South West MAS - The Manufacturing Advisory Service
www.mas.bis.gov.uk/south-west March 2010
 
 
Image

In this newsletter

button

Welcome from John Thompson - UKTI South West senior international trade advisor
button

Spotlight on Nigel Horley, managing director, La Patisserie, Bristol
button

News
button

Events and Workshops
 
Email us
 
John Thompson

In this period of world wide economic uncertainty it is more important than ever that manufacturing businesses raise their game to stay ahead of the competition, increase their bottom line and guarantee their future.
 

Growing a business internationally should be one of the options under active review. Establishing a strategy for export growth and the development of new markets may not be quite as hard as you think and it can give the opportunity to take advantage of currency changes, increasing and shifting demands in alternative markets, not only for products but services as well.

Merely dabbling in international trade cannot make it a pillar of your business. Businesses need to recognise that trading internationally has the potential to underpin normal market fluctuations within the domestic market and that a strategic, planned, researched and well executed new market development plan could make a significant difference.

 

A changed approach very often requires some new skills and extra support just to make it happen and that's where UK Trade and Investment, alongside the Manufacturing Advisory Service, comes in. Central to the strategy of any business trading internationally should be a review of its products and the most successful trading market in which to operate. With experienced advisors and practical knowledge helping manufacturers tune into production efficiencies, MAS-SW works hand-in-hand with UKTI specialists who in turn provide market support and information vital to manufacturers in these uncertain times.

John Thompson
UKTI South West senior international trade advisor

To find out more about international opportunities, contact info@swmas.co.uk or 0845 608 3838
 
 
 
Spotlight:
La Patisserie, Bristol

Spotlight on on Nigel Horley

Managing director, La Patisserie, Bristol

What excites you about your day-to-day work?

The most exciting moments of all are winning new business.

In a typical day, what is guaranteed to put a smile on your face?

When I overhear the gentle teasing that goes on between our bakers it makes me smile! Their favourite game at break time is to be the first to write a colleague's name against pictures of zoo animals in the paper. Innocent fun!

What has been your greatest achievement in the last year?

I would say that simply keeping the business going over the past two years has been my greatest achievement.

On a day-to-day basis, what do you find frustrating about your work?

Most frustrating are changes of personnel at your key customers (that's Head Chefs in our world) - when you suddenly know that you are effectively back to square one.

What inspired you to work in manufacturing?

Because both of my parents worked for manufacturing businesses I've always had this tunnel vision about making stuff, delivering it, sending out invoices, and, if you're lucky, getting a cheque back. Stone age really, but I just can't imagine working in a business where there isn't a solid product. I say solid, it may be made of choux pastry - but you know what I mean.

What makes your company stand out from the rest? How do you beat the competition?

Probably what sets us apart is the fact that I say yes to almost every customer request and then my team go on to solve that request, whatever technical or structural challenges are entailed. We recently worked out how to make a particular mousse with a different flavor of Panna Cotta inside. It's satisfying to achieve these things, but they are always last minute, no time to do a costing, and so I guess the price to try to cover us.* The fact that we are probably more flexible than many similar companies may be part of our appeal - but then so often I'm taking a flyer on the price. It's no way to run a business. But if I turned down last minute or difficult orders there wouldn't be much left.

What hopes / concerns do you have about the future of manufacturing in the UK?

Given my tunnel vision, I would like to see more emphasis on our type of business.

What piece of advice would you give to any manufacturing newcomers?

The lesson I've learnt is to be tenacious and roll with the punches.

Who is your hero?

Sir John Harvey Jones - the great exponent on British manufacturing.

* MAS-SW is available to help manufacturers to develop a process for determining product costs and value to the business - info@swmas.co.uk 0845 608 3838

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 6,000 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
 
 
News:
 

Lean Leader Programme launched to support evolution of manufacturing

Running from 24th May to mid-July 2010, this eight-day Lean Leader Programme will support manufacturing managers who want to learn about, drive, activate and implement lean processes within their facilities.

Applying expertise and practically illustrating how lean manufacturing techniques can be developed by leaders within a business, MAS-SW specialists will be empowering manufacturers to create team facilitators from existing staff.

MAS-SW specialist Mark Garner said of the programme: "This eight-day course will coach manufacturers not only on proven lean tools and techniques, but also on the leadership skills required to apply and implement them within their business in order to really make a difference."

The programme will take place in four blocks of two-day sessions and revolves around an in-company operational improvement project that will deliver real and immediate cost savings. Each participating company will also receive one day on site support from a MAS-SW Lean specialist to assist with project learning and facilitation.

To register your interest in this programme, being delivered at the West of England Aerospace Forum's conference room in Clevedon, Bristol, please email info@swmas.co.uk.

Places on the programme are limited.


Kingswood Partnership

We ♥ Manufacturing - local students take part in manufacturing masterclass

To mark Manufacturing Week, MAS-SW specialists attended a number of events designed to introduce manufacturing to the next generation.

The Week, which was part of a long-running campaign to promote the success of the sector and create an internationally competitive business environment for UK manufacturing, was run by the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) and involved a series of regional and national events.

Kingswood Partnership Phil Townsend and Richard McIntosh from the MAS-SW ran a session on product design for students who are currently working towards their Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design. The diploma is one of 21 courses offered by the Kingswood Partnership, a consortium of six secondary schools in South Gloucestershire plus the City of Bristol College, that have come together to pool resources.

During the workshop, the students were able to take apart an old and a new "Henry" vacuum cleaner and see how it had been modified over the years. They also watched a short film on how the "Henry" is manufactured, and grill the manufacturing specialists on what sort of jobs are available in manufacturing today and what they entail.

Phil Townsend, operations team manager for MAS-SW in the Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol areas, commented: "The workshop was well received and we believe it was extremely valuable for the students to meet people from industry and have the opportunity to ask questions about building a career in modern manufacturing."

