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The global economy is facing unprecedented challenges. Tighter credit conditions and rising input costs mean difficult times ahead for the UK economy.
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These challenges are reflected in an increased air of uncertainty in the South West. The region’s economy has made strong progress in the last decade, but businesses and consumers are preparing for, and adapting to, a tougher economic climate.
In the South West, we need to build on the initiatives that are happening nationally – the radical reduction in interest rates and the extraordinary levels of support for the financial sector. In the RDA, we are developing or expanding initiatives which include:
- Establishing a Business Loan Fund
- Providing focused support for businesses to help them survive and thrive
- Coordinating the response to large companies in difficulty
- Preparing for economic recovery
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A good example of helping manufacturers prepare for the downturn is through the MAS’ Downturn Readiness Review (DRR), which looks at a business' ability and plans to cope with challenges arising from a tightening of the economy - please email downturn@swmas.co.uk.
Responding to the short-term economic uncertainty is important. It does not mean that we have shifted our focus away from investing in the long-term health of the economy. We remain focused on building the foundations of a successful low-carbon economy as outlined in our recent Corporate Plan.
Greg Taylor
Head of Business Support
South West RDA
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MAS growth strategy is a steel for South West manufacturer
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Taunton Fabrications, manufacturer of fabricated metal products, has been successfully implementing a devised strategy and plan for growth with hands-on support from MAS specialists.
Most recently the company took advantage of MAS’ Downturn Readiness Review (DRR). Although Taunton Fabrications had not been impacted by the downturn, with its client portfolio spanning housing, commercial property and general construction it was keen to batten down the hatches and prepare the business for potential challenges on the horizon.
Dave Phelps, director at Taunton Fabrications, commented: “Through the Strategic Management Programme (SMP), delivered by the MAS, we have become accustomed to constantly reviewing the business and making changes to enhance business productivity and opportunities for growth.
To read more click here
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Spotlight on David Proctor, DP Engineering
David Proctor is managing director of DP Engineering, supplier of precision machined parts to sectors including aerospace, Ministry of Defence, gas appliance controls and the medical industry
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What excites you about your day-to-day work?
Coming to work and seeing highly skilled personnel going about their tasks with a sense of pride and with a smile on their face. It is always reassuring to know that they enjoy what they are doing.
In a typical day, what is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?
When a prospective customer contacts us having been recommended by an existing customer.
What has been your greatest achievement in the last year?
On a personal note, finally getting a boat that is comfortable and big enough to use all year round! Professionally, seeing DP Engineering’s sales grow by 55 per cent in the current economic climate.
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
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Downturn Readiness Review
What does the economic slowdown mean for you? Is it an opportunity or a problem?
MAS has launched a programme 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 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
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"The Downturn Readiness Review is another invaluable initiative from the service which has helped us to prepare for future growth and success."
David Phelps, director at Taunton Fabrications
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MAS expertise delivers £177m GVA to UK manufacturing SMEs
The BERR Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) has published its Annual Report for the period 2007/08, revealing that £177m of GVA has been delivered to the manufacturing SMEs it has worked with, an impressive 24% increase on the previous year.
Milestones for the government’s primary manufacturing business support programme for the 2007/08 period include:
- 20,600 enquiries
- 5,000 manufacturing reviews
- 900 awareness / training events, benefiting 12,300 participants
- 2,200 in-depth consultancy projects involving 13,800 days of intensive support to business
In looking to the South West over 2007/8, MAS has given advice and information to 500 organisations, visited 250 manufacturers, delivered 150 in depth consultancy projects, totalling 700 days of best practice modules and workshops, and achieved more than £7.5 million in bottom line savings.
To read more, click here.
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"The business has grown tremendously over the past 18 years, with the support of organisations such as the MAS."
David Phelps, director at Taunton Fabrications
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Productivity through creativity
When times are tough and revenues are falling there may be a temptation for business to cut ‘discretionary’ budgets - money allocated to activities such as design, says Anna Taylor from Business Link Wessex
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Independent research shows that companies that don't invest in growth, research and development during a recession are 2.5 times more likely to fail than those that do.
During hard times investment in design can give a business a competitive edge over rivals who are reigning in their design and innovation budgets in order to save money. As American Express chief executive Ken Chenault told Fortune magazine: “A difficult economic environment argues for the need to innovate more, not to pull back.’ Similarly, in September 2008 in the face of the worldwide recession, Intel’s chairman Craig Barrett told Reuters that investment in the company’s products and innovation remained very much on track. "We’ve always had the attitude that you have to make that investment in good times and bad."
To read more click here.
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| Website launched to promote collaborative working
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HERDA-SW has announced the relaunch of the Expertsouthwest.com website – the regional portal promoting collaborative work between businesses and the universities of South West England.
