Welcome from Jim Hanbury

Case Study – Alderman Tooling

Spotlight on Andrew Roy, production manager of Bio Track

Events and Workshops

News

What a difference a network makes
David Stone, founder Guru Marketing

Research has shown that it is vital in any economic downturn to not only have a network to fall back on, but more crucially, it is the time to build one. In developing a greater understanding of networking and the opportunities which can arise, having a circle of close knit peers can be a key asset to success. Learning curves can be collapsed and the cost of errors minimised through a strong supportive community of like minded peers.

Furthermore, according to Jan Vermeiren (founder of Networking Coach), when a third party brokers an introduction between two of his/her trusted colleagues or connections, there is around an 80% likelihood of a sale. When put into context with the response rates from cold calling (3%) or a mail shot (0.5%), it’s clear to see the potential in networking as a marketing tool.

In fact, it is no accident that most transactions in business to business, selling take place after five meetings or phone calls and it’s even less surprising that 80% of sales people never get beyond the third call.

Manufacturers who rarely collaborate with other companies tend to suffer in harder times, as management teams take an insular approach to their problems. Adopting a more outward approach, not only leads to an increased sense of community, but may also reap unexpected financial rewards, such as increased sales through accurate and reliable referrals.

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

New Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

The Government has created a new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) whose key role will be to build Britain’s capabilities to compete in the global economy. The Department will be created by merging BERR and DIUS. A new website will be created in due course. In the meantime, you can access the existing DIUS website at www.dius.gov.uk

The BIS has published a leaflet for businesses detailing the importance and benefits of paying on time. The advice has been written in conjunction with the Institute of Credit Management (ICM) and outlines what businesses can expect when they sign up to the Prompt Payment Code. To download the leaflet go to: www.icm.org.uk

Save money through the business rate relief scheme

If you own a small business which has a ratable value of below £15,000 a year you could claim up to half of your business rates back. The business rate relief website offers advice and guidance on taking advantage of the Government's business rate relief scheme. It provides practical information on eligibility and on how to go about claiming. For further information visit: www.businessraterelief.co.uk / www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/index.htm

Premises Legislation changes

From 6 April legislation changes came into force which means that employers no longer have to register a factory, office or shop with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The requirement to register with the HSE has been removed from the Factories Act 1961and the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963. Factory employers no longer have to register with the HSE, while office and shop employers do not have to register with their local authority. To read more on this story go to: www.hse.gov.uk

Call for support to inspire young people

Early indications are suggesting that the 490 or so students that worked with the Engineering Design Team (EDT) in 2008/09 could be halved in 2009/10.

The EDT, an independent registered charity which runs schemes to inspire and motivate young people to choose a career in science, engineering and technology, has found that companies who have supported the EDT in the past are finding themselves unable to do so due to the constraints that the economy is creating.

If you think you can help minimise this massive drop in numbers by making any introductions with clients to help increase awareness and participation for next year, please contact: Charity Watkins, EDT regional director on 01752 762111

Targeting Improvements

Are you a key player in a manufacturing company?

Do you manage to maintain the momentum of sustainable continuous improvement?

This hands-on session will be based around a case study company for which you will calculate some key shop floor measures using a structured common-sense approach within a 'productivity and competitiveness' framework.

The benefits of the PAC programme are that improvements are identified through analysis of company data relating to quality, delivery and cost performance. This drives the identification of improvement projects that deliver real benefits. Long term sustainability and continued improvement is ensured by linking the requirements of the BIT NVQ qualification with the real needs of the company.

For further information and booking please click here

Wednesday 24th June, 2009, 9.30am – 1pm, Lostwithiel Golf Club
COST: £25 + VAT per delegate

Lean But Don't Bend - Cornwall Chamber Industry Breakfast

LEAN BUT DON'T BEND - "How manufacturers globally are adapting to adverse new market conditions"

The current Cornwall Chamber Business Breakfast is the biggest monthly meeting of Cornwall's business community. More than 100 people from across Cornwall get together to do business and hear about key developments in the economy of Cornwall.

We are delighted to have secured a prestigious and inspiring speaker, Professor Daniel T Jones, a management thought leader and advisor on applying lean, process thinking pioneered by Toyota to every tpe of business across the world.

This special event is open to companies across Cornwall, whether or not they are a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Numbers are restricted so book early.

For more information, please download the attached flyer.

To book your place contact Amanda on 01209 216006 or email amanda@ccci.org.uk.

Tickets cost £17.50 to include breakfast.

Thursday 25th June 2009,
07:45
Penventon Park Hotel, Redruth
£17.50 to include breakfast

Invitation to South West Science and Industry Council Innovation Forum

The South West Science and Industry Council's next Innovation Forum will take place at Bournemouth University Talbot Campus.

Innovation Forums are free events that promote public sector funding streams for R&D and business support specific to R&D intensive companies.

The events have a great reputation and a good track record of producing exciting business collaborations.

For more information and draft programme please visit the Science South West website www.sciencesouthwest.org.uk.

To register for the Innovation Forum and the VIP preview of the Festival, please visit the Business Link website or contact the Business Link Events Hotline on 0854 58 85 57

Thursday 25th June 2009,
10:00 - 15:30 inc lunch and refreshments
Bournemouth University
FREE

South West 'Quick Wins' Workshop (Bristol)

Free NISP Cross-sector Workshop - creating business opportunities in challenging times

NISP brings together businesses across sectors, and encourages mutually profitable links between organisations through the exchange of resources and / or collaborate on the shared use of assets or knowledge, this resource efficient approach benefits the economy, the environment and society as a whole

For further information and booking please click here

Thursday 18 June 2009
9.00 Registration to 13.00 (lunch provided)
Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton Pavilion, College Road, Clifton, BS8 3HA
FREE entry to Bristol Zoo is included for all delegates