A group dedicated to promoting and supporting Somerset’s diverse manufacturing sector is calling on the county’s decision makers to join and have their say on its future.

The Somerset Manufacturers’ Group (SMG) will have its inaugural meeting on 24th October 2018 and is urging those with a stake in the sector to attend and make their voices heard.

The SMG, made up of CEOs, directors and business owners representing some of the county’s leading organisations, including Leonardo and SWMAS (Somerset Manufacturing Advisory Service), was formed to ensure Somerset manufacturers across all sectors are represented regionally and nationally.

It is also a platform for the county’s manufacturers to share best practice and resources as well as promoting joint ventures and encourage peer to peer networking.

The first meeting will also feature a workshop on the theme of productivity, highlighting where bosses can engage their employees to drive production up by as much as a fifth.

Simon Howes, MD of SWMAS, said: “We have a wealth of manufacturing expertise right here in Somerset, from global businesses like Leonardo to smaller companies who are growing fast and making a name for themselves.

“Whilst as a county Somerset is often overlooked, frequently seen as somewhere people go through on their way along the M5 to Devon, Cornwall or Bristol, many are surprised to hear that we have over 2000 manufacturers spanning heritage to hi-tech companies.

“Our group acts as a source of knowledge and ideas, where we can create opportunities such as leveraging local capabilities, all geared towards driving the growth of manufacturing businesses county-wide, whilst promoting Somerset as a desirable place for inward investment.

“What’s more, as a united group, we can identify opportunities for funding and other business support through working closely with partner organisations to ensure Somerset manufacturers across all sectors are represented and have a voice at the highest level.”

Want to get involved?

The first meeting of the Somerset Manufacturers’ Group takes place on Wednesday, October 24 at Leonardo’s production facility in Yeovil. If you are a director or CEO of a manufacturing business in the county you are welcome to attend and have your say on the SMG’s future.

For more information and to book your place for free go to www.swmas.co.uk/business-support/somerset-manufacturers-group