales director at Righton’s

SpotLight:

Gary Francis

Managing Director
Taunton Aerospace

Gary Francis is managing director of Taunton Aerospace, designers and manufacturers of aviation technology

What excites you about your day-to-day work?

Each day always starts full of potential. I get real satisfaction from actually making things and seeing the end product being despatched to the customer, the result of many different processes coming together. I also get a real buzz from seeing people develop and grow in their roles.

In a typical day, what is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?

It is important that in a small company we can all laugh together. As well as the usual friendly banter, having a sense of humour and making a joke or amusing comment at the right time can often relieve the tension when we are struggling with a tricky problem. With relatively few staff, everyone’s actions are "out there" for all to see and people do make mistakes. It is important to ensure that blame and conflict do not take hold. Laughing together ensures that we all get along pretty well.

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 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

Case Study:

South West manufacturer achieves prestigious award

Righton, a leading metals supplier, has become the first company in Cornwall to achieve the prestigious national supply chain award - Supply Chain for the Twenty First Century (SC21).

The Saltash-based supplier of aluminium, stainless steel, high performance special alloys, industrial plastics and composites, recently achieved the coveted industry accreditation by raising the performance of its supply chain...

To read more click here

News:

Downturn readiness review

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

This MAS-SW programme is aimed at helping businesses cope with the potential downturn and build manufacturing strategies to maximise on emerging opportunities. The Downturn Readiness Review (DRR) looks at a business' ability and plans to cope with challenges arising from a tightening of the economy. It covers a review of business finances, market landscape, people and processes and aims to help businesses read situations in terms of risk, exposure and opportunities through a series of “what-if" projections and scenario planning to 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 survive and/or continue to grow in the face of an economic slowdown.

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

Demanding times call for innovative actions

While the UK’s manufacturing sector battens down the hatches as the worldwide recession continues unabated, Richard McIntosh, innovation expert at the Manufacturing Advisory Service South West (MAS-SW), argues that never has there been a more important time to put innovation at the heart of manufacturing firms’ business strategy.

To read the article in full click here

Findings on Smart Manufacturing

A consultation group established to examine ‘smart manufacturing’ has issued its recommendations in the publication “ICT and Energy Efficiency, The Case for Manufacturing?” The Smart Manufacturing group comprised representatives from the process industries, discrete manufacturing and semi-conductor manufacturing industries, ICT providers and academic institutions. The aim of the consultation was to identify opportunities for ICT to reduce the carbon footprint of Europe’s manufacturing industry.

The final report offers an analysis of the significance of manufacturing for Europe’s economy, wealth and jobs and its contribution to Europe’s overall energy consumption and estimates the savings potentials in industry. It also includes a list of recommendations for ICT deployment activities over the period 2009-2015, and a summary of R&D needs for new ICT for the benefit of manufacturing in the longer term (2015-2020). It is hoped that the measures suggested will help manufacturing to move away from the paradigm “maximum gain with minimum capital investment” towards a more sustainable economic model of “maximum added value from a minimum of resources.”

For further information on Resource Efficiency, new product introduction and development please visit www.swmas.co.uk

Help with Public Procurement

The first free forum and information centre for European Public Procurement already has over 4,700 active members (awarding authorities and companies). The forum has been set up to provide information on technical and administrative questions regarding public tenders, consult the European legislation and find guidebooks on all regulations.

Visit www.publicmarkets.org for more information or visit www.publictenders.be for news about public procurement in Europe.

New loan fund for South West businesses

As part of the drive for economic recovery, the South West Regional Development Agency (RDA) has announced the launch of a new £10m South West Loans Fund which is now available to help growth-oriented business with viable business plans. Of this £5m is available in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and £5m for the rest of the region. The Fund will play an important role in supporting some of these companies through the economic downturn. It offers smaller firms, who meet the eligibility criteria, the opportunity to obtain the capital they need to sustain and develop their business activities. Interested businesses should contact Business Link who will take them through the first steps in the application process. For further information go to: www.businesslink.gov.uk/southwest or call 0845 600 9966

Local success at NDMA Awards

More than 130 representatives from the manufacturing industry came together for the annual North Devon Manufacturing Association (NDMA) awards at Barnstaple's Cedars Hotel last month.

The awards evening was a huge success with an impressive turnout and, during these tough times, it is an important time for companies in North Devon to communicate with one another. The awards is also an opportunity to bring together both large and small firms to help encourage local businesses working together.

