Government consults on Manufacturing Advisory Service

THE Government is seeking comments from the region’s manufacturers on how the Manufacturing Advisory Service should be run.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills decided back in November that it would retain the Manchester-based service by providing core funding of £50m over the next three years.

It has now published an open letter to manufacturers pointing to a recent review of its activities carried out by DTZ and asking for views on what the organisation’s key priorities should be and whether a service currently aimed at SMEs should be extended to include larger businesses.

The Manufacturing Advisory Service was launched in the North West in 2002 and has since helped more than 4,000 businesses in the region. Responses must be submitted by February 14 to MAS@bis.gsi.gov.uk.

Adam Buckley, head of programmes at MAS-NW, said: “MAS-NW fully appreciates how vital manufacturing is to the economy, and we will continue to play our part in ensuring the sector remains vibrant, creative and profitable.”