|
|
 |
With manufacturers feeling the pinch amidst the economic downturn, and businesses paying almost a third more for items such as energy and raw materials than it did last year, it is essential that manufacturers look at ways to cut costs by becoming more resource efficient.
|
Becoming more resource efficient by following lean manufacturing principles is a key way for manufacturers to boost their bottom line. However, it is vital that this is not at the expense of delivering on-time quality goods and service to customers. This is a key way to protect and increase market share, safeguard corporate reputation and survive the ups and downs of the global economy.
Implementing processes, such as the reduction of lead times for production, can really help with the management of erratic orders whilst inventory reduction can free up cash within the business. Another key area for businesses to review is diversification into other markets. This could keep many afloat during the recession as well as opening new opportunities for diversification.
|
|
Firms should not underestimate the importance of becoming more environmentally aware and implementing resource efficient techniques. By doing so, many could save a considerable amount of money by recycling raw materials, cutting back on packaging and implementing Total Productive (or Preventative) Maintenance (TPM) to ensure that quality of work being produced does not suffer due to lack of maintenance.
As economic conditions continue to get tougher, manufacturers cannot afford to wait for costs to go back to ‘normal’. It is essential that they look at ways of implementing ‘lean’ techniques, reducing costs and improving performance. MAS South West can provide a free on-site review to highlight where a company can make a significant impact to their profits and keep ahead in these uncertain times. By providing a fresh pair of eyes we can offer ideas, solutions and ongoing support.
Paul Gilbert
Partnership Specialist
MAS-SW
|
|
|
"The workshop gave me a better understanding of what lean is all about."
Jo Hart, trainer, UnoMedical, Stroud on the recent Introduction to Lean Manufacturing workshop in Wiltshire
|
 |
 |
Sami Caglar, managing director, of SFL
Sami Caglar is managing director of SFL, supplier of standard and bespoke flue, chimney and exhaust systems to organisations throughout the world
|
|
What excites you about your day-to-day work?
Everyday is a different challenge and everyday is a different solution. One day I could be working with the team on improvements in house, and the next day working on marketing strategies.
In a typical day, what is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?
Apart from receiving a large order, seeing our employees learning and using their knowledge to overcome problems and improve their workplace, is definitely the top reason to make me smile.
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
|
|
|
 |
MAS helps South West manufacturer flex its muscles to meet demand
For Salisbury-based Hiflex Fluidtechnik, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance flexible hoses and pipes, a major new order meant that key changes needed to be made to meet demand.
|
|
Having benefited from the hands-on expertise of MAS specialists on a number of projects over the last few years, Hiflex Fluidtechnik got back in touch to help develop a new manufacturing cell to fulfil the order.
To read more, click here
|
|
 |
|
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 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
|
|
|
 |
Free European technology and business partnering service
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.
Please click here for the latest partnership opportunity
For further information about partnerships opportunities please click here
|
|
|
"Firms should not underestimate the importance of becoming more environmentally aware and implementing resource efficient techniques."
Paul Gilbert, Partnership Specialist, MAS-SW
|
|
|
New IP Healthcheck Launched
The IP Healthcheck online diagnostic tool helps artists, inventors, sole traders and small and medium sized businesses identify, protect and commercially exploit their Intellectual Property (IP). It’s free to use and will help you find out:
- If you have IP to protect
- Whether you own it and, if you don’t, who does
- How to protect it, and whether you should
- How you can exploit it commercially
By answering a series of simple questions on the IP topic of your choice a tailored confidential report will be created for you, based on what you have told us. The report will include:
- A list of recommended action points, to help you protect and exploit your IP rights
- An explanation of why we have made each recommendation
- Guidance on how to put each recommendation into practice
- Links to useful information, websites and other resources
The tool is available now and can be found here
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| 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. |
|
| MAS South West Events |
  |
|
> Renishaw Tour & Demonstrations - Concept to Customer
Are you a key player in a manufacturing company? Do you influence innovation, diversification, change and continuous improvement?
Join MAS at Renishaw's New Mills site Technology Centre, Pre-Production Facility & Rapid Manufacturing Centre. See Product Demonstrations of the latest CMM Scanning Technology.
