Useful Links
Association of Colleges South West Education (AoC SW)
Association of Colleges South West Education (AoC SW)
Association of Colleges South West (AoC SW) is the representative body for further education (FE) colleges in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. AoC promotes the interests of all further education FE colleges at ministerial level and works closely with key government departments and agencies.
Avon Vale Training
Formed in 1969 to meet the skills requirements of local engineering companies, AVT has grown to become the largest and leading engineering training provider working across the South West. Recognised as a Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE), and offering award winning training and advice.
BEMA
Bristol and Western Engineering Manufacturers Association (BEMA) is the largest engineering trade association in the South West of England and Wales formed to benefit member companies from mutual help and assistance
Business Link
Delivering independent and impartial business advice, information and a range of services to help small firms and those trying to start up new businesses
Business Link Devon and Cornwall
Providing information, advice and support to people starting or running businesses
Constructing Excellence in the Built Environment
Constructing Excellence aims to achieve a step change in construction productivity by tackling the market failures in the sector and selling the business case for continuous improvement. Through focused programmes in Innovation, Best Practice Knowledge, Productivity and Engagement, Constructing Excellence has developed a strategy to deliver the process, product and cultural changes that are needed to drive major productivity improvements in the sector.
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)
Department for Business, Innovation & Skills whose key role is to build Britain’s capabilities to compete in the global economy. The Department was created to shape the enterprise environment, analysing the strengths and needs of the various parts of British industry, building strategies for industrial strength and expertise in better regulation and maintaining world class universities, expanding access to higher education, investing in the UK’s science base and shaping skills policy and innovation through bodies such as the Technology Strategy Board.
Engineering UK
Promoting the vital role of engineers, engineering and technology in our society.
Engineering Employers Federation
The representational voice of Engineering and Manufacturing in the UK. This nationwide federation comprises 13 regional Associations and the ECIA, the Engineering Construction Industry Association.
Engineering Industries Association
Offering information, trade and support for the Engineering Industry.
EnVision
EnVision is a partnership of experienced environmental business advisors offering subsidised services to South West small and medium sized businesses (including manufacturing businesses), which includes 5 flexible days advice/workshops, as well as an environmental business audit.
European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA)
The European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA. The ITER project The ITER project aims to build a fusion device, twice the size of the largest current devices, with the goal of demonstrating the scientific and technical feasibility of fusion power. It is a joint project between the European Union, China, India, Japan, South Korea, the Russian Federation and the USA. ITER will be constructed in Europe, at Cadarache in the south of France. The fusion reactor is expected to start operating in 2016. Find out about ITER project: http://www.efda.org/the_iter_project/index.htm
Expert South West
The region’s universities offer a wide range of services and facilities for businesses, from training opportunities and graduate placements to state of the art centres of expertise. Universities work on projects with the public, private and not-for-profit sectors and can provide specialist support across a number of industry areas. The website provides advice, information and contact details to help businesses take advantage of the opportunities which universities in the South West have to offer. As well as this, visitors to the site can sign up to receive the Expertsouthwest.com newsletter which provides regular updates and there is a success story library where examples of successful projects are showcased.
FP7 - Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technology
What is FP7? FP7 is the short name for the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. This is the EU's main instrument for funding research in Europe and it will run from 2007 to 2013. Established by the Office of Science and Innovation, FP7UK is here to help prospective applicants to access funding under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme. Its aim is to provide, a single, centralised, one stop shop for information, and advice, covering all aspects of FP7. The EC budget for the next seven years is € 50.5 billion and the Euratom budget for the next five years is € 2.7 billion. FP7 supports research in selected priority areas - the aim being to make, or keep, the EU as a world leader in those sectors. FP7 is also designed to respond to Europe’s employment needs and competitiveness.
Great Western Research Programme
The GWR programme is a 5-year, £14m initiative which aims to stimulate and embed research collaboration between South West Universities and South West businesses in five broad research themes: Materials, Applied Mathematics, Sustainability, Psychology and the Creative Arts.
Higher Education RDA
Formed by Higher Education Institutions in the South West in August 1999, it aims to extend higher education\'s contribution to sustainable regional development and competitiveness whilst influencing the social/ economic agenda in the region.
ITER project
The ITER project aims to build a fusion device, twice the size of the largest current devices, with the goal of demonstrating the scientific and technical feasibility of fusion power. It is a joint project between the European Union, China, India, Japan, South Korea, the Russian Federation and the USA. ITER will be constructed in Europe, at Cadarache in the south of France. The fusion reactor is expected to start operating in 2016.
Knowledge West
Knowledge West develops