In this newsletter

	Welcome from Simon Howes - response to the election outcome
	News update - from North Devon Manufacturing Association (NDMA)
	Spotlight on Richard Scutt - Langage Farm
	Case Study - Hi-Tams
	News
	Events and workshops

As the region's manufacturers receive the details of the Emergency Budget, news of a decrease in corporation tax, improved National Insurance employment incentives and continuation of entrepreneur's relief are all good news for the sector. The Chancellor continues to give encouraging signs for the new government's support for manufacturing as part of a rebalanced economy. The launch of the green investment bank set up with £2bn of equity to fund low-carbon transport and energy schemes is welcome news to the industry providing much needed investment in individual projects as well as R&D.

The news of the VAT increase was predicted by many, however concerns remain over cuts in annual investment allowances and public spending and how this will affect economic growth, particularly for those businesses engaged in supplying the public sector.

As an industry, we need to remain upbeat and seek out areas of new growth, potential export contracts and opportunities to aid recovery from the recession.

As firms adapt to the changing economic landscape, we will continue to provide real hands-on support and cost-effective consultancy to drive the economy in the region forward, and take on the Chancellor's "open for business" statement and make it our own here in the South West.

Simon Howes, business development director, MAS-SW

To read the complete budget announcement, please click here.

Insight into manufacturing in North Devon

Following yet another successful awards ceremony, the overall feeling of the North Devon Manufacturing Association (NDMA) is one of positivity. The variety of award entries received was as diverse as the region's industries, and ranged from electronics, to engineering and shipbuilding to name but a few.

The 'Manufacturer of the Year Award' was won by internationally renowned pharmaceutical company Activis, for it's ability to respond rapidly to urgent market demand; its new and innovative products range; increasing its overall output by 25 per cent and creating more regional employment. An inspirational and motivating example of the region's offering!

Looking at manufacturing across North Devon, the NDMA has seen a change in the air and holds an optimistic attitude towards the future of business. More companies are working together, looking for sub contractors in the region and bringing their supply chains closer to home. The Association has also been trying to open up a dialogue and promote the use of local companies to their members.

Across the industry sectors, all companies are looking forward to coming out of the recession and poised to make the most of opportunities for improved sales and growth. The NDMA looks forward to a continued partnership with MAS-SW to support manufacturers in North Devon throughout what will hopefully be a productive and prosperous 2010.

Small changes, big impact

An apprentice from Tyco Electronics proved how a small change to the production line can make a big impact to a company. Sean Copp won 'Apprentice of the Year' at the NDMA Awards for his solution to a production line inefficiency that was causing increasing customer returns.

Sean designed a set of gauges to improve the product checking system in place at the North Devon based manufacturing company. Managing director, Garry Brown explained:

"The variations between our products are so small that they cannot be detected by the naked eye, therefore, we needed a solution that could identify defects whilst on the production line.

"We want to eliminate any customer complaints and achieve zero defects in the product; we are on our way to achieving this through the use of the gauges which act like a jigsaw for our products to fit through. It is similar to the idea of fitting a square peg through a square hole, but on a much smaller scale.

"Our quality assurance department has commended the gauge system as being of the correct size and dimensions so that it is easy to handle and use, the innovation is a credit to Sean and will be invaluable to the company."

Spotlight:

Spotlight on Richard Scutt

Commercial and marketing manager at premium dairy product producer Langage Farm, Plymouth

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

The diversity of the enquiries that we receive each day. It could be a small village shop after a dozen yogurts or a multi-national retailer for a million pound contract! Either way securing new business is always exciting.

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

We have a white board of new weekly accounts - I normally have a big smile on my face when I see new names on there.

What has been your greatest achievement in the last year?

Maintaining our customer base in very difficult times. Fortunately, we have only lost a handful of customers and have definitely picked up more than we have lost.

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

Price increases! Plastic packaging, for example, because of rising oil prices, has increased dramatically causing a reduction in our margins. We seem to incur a price increase in some form or another most days.

What inspired you to work in manufacturing?

