Welcome from Mark Shayler – Director for Ape Environmental

Case study - Moles Brewery

Spotlight on Paul Haigney, Operations Director of Pasta King

Events and Workshops

News

Green fields of opportunity

With an increasing focus on the environment and “green” initiatives, the Manufacturing Advisory Service in the South West (MAS-SW) is urging manufacturers to innovate and expand into new markets in order to stay ahead of the game.

"Green fields" of opportunity are emerging, with low carbon offering significant business opportunities. Manufacturers could access new markets and unlock cash flow by looking at the provision of Environmental Goods and Services (EGS) and the adoption of more resource and energy efficient practices into the workplace.

The UK is the sixth largest low carbon and EGS economy, with the South West recently named by Lord Mandelson as the UK's first low carbon economic area. Within the region there are over 4,000 companies engaging in the low carbon sector, either through EGS or by taking positive steps to reduce their carbon footprint. In total these companies employ around 74,000 people.

Ben Powis, environmental business development manager for the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), said: "The South West already has considerable strengths in the low carbon sector with a strong record of UK and World firsts, including the recent recognition as the UK's first low carbon economic area for marine energy. With almost one third of low carbon activity based in the manufacturing industry, it is really important that we continue to support our manufacturers in accessing the opportunities that a low carbon economy will present."

To read more click here

Celebrating operational leadership achievements

At the beginning of the month MAS-SW held an event to celebrate the achievements of delegates that had completed the Operational Leadership Programme (OLP).

The programme, which commenced on 6th May, combined off-site learning sessions with an in-company improvement project. The delegates then came together at the OLP celebratory event to present their project results.

Sue Smith, production manager for Invertec - a company that designs and manufactures lighting and interior systems for public transport and commercial vehicles - and a delegate from the OLP, said: "I have gained a lot of pride in myself and belief in others."

Following the presentations, delegates were awarded certificates in appreciation of their achievements within the programme.

Lights out for inefficient bulbs

New regulations are coming into force to phase out incandescent light bulbs and inefficient halogen lamps in order to improve energy efficiency and reduce mercury emissions. In addition, minimum efficiency ratings for all bulbs are set to be introduced.

The regulations will see the ban of frosted or pearl incandescent bulbs and clear incandescent bulbs of 100 watts or more. The ban will effect both the manufacturing and importing of such bulbs, but retailers will be given the chance to clear their stock through sales.

For more information please click here

Enterprise vouchers provide a helping hand in recession

The University of Plymouth is offering enterprise vouchers to support individuals struggling through the recession.

The vouchers, offered as part of the Economic Challenge Investment Fund, are designed to help individuals access vital services and facilities to help them prepare for the economic up-turn. This includes assistance with career planning, special diagnostic assessments, accredited and non-accredited courses and access to business start-up workspace.

For more information please email info@swmas.co.uk

UWE Business Services offers recession-busting

The University of the West of England (UWE) is helping businesses and self employed individuals that have been impacted by the recession by providing access to subsidised services.

This new offering includes QuickMark - UWE’s market assessment service - short and professional courses, UWE Ventures Bristol business incubation space and UWE library services.

These services are offered until September 2010 to businesses, start-ups and self- employed individuals who can present evidence that they have been impacted by the recession (significantly reduced trading performance, job losses, facing closure, etc).

For more information please email info@swmas.co.uk

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.

Plan to Improve – Value Stream Mapping Workshop

You may have heard of Lean Manufacturing Tools & Techniques, or may have used them already, BUT…

Do you know how to achieve the biggest savings for the least amount of time, cost and effort?

Does your factory supply to customer demand?

MAS-SW specialists will show you how to maximise your lean improvement journey at this mapping workshop, following the stages of Current State, Future State and Action Plan.

The workshop will:

For more information or to book please click here.

Wednesday 21st October 2009, 9am - 4pm, Swindon, Blunsdon House Hotel, SN6 7AS

COST: £50 per delegate including lunch and refreshments

Understanding Six Sigma Awareness Day

The practice of Six Sigma enables the measuring and removing of variation and waste from within functions and processes. This powerful process methodology operates within the structure of Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control (DMAIC). The methodology is project focused and delivers bottom line results fast.

This event will show the leaders within a manufacturing business how Six Sigma can be used as an essential tool in the journey towards sustainable continuous improvement, whilst increasing competitiveness, improving performance and motivating employees.

No prior knowledge of Six Sigma is required.

For more information or to book please click here.

Friday 13th November 2009, 9am - 4pm, Fingle Glen Golf Club, near Exeter

COST: £100 + VAT per delegate

Operational Leadership Programme

A series of Operational Leadership Programmes will be held in 2010 at the University of Exeter Business School aimed at line managers, operations, service, production and technical managers in manufacturing technology and knowledge based businesses.

This programme will build on the principle of action learning, peer group discussion, coaching and mentoring using the experience and knowledge of fellow participants.

Business benefits include:

For further information and booking please click here.

OLP1, EXETER – Commencing Thursday 14th January 2010

OLP2, BRISTOL – Commencing Wednesday 20th January 2010

COST: £1,475 per delegate

Manufacturing a Nuclear Future

It is expected that Hinkley Point will be the first new nuclear build and a major investment within the South West - come and find out about the significant supply chain and employment opportunities at all levels.

For more information or to book please click here.

Control of Engineering Systems

The Continuing Professional Development Scheme in Aerospace (CPDA) with the support of UWE and the University of Bristol are offering a range of requirements engineering training courses.

For more information or to book please click here.

Health Care Supply Association Annual Conference & Exhibition

The Health Care Supply Association Annual Conference and Exhibition provides the opportunity for you to keep abreast of the latest issues in health care purchasing and provides great network opportunities with the leading buyers from across the UK.

For more information or to book please visit the Health Care Association website:
www.hcsaconference.co.uk.