For further information and booking please click here |
 |
Thursday 23 April 2009 – Gloucestershire, Wotton Under Edge, GL12 8JR |
 |
10.30am – 3.30pm |
 |
Manufacturers |
| |
£25 + VAT |
|
 |
|
> Operational Leadership Programme, Bristol
This six stage development programme, run over approximately 20 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 |
|
Wednesday 6th May to 1st October 2009 –Tortworth Court Hotel, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 8HH |
|
Manufacturers |
| |
|
|
|
|
> Productivity through Creativity
Want to know how to apply innovative strategies that maximise the
potential of your business? Experience hands-on design processes that
can help deliver more effective new products and services in our FREE
'Productivity through Creativity' workshops. This is one of two
workshops being held this Spring. The workshops are aimed at managing
directors and other senior managers of manufacturing businesses, looking
for practical methods to help your business focus more sharply on
customers and develop stronger working relationships.
Places are limited so book now!
For further information and booking please click here |
|
28 April 2009 – Engineers House, Clifton, Bristol |
|
10am - 4pm |
|
Manufacturers |
| |
|
|
|
|
> 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.
|
|
Manufacturers |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
2009 Best Factory Awards
|
|
Award partners Cranfield School of Management and Works Management magazine are now inviting entries to the 2009 Best Factory Awards. There is no entry fee and as well as the chance of winning one or more of a dozen category-specific trophies, every entrant gets the benefit of a free, detailed Cranfield assessment, across key operating measures, of its standing in the manufacturing sector in which it operates.
The closing date for entries is 31st March 2009.
For more information: click here
Contact: Maggie Bridge 01234 754498 / m.bridge@cranfield.ac.uk
|
|
|
‘The Turning the Corner programme’
Barclays Commercial Bank has launched a new initiative under the banner ‘The Turning the Corner programme’ to assist its manufacturing sector clients in battling recession.
The bank says the programme combines practical guidance, workshops, industry discussions and networking events to offer manufacturing business owners and managers specific skills and knowledge that will help them in meeting the unique challenges, and identifying potential opportunities, the current recession presents.
As part of the programme, a series of industry focused events have been scheduled throughout the next few months. ‘Inside Track’ events will provide an opportunity for businesses from a variety of sectors to learn from their peers what is being done to adapt, survive and in some cases thrive during the current climate. The events will be facilitated by high profile speakers such as the Evening Standard’s financial editor, Anthony Hilton and leading business analyst and futurologist James Bellini; and chaired by a panel of industry leaders, as well as Barclays industry experts, who will examine industry best-practice and the opportunities that exist in the current climate.
For more information: click here
|
|
"With MAS’ support, we have successfully developed a new manufacturing cell based on lean principles and techniques to maximise performance and ensure customer demands are met quickly and as efficiently as possible."
Guy Green, manufacturing director at Hiflex Fluidtechnik
|
|
|
Real help now: Saving money - It's your business
Small businesses can save cash, carbon and water by adopting the advice in ten simple tips from Defra and DECC, launched today.
As part of the ‘Real Help for Businesses Now’ campaign, the Government has collated easy guidance for small businesses, helping them to save money.
The tips will be launched as a radio, online and print information campaign and supplement the cross-government Real Help campaign, aimed at helping businesses through the economic downturn.
For more information:click here
|
|
 |
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!
|
|
|
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: ‘Where do you think you can make the most significant savings?’
44 per cent said labour
30 per cent said overheads
26 per cent said materials
|
|
|
The South West C+ Carbon Positive Awards
Is your business a low carbon success story? If you're dedicated and passionate about the environment and believe your way of doing business can inspire, there is still time to enter The South West C+ Carbon Positive Awards. The South West C+ Carbon Positive Awards is a regional scheme developed by the South West of England Regional Development Agency and is supported by Business in the Community and Sustainability South West, to recognise and celebrate the businesses, organisations and community groups from across the region that are taking positive carbon action. The closing date for applications is 31 March. For more information and to download an application form visit: www.bitc.org.uk
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
| |
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:
|
       |
 |
|
©2009 South West Manufacturing Advisory Service www.swmas.co.uk. All rights reserved.
Chargrove House | Main Road, Shurdington Cheltenham Glos GL51 4GA | United Kingdom | Company Registration No 4332659
Email info@swmas.co.uk |
Privacy policy | Unsubscribe
You are receiving this email because you have registered with the South West MAS to receive our mailings. If you no longer wish to receive emails from the South West MAS please unsubscribe. This email address is not monitored – please direct all enquiries to info@swmas.co.uk.
|
|
|