I left school at 16 to do an apprenticeship at an engineering company manufacturing stainless steel fittings and flanges for the petrochemical industry. I immediately felt the buzz. Whilst manufacturing automotive parts, I learned about 'just in time' and 'kaizan' principles. I found this really interesting but also very frightening and exhilarating to hit delivery deadlines which otherwise incurred penalty clauses and other repercussions. I get the same buzz nowadays in the food industry (without the penalty clauses - thank heavens!).

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

We have fantastic loyal staff here at Langage Farm. We will try everything in our power not to let a customer down. Office staff will help in production and dispatch, drivers will come in out of hours and on bank holidays, sales reps are on call for customers who run out of product and need a quick delivery. Using Jersey Milk for our products gives them a fantastic flavour - the best available on the market. We have won 'Champion Dairy Producer' at the Devon County Show three years running and are very proud of the quality of our product. Our quality is our reputation.

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

I really feel that the manufacturing industry in the UK generally does not carry the image it should. It is sometimes portrayed as a dirty, unfashionable industry to work in and until this can be changed and supported wholeheartedly, I think it will continue to struggle in the UK.

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

Grow your company at a rate that is comfortable and commercially viable for you, and choose your customers sensibly.

Who is your hero?

Desperately sad to say but my Mum and Dad - still giving me support and strength in their 80s!

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

Case Study:

Plymouth-based Hi-TAMS adopts international manufacturing tool with staggering results

Two employees from Plymouth's Hi-TAMS, a successful start-up business specialising in the manufacture, servicing and support of hi-tech products and services for large corporate businesses, has recently completed a Six Sigma Greenbelt training course, courtesy of MAS-SW.

Six Sigma is a business management strategy originally developed by Motorola in 1981. It seeks to identify and remove the causes of defects and minimise variability in the manufacturing journey.

As a result of attending the 13-day programme (which spanned six months), the pair have reduced warranty returns by 49 per cent by utilising recommendations developed through the programme.

To read more please click here

News:

Opportunity: Specialist electrical equipment required for two new nuclear power units

The proposed construction of two new nuclear power units at Hinkley presents a major opportunity for suppliers in the South West region. Work has begun to develop a local supply chain database to support the various work streams for this major constructions project.

A specific request has been received from the company who is proposing to build the nuclear reactors at Hinkley, to identify businesses that may be able to supply specific electrical equipment as part of the nuclear island.

To see what requirements are needed, please take a look at the electronic questionnaire and complete if you can fulfil the requirement.

For the online form please click here

Export is key opportunity for South West's manufacturers

The recent announcement from the Confederation of Business Industry (CBI) stated that the UK is experiencing the strongest export figures for 18 months, compensating for relative poor demand in the domestic market. Simon Howes, business development director for the MAS-SW, believes that the region's businesses should be looking at ways to capitalise on this current export trend.

"These export figures present a positive opportunity for manufacturers to look outside of the UK and Europe for new business contracts. Businesses across the South West should be taking advantage of current exchange rates and promoting UK goods overseas during a time when UK demand is recovering.

"The positive export figures, alongside the recent MAS-SW research carried out last month, offer encouraging opportunities for the UK manufacturing industry in 2010. Our Barometer identified that more than half those manufacturers surveyed had experienced no change or an increase in their turnover in the past six months. It also showed that a large percentage (67) of businesses' order books are unchanged or have increased since June 2009 - a result indicating some stability following a challenging year.

"The UK has always been renowned for its manufacturing excellence and innovation, investing in the latest new technology and striving for high quality standards and great customer service. This is an opportunity to use the current export demand to our advantage and continue to lead the way in manufacturing."

MAS-SW Events and Workshops

	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.

Six Sigma Programme

This nine-day programme will offer an insight into Six Sigma techniques for SMEs, with ongoing personal coaching. The aim is to offer SMEs the latest skills to guarantee success with key business partners.

This programme will help manufacturers that would like to:

Make Six Sigma accessible and practical
Deliver a successful and profitable result to a business project
Develop process experts who have the skills to solve any long term or intractable process problems
Develop skills to allow businesses eliminate mountains of meaningless data

For more information and to sign up for the course, please click here.

