Welcome from Phil Halse – Manufacturing Specialist for MAS-SW

Case study - Lyncolec Ltd

Spotlight on Greg Hughes, Managing Director of TestLink

Events and Workshops

News

Carbon Trust Launches Scrappage Scheme

A survey by the Carbon Trust has discovered that a large number of British businesses are being forced to "make do and mend" with old, inefficient equipment. The main reason behind this is that over half (52%) don’t have enough money to upgrade their equipment, whilst 60% of SMEs wait until it breaks down completely before buying replacements.

To help combat this problem, the Carbon Trust has launched The Big Business Refit campaign, which aims to help businesses scrap their old power-guzzling equipment and replace it with new equipment that is cheaper and more efficient to run. This will be a step towards reducing the £3.3bn a year that businesses are spending in wasted energy.

The scheme will run until 31 March 2010 and offers expert guidance, a free energy saving assessment as well as the opportunity to apply for interest free funding.

South West manufacturing companies wishing to find out more information should call the MAS-SW helpline on 0845 608 3838 or email info@swmas.co.uk

Manufacturers See Trading Conditions Stabilise

South West manufacturers do not expect any significant improvement in trading conditions this year according to a survey conducted by EEF - the manufacturers’ organisation - and consultancy BDO Stoy Hayward.

This was the resounding opinion from manufacturers in the region despite having weathered the economic storm better than many of their counterparts elsewhere in the UK – faring better in terms of output of new orders, although holding back on capital investment.

Sixty-four per cent of manufacturers reported increased or stable performance, compared with just 44 per cent in the previous quarter.

Smart Solutions for Business from University of Exeter

The University of Exeter has launched Smart Solutions for Business, a series of innovation awards and scholarships designed to help knowledge-based businesses in the South West that want to continue developing during the recession.

These innovation awards and scholarships will run until 2010 and can be used for:

• World-leading expertise
• Graduate and student task forces
• Knowledge transfer partnerships
• Leadership and management

To provide further information and offer a framework for businesses managing innovation, the University is holding a Smart Solutions event on 23rd September 2009.

For more information please contact the MAS-SW helpline on 0845 608 3838 or email info@swmas.co.uk

MAS-SW Supports Latest CBI Figures

Recent figures for the manufacturing sector released by the CBI showed that the outlook for production over the next three months is the most positive since June 2008.

The CBI Industrial Trends Survey revealed that 32 per cent of UK manufacturers expected the volume of output to fall over the next three months, while 27 per cent predicted an increase. Although the resulting balance of minus five per cent represents a slight fall in output, it is the least negative prediction since June 2008.

Following publication of the figures, Simon Howes of MAS-SW said: "Manufacturers in the South West need to ensure that their businesses are fit for purpose with positive signs of an upturn on the horizon. As with any recession there are still opportunities for businesses that have their house in order in terms of production, finance, stock levels, staffing and measurement."

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.

Operational Leadership Programme - Celebratory Event

Manufacturing leaders and managers are invited to attend this celebratory event which is the culmination of a fast paced, fun, down to earth programme for line managers eager to get more from their people and shop floor processes.

Current participants will present the results of their in-company manufacturing improvement project, enabling you to see the benefits that the programme has to offer.

Run over approximately six months, the programme helps line managers to improve management and manufacturing skills to add value to their business.

See below for ongoing programme schedule.

For more information or to book please click here.

Thursday 1st October 2009, 9am-1pm plus lunch, Bristol/Gloucester Tortworth Hotel, Falfield

COST: £25 + VAT per delegate

Programmes:
OLP 1 Exeter commencing 13th October 2009
OLP 2 Exeter commencing 14th January 2010
OLP 3 Bristol commencing 20th January 2010

COST: £1,475 per delegate

For more information or to book please click here.

Plan to Improve – Identify the Value in your Business

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 further information and booking please click here.

Thursday 8th October 2009, 9am-4pm, Radstock, Business West, BA3 2BB

Tuesday 13th October 2009, 9am-4pm, Glos/ Bristol - Falfield, Tortworth Court Hotel

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

COST: £50 per delegate including lunch and refreshments

A South West Celebration of SC21

The West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF) invites manufacturers to attend this celebratory event which will offer the opportunity to share in the achievements of companies at the forefront of change.

For more information or to book please click here.

Wednesday 30th September 2009, 9am-2pm, The Winter Gardens, Weston-Super-Mare

COST: Members £45, Non-members £70, SC21 £35, Special £150

Productivity Improvement Course

Organised for the first time in the European Union, the EU-Japan Centre is currently inviting applications for a five-day "Productivity Improvement Course" focusing on World Class Manufacturing Techniques.

For more information or to book please click here.

Monday 5th October 2009, Alsace, France

COST: Free tuition for SMEs, 1000 Euros for LEs

SEA Opportunities for Enterprise

This is a unique event connecting world-class research with regional enterprise, organised by The Peninsula Research Institute for Marine Renewal Energy (PRIMaRE).

For more information or to book please click here.

Wednesday 7th October 2009, Roland Levinsky Building, University of Plymouth

COST: Free