MAS-SW would like to congratulate Beran Instruments on their Team of Year award and Helitune from Torrington who also scooped apprentice of the year for employee Nick Symons. Judges said showed the ability and desire to go beyond the required framework for an apprenticeship. MAS-SW has worked with both Helitune and Beran on the delivery of a Six Sigma programme.

MAS-SW would also like to thank Simon Moore for designing the awards.

Consultation to help shape trademark fees

Manufacturers can have their say, helping to shape the future of trademark fees and services thanks to a public consultation being held by the Intellectual Property Office.

The Intellectual Property Office has announced a review of its trademark fees and services with a public consultation. A range of options, including a reduced fee package and new support services, aims to help businesses register marks more easily and affordably in the UK, potentially saving them over £700,000 per annum. The review has been prompted by a decrease in demand for patent and trademark applications in the UK, (down 12% in 2008) with other trade mark offices, including the European trade mark office, also seeing reductions. A fee reduction for applications to the European trade mark office has this week been agreed by the EU Member States, a move long supported by the UK. To take part in the public consultation go to www.ipo.gov.uk

MAS-SW Events and Workshops

Operational Leadership Programme, Wiltshire, Gloucester and Bristol

This six stage development programme, run over approximately 20 weeks, helps line managers to improve management and manufacturing skills to add value to their business. Participants will increase their capacity, confidence and capability in leading people and improving their manufacturing processes into action.

Sessions will be held on the following dates:

Session 1: 6th May
Session 2: 3rd June
Session 3: 22nd June
Session 4: 14th July
Facilitated Coaching Session 1: 26th August
Facilitated Coaching Session 2: 17th Sept
Celebratory Event: 1st October

There are only a few places left, so don't delay. For further information and booking please click here

Wednesday 6 May 2009, Tortworth Court Hotel, J14 M5 between Gloucester and Bristol
Manufacturers
£1500 plus VAT Delegates from Large Enterprises (LEs >250 employees) are welcome to attend, price available on request

Strategic Leadership Programme

This programme is run in conjunction with Manufacturing Advisory Service South West (MAS-SW). This ground breaking, innovative programme will be relevant to individuals and businesses from manufacturing, aerospace, defence and high technology sectors who wish to develop their strategic leadership skills.

For further information and booking please click here

Monday 18 May 2009
TBC
Manufacturers
£1975 plus VAT

Survival Strategies: Making it through the Downturn

Now is the time to review business goals and challenge the assumptions and plans made in times of growth. Tougher economic conditions should not mean you stop looking for opportunities to grow or add value to what you offer your customers.

WEAF is linking forces with the Manufacturing Advisory Service to steady you on the bumpy road of economic slowdown and to ensure you are ready to take advantage of future growth opportunities.

The Survival Strategies workshop is offered as part of the MAS Downturn Readiness Review. Places are limited to 20 – only two per company, so book now.

For further information and booking please click here

Thursday 21 May 2009, WEAF Conference Centre,
Manufacturers
£25 plus VAT

Secure the Future

Dr Goldratt will be presenting a one-day seminar on how manufacturers can help secure their futures.

Held at the IoD, London on the 19 May, the seminar will focus on the current global economic difficulties and how, via some common sense led changes, UK Manufacturers can avoid the adverse affects of the downturn.

The one-day seminar will explain step by step the actions manufacturers need to take to securely and quickly grow their profitability.

For any further information or to book tickets call James Burwood, Goldratt UK on 07816 395457.

Tuesday 19 May 2009, IoD, London
Manufacturers

Partners & Other Events

WEAF Regional SC21 Clinic

WEAF is holding a series of regional clinics to take the understanding of SC21 to the next level.

Each event includes a talk by a senior manager from a prime organisation, an outline of that company’s SC21 programme and what it expects from its supply chain. There will also be an interactive session led by one SC21 strategic partner together with presentations by SBAC & WEAF. Leadership South West will run a seminar on developing the individual leadership and management skills essential for the supply chain business.

For further information and booking click here

Tuesday 28 April 2009, China Fleet Country Club, Saltash, Cornwall
9.30am – 3.30pm
Manufacturers
£55 for members plus VAT / £110 plus VAT for non members

‘Survive and Thrive’

Stay ahead of the competition, develop new skills and increase customer satisfaction through training.