To read more click here.
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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 the latest question:
In these turbulent times what do you think will retain your customers?
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| Free European technology and business partnering service launched |
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A free technology and business partnering service is now available for companies and research organisations, enabling them to develop their business interests across Europe.
Enterprise Europe Network South West (EEN SW) has launched a quick and easy way for small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs across the South West to identify suitable EU-based partners for commercial agreements, technology partnerships and European research funded projects.
For further information about partnership opportunities please click here.
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MAS partners with IMechE for MX2009
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Call for entries to the ‘Oscars’ of the manufacturing industry
The BERR Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) is partnering with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for what have been dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the manufacturing industry – the Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2009 (MX 2009).
MX is the only UK awards scheme of its kind that offers an elite panel of industry experts giving free, impartial advice in a benchmarking report that has been valued at up to £20,000. The report will offer a ‘top tips’ service to firms with invaluable advice on how to improve performance, taking size, industry and resources into consideration.
Companies can enter via the MX2009 website: www.mxawards.org
The application deadline is 29th January 2009.
To read more 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 quickly see what events you’ve attended in the past. |
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| MAS South West Events |
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>Introduction to 5S, Dorset
Heard of 5S and want to find out more? Discover how adopting 5S can make a huge difference.
5S is the starting point for continuous improvement and a process for achieving the visual workplace. As a method of sustaining improvements, it’s the fastest way to make them. For manufacturers, the challenge is how to get more from existing investments in plants, machinery and people without spending more on new resources.
Benefits include:
- Increased Safety - Hazards clear and controlled
- Increased Productivity - Less Waste
- Increased Quality and Process Reliability
- Reduced Operating Costs
For further information and booking on please click here.
NOTE: When booking to attend the "Introduction to 5S" workshop, why not book for the afternoon session as well, “Practical Problem Solving" |
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Wednesday 28 January 2009, Morning Session – AFC Bournemouth, Dean Court |
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9am – 1pm |
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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.
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.
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Wednesday 28 January 2009, Afternoon Session – AFC Bournemouth, Dean Court |
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12.15pm – 4.15pm |
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Manufacturers |
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£25 plus VAT per delegate |
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>Six Sigma Programme
This nine day classroom programme, with ongoing personal coaching in proven Six Sigma techniques, designed for continuous improvement professionals who need the latest skills to guarantee success in key business projects.
The practice of Six Sigma enables the measuring and removing variation and waste from within functions and processes. This powerful process methodology operates within the structure of define, measure, analyse, improve and control. The methodology is project focussed and delivers bottom line results.
Dates:
Module 1 - 4,5,6 February 2009
Module 2 - 4,5,6 March 2009
Module 3 - 7,8,9 April 2009
For further information and booking please click here.
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Wednesday 4 February 2009, Atlantic Inertial Systems Ltd, Plymouth |
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9am – 4.30pm |
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Manufacturers |
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>Packaging and WEEE - Regulations Awareness Event
Do the Packaging and WEEE Regulations affect you?
The Environment Agency is hosting two half day events, on the following dates, to explain the implications of these regulations and how to get help.
09:30 - 12:30 Packaging - Morning Session
12:30 - 16:15 WEEE - Afternoon Session
For further information and booking click here. |
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Tuesday 20 January 2009, St John Moore House, Bodmin |
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Thursday 29 January 2009, Exminster House, Exminster |
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9.30am – 12.30pm, Packaging |
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12.30pm – 4.15pm, WEEE |
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Manufacturers |
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£15 inc VAT per delegate per session |
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>TAKE STEPS...... to a Brighter Future
FREE Event - 4th Instalment of the successful 'Make Money' Series.
Waste - Carbon Footprint - Packaging - Technology – Solutions.
Meet companies who provide FREE or FUNDED support to help your business make money.
Your chance to meet forward thinking SW Food and Drink Companies.
For further information and booking please click here. |
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Wednesday 21 January 2009, Shrubbery Hotel, Ilminster |
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9.30am – 4.15pm |
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Manufacturers |
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>SC21 Clinic
WEAF's series of rolling SC21 clinics continues with two events in the first quarter of 2009. If you want to secure your trading future and that of the West of England, sign up now.
(1) 22 January 2009 at Stirling Dynamics Ltd, Bristol BS8 4HG
(2) 19 February 2009 at Agusta Westland, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2YB
For further information and booking please click here. |
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Thursday 22 January 2009, Stirling Dynamics Ltd, Bristol |
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9.30am – 4.15pm |
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Manufacturers |
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WEAF Members £55 plus VAT per event. Non Members £110 plus VAT per event |
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