To read more click here


 
 

MAS-SW Events and Workshops
 
button

You can now book your place at MAS South West events online. Simply visit the MAS South West 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.
 
button

3D Computer Aided Design Workshop

SolidWorks 3D design software helps manufacturers design better products faster. When you have an idea for a great product, you'll have the tools to design it in less time, and at lower cost. Companies across the South West which have invested in 3D design software have been able to access mechanical CAD, design validation, product data management, design communication, and CAD productivity tools in a single package that's affordable and easy to use. Manufacturers are also realising the advantages of choosing a CAD solution that is most likely to be used by their customers and suppliers. SolidWorks has a comprehensive set of collaboration tools that makes it simple for companies to share design information throughout the design and manufacturing process. There are over 600 companies in the South West using SolidWorks, designing a wide range of products from diverse industries such as aerospace, farm machinery, home appliances and furniture.

For further information about free CAD training events for manufacturers in the South West where MAS-SW specialists will be on hand to answer queries about funding implementation of SolidWorks 3D CAD, please click here.

MAS - SW Booking
 

£Millions invested in low carbon skills

Low carbon businesses across the South West are set to benefit from a low carbon, high skills initiative, worth up to £2.4m. The initiative has been funded in large part by the South West RDA (with a £1.2m investment) and will be co-ordinated by Universities South West. It aims to help the region in its move towards a low carbon economy through the provision of demand-led higher level skills for employees.

In response to the recent designation of the South West as a 'Low Carbon Economic Area' in Marine Energy, the project will engage specifically with companies in this sector. However there is also demand for higher level skills in other low carbon related sectors, including:

  • non-marine renewables, e.g. micro-generation;
  • low carbon manufacturing;
  • civil nuclear (new-build and decommissioning); and
  • sustainable construction.

'This project can be a huge boost to the regional economy and help to maintain the South West as the leading low carbon region. Only by ensuring that people have the right skills and abilities can we help companies win the substantial business opportunities that this fledgling industry presents,' said Suzanne Bond, Executive Director of People & Skills at the South West RDA.

To read more click here


Virtual factory that helps manufacturers go green

Envirowise has launched an innovative online tool that helps businesses discover how they can reduce their costs and environmental impact through resource efficiency measures. Taking inspiration from online worlds and communities such as Second Life, Envirowise has built a virtual factory complete with a main office, warehouse, backyard, meeting room, dispatch area, production rooms and restroom. Manufacturers can go online and navigate around the rooms, identifying key areas to make savings and gaining access to tips, free publications and services. The factory is part of Green Street which also has a pub, hotel, restaurant and office.

To find out more, click here


 
Partners & Other Events

Defence Research 2010 Annual Conference & Exhibition

Defence Research 2010 is the only official UK MOD event to present the whole of the MOD's £450 million annual research investment to industry, academia and other suppliers, alongside key members of the MOD and the Armed Services. The MOD is offering businesses and organisations the opportunity to deal directly with the entire defence research community through exhibitions, networking opportunities and sponsorship.

For more information please click here.

Tuesday 23rd March - Wednesday 24th March 2010, Birmingham International Conference Centre.

MAS - SW Booking

Climate change and your business

FIND OUT about climate change - from how your business can reduce its carbon footprint or benefit from improving its environmental performance to what you should know about your waste responsibilities

UNDERSTAND MORE about how resource efficiency can save you money and make your business more competitive

MEET THE EXPERTS including Business in the Community, Business Link, the Carbon Trust, the Environment Agency, Forum for the Future, North Somerset Council and the MAS-SW

ACCESS a wealth of free advice and information

LEARN about cost savings, tax obligations and breaks, permits and licences and grants and support

TAKE AWAY good advice, ideas and inspiration

Complimentary buffet networking lunch, courtesy of North Somerset Council (This event is being funded by North Somerset Council as part of its work on climate change and support to local businesses).

For booking information please click here.

Thursday 1st April 2010, Cadbury House Hotel, Congresbury, North Somerset.

MAS - SW Booking
 

Innovation Forum for Innovators in 2010

South West companies will be able to learn how to access over £1 billion of public funding for innovation at a series of forthcoming Innovation Forum events being held across the region in 2010

Delegates will be able to educate themselves on what business support is available and suitable for their business all in one day by attending workshop sessions and an exhibition.

For more information about this event please click here.

Thursday 8th April 2010, University of Plymouth.

MAS - SW Booking
 

Control of Engineering Systems

Industrial relevance control is a fundamental part of many engineering systems but often is only considered as an afterthought to systems design. The problem with control theory is that it is considered to be a complex 'black art'. The purpose of this set of courses is to dispel this myth and prove that theoretical control considerations can be directly applicable without great difficulty. The courses are aimed at engineers involved in electronics design, manufacturing and systems.

For more information about this event please click here.

Monday 12th April 2010, University of the West of England.

MAS - SW Booking
 

Further News Articles

NetRegs

NetRegs

For further free environmental guidance for small and medium-sized businesses visit the NetRegs website
 
 
Supporting Manufacturers Operational Improvement Strategic Management    
  New Product Development Leadership Supply Chains Resource Efficiency

MAS is the trusted provider of advice and hands-on support for manufacturers aiming to achieve sustainable success.
BIS LogoSouth West of England Regional Development AgencyBusiness Linkherda sweef WesternEuropean Regional Development Fund

©2010 MAS South West www.mas.bis.gov.uk/south-west. 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 | Subscribe | Unsubscribe
You are receiving this email because you have registered with MAS-SW to receive our mailings. If you no longer wish to receive emails from MAS-SW please unsubscribe. This email address is not monitored – please direct all enquiries to info@swmas.co.uk.