Is your business missing some of the skills it needs to survive and thrive?

You are invited to join us at our 'Survive and Thrive' Event, especially developed for small to medium size businesses throughout Cornwall.

For further information and booking please click here

Wednesday 29 April 2009, Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, Cornwall
1.30pm – 5pm
Manufacturers
FREE


Further news articles

Solutions for Business - new look MAS-SW website

Due to the launch of Solutions for Business, MAS-SW has changed the look of its website.

Solutions for Business is the new name for publicly funded business support - offering a range of services and solutions to meet real business needs.

Solutions for Business brings together and simplifies the range of support offered to businesses by government departments, their agencies and local authorities in England. The 30 products on offer have been designed to equip businesses with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to tackle issues they might be facing.

Products can help with accessing finance, innovation, research and development, training and skills, exporting and overseas trade and resource efficiency, including low carbon and will be provided by a range of respected public sector providers such as government departments and their agencies, Regional Development Agencies and Local Authorities.

Please visit www.swmas.co.uk to see the new site.

Free European technology and business partnering service

A free technology and business partnering service is now available for MAS-SW companies, enabling them to develop their business interests across Europe.

MAS-SW is working in partnership with the Enterprise Europe Network - South West to provide a quick and easy way for businesses to identify suitable European partners for commercial agreements, technology partnerships and European funded research projects.

The Partner alert service is now available on the MAS-SW website and is updated daily with potentially lucrative business opportunities from hundreds of companies, organisations, universities and research institutions located across Europe. MAS-SW companies can receive email alerts of opportunities in their specific area of expertise.

To read more and find out about the latest partnership opportunities click here

"The first European SME Week is taking place from 6 to 14 May 2009. The campaign aims to promote entrepreneurship across Europe and to inform entrepreneurs about support available for them at European, national and local level, allowing SMEs to discover an array of information, advice, support and ideas to help them develop their activities. To get involved and find out more click here"

Shell Step programme – bringing together students and business

Businesses will be able to benefit from additional support thanks to a national programme being rolled out by BRAVE Enterprise.

The Shell Step programme will place approximately 600 students nationally within small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) every year to undertake projects and provide support as required. The student gets a taste of life beyond university and in many cases, the company gets a burst of energy and new ideas that can help its business.

There are a variety of key benefits for SMEs taking part in the programme. These include, accessing a cost-effective, short-term, highly skilled resource to help you get a new or outstanding initiative off the ground, saving you time by having a dedicated and mainly self-sufficient team member to concentrate on your project, you could gain a fresh perspective on your current practices and development plans and enjoy PR and Shell Step Awards opportunities for projects that produce outstanding results.

Shell Step is managed in Bristol, North Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire by BRAVE Enterprise. The cost of employing an undergraduate full-time on an eight week project will be £1,830 + VAT (8 weeks remuneration at £210 per week plus a placement fee of £150). If you would like to find out more contact Liz Sands or Moira Hibbard at BRAVE Enterprise on 0117 944 5330 or email info@brave.org.uk Or to register your interest visit the Shell Step website www.shellstep.org.uk

2009 ENGINEER AWARDS OPEN FOR ENTRIES

The Awards programme that continues to reward excellence in collaboration between universities and industry is now open for entries. Enter the Awards programme now and be a part of this prestigious event.

All technology and engineering universities and their industry partners are welcome to enter now at www.theengineerawards.co.uk

The Awards will be held on Friday 4th December at The Royal Society, London so save the date now!

Netregs

For more information on the latest free environmental guidance for small and medium-sized businesses in the UK visit http://www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs/

Sourcing request

A small start up business based in the South West are looking for manufacturers to make one piece swimwear either from their fabric or fabric supplied by the business. They would like to be able to use a UK manufacturer to produce its goods. For further information and details please email info@swmas.co.uk placing April Sourcing Request in the subject line.

Your say

Each month MAS South West hosts a survey on its website. Visit the homepage at www.swmas.co.uk to give your views on our next question:

Last month we asked: "Do you forecast sales by your company in the coming financial year to...?"

Increase – 22%
Decrease – 52%
Stay the same as 2008 – 26%


South West Manufacturing Advisory Service - the trusted provider of advice and hands-on support for manufacturers aiming to achieve sustainable success MAS-SW is run in partnership with:


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