Manufacturing Advisory Service pledges support to Black Country SMEs
THE newly-reconstituted Manufacturing Advisory Service has outlined how it will continue to support SMEs in its Black Country heartland.
At a meeting arranged by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and hosted at the West Bromwich headquarters of the National Metalforming Centre, MAS representatives outlined to more than 70 manufacturers from the area what would be on offer.
Simon Griffiths, Area Director, MAS said the new body designed to support all manufacturers, to retain and increase employment, improve productivity and deliver significant growth to the economy.
“The new nationally-operated MAS focuses on helping small and medium sized manufacturers to grow. This encompasses improving productivity and developing new products, strategy and advanced manufacturing capabilities. It is now a consistent service delivered locally wherever it is needed,” he said.
“The client journey will be streamlined; MAS will interact with manufacturers via phone call, website, client referrals and external referrals (such as the chamber). Manufacturers will then be guided through an integrated action plan: Level 1 (Enquiries), Level 2 (Manufacturing Review), Level 3 (Events), Level 4 (Consultancy) and Level 5 (Referrals).”
Mike Dell, president of Black Country Chamber of Commerce said “The Black Country Chamber has a commitment to helping manufacturers; manufacturers have and always will be at the heart of the Black Country. This is why running events and establishing partnerships with organisations such as MAS is of vital importance to ensure a prosperous future for manufacturers.”
From left: John Kelly (Specialist Manufacturing Advisor – Manufacturing Advisory Service), Stephen Preston (Managing Director, Kirkpatrick Ltd), Simon Griffiths (Area Director, Manufacturing Advisory Service) and Mike Dell (President, Black Country Chamber of Commerce)