Islanders take advantage of business support services A special event to highlight the wide range of support that's available for owners and managers of businesses and individuals looking at starting a new enterprise on the Isles of Scilly, has been seen as a resounding success - so much so, that a similar event is now being planned at the end of the main tourism season in September. Organised and presented by Business Link's Convergence team, the event brought together a host of Convergence funded support organisations that local businesses can call upon for support services which, in most cases, are available free of charge. "We're absolutely delighted with the success of this recent event as it shows clearly the determination of businesses on the islands to capitalise on opportunities to help them develop their commercial interests", says Business Link's Anna Peachey. "It has also shown that entrepreneurial flair is very much alive on the Isles of Scilly, which bodes well for the island's future prosperity. "We're now making plans to run a similar event early in September - after the main holiday season - to ensure that all businesses on the island (and anyone who's looking to start their own business) know just how much support that's available to help them fulfil their commercial aspirations." To register your interest, or to find out more about the services that are available from Business Link call 0845 600 9966. For more information, please click here


Partners & Other Events
Explore Export This is a one-day seminar, exhibition and discussion forum for businesses seeking ways to emerge from a changed economy. The highest number of International Trade representatives from Embassies and Consulates across the globe ever assembled in the South West will gather in Bristol on Wednesday June 30 to lend businesses their vast knowledge and expertise on how to grow business in different market places. A selection of short seminars on a range of topics will also be on offer to enable firms to tailor their own day according to specific areas of interest. In between, a host of exhibitors offering services to overseas traders will be on hand to help businesses find out more about: overcoming barriers to reaching new overseas markets services available to aid international growth new markets emerging at a high rate of growth opportunities opening up within different industry sector For more information please click here. Wednesday 30th June 2010, Thistle Hotel Bristol.


Graduate internships The Plymouth Graduate Internship Programme offers government funding for Graduate Internships. The programme matches employers with talented graduates seeking employment in Devon and Cornwall. This innovative Programme offers: A free recruitment service Funding of £1450 towards salary costs An injection of new knowledge and skills for your business As funding is limited, call 0800 052 5600 now to find out how a Graduate Intern can benefit your business. For more information, please click here.


EEF Future Manufacturing Awards 2010 The EEF Future Manufacturing Awards programme was set up last year to highlight the ingenuity, determination and resilience of the UK's manufacturing community. The awards help celebrate manufacturing's importance, competitiveness and the ability for the industry to adapt and thrive whilst faced with the difficulties of the current global economic climate. For further information please click here.


Lean Accounting Survey Devon-based manufacturing company Kaba UK is calling all lean manufacturers to offer their opinion on Lean Accounting in order to research the attitudes towards this process in the South West. The security solutions company has compiled a questionnaire and would like to hear back from manufacturers to find out the optimum measurement solution to achieve a lean organisation. The Lean Accounting survey to addresses two key questions: What is the current level of implementation of Lean Accounting techniques within UK manufacturing and how has this level changed since 2008? Do the opinions of financial and non-financial managers differ with regard to the importance of the benefits of lean production and the effectiveness of the lean box score? To complete the survey please click here.


World Class Manufacturing (WCM) Training Course in Japan The European Commission is funding a five-day manufacturing training course from 28 June - 2 July 2010. The WCM training course provides in-depth analysis of Japanese manufacturing methodology and is aimed exclusively at EU Executives and Managers with knowledge of WCM and an engineering background. It assists the participants to acquire a better understanding of TQC (Total Quality Control), TQM (Total Quality Management), TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), JIT (Just In Time), TIE (Total Industrial Engineering) practices and the current KAIZEN manufacturing methods (continuous improvement). The training course consists of lectures and workshops and European top decision-makers are able to visit some of the world's most advanced Japanese factories to understand the real "Gemba" (the production site), to talk directly with their production managers, and to observe the effective implementation of manufacturing methods. To find out more about the course please click here. Monday 28th June - Friday 2nd July 2010, Japan.


Further News Articles

NetRegs

For further free environmental guidance for small and medium-sized businesses visit the NetRegs website

MAS is the trusted provider of advice and hands-on support for manufacturers aiming to achieve sustainable success.


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