Pictured: Simon Griffiths, MAS Area Director North and
West
A new national programme which will focus on helping small and
medium manufacturing businesses to grow has officially launched,
Business Minister Mark Prisk and the Manufacturing Advisory
Consortium (MAC) announced today.
The new Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) is now available to
all manufacturing businesses across England. It will be delivered
by the MAC, which is comprised of Grant Thornton, Pera, WM
Manufacturing Consortium Ltd and SWMAS Ltd. It has been estimated
that the new MAS will help to generate £1.5 billion in
economic growth, 23,000 jobs and safeguard 50,000 jobs.
Businesses interested in finding out more about the programme
can find out more by visiting www.mymas.org or by calling an
advisor on 0845 658 9600.
Business Minister Mark Prisk said: "Manufacturing contributes
half of Britain's exports and has much higher productivity than the
rest of the economy so it is essential to our plans for growth.
That is why we are taking steps to ensure our industrial base is
thriving as part of a strong and balanced UK economy.
"The new Manufacturing Advisory Service will play a key role
providing tailored advice to businesses helping them to grow and
thrive, with a specific focus on helping SMEs improve
competitiveness and unlocking their growth potential."
Simon Griffiths, MAS Area Director North and West,
said:
"This type of programme is vital to support Britain's businesses
and economy in growth. MAC is driven by a passion for dynamic,
innovative business and has proven experience in delivering advice
for growth. As we drive this historically successful programme in
to a new era we encourage business leaders, innovators and
entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sector to contact a local
advisor to find out more about how MAS can deliver real benefits
for their business."
Small manufacturing businesses will also have access to a new
initiative recently announced by the Government to improve the
global competitiveness of UK advanced manufacturing supply chains.
The up to £125 million fund will cover the whole of England
and will help to support the UK supply chain, encourage new
suppliers to invest in the UK and support economic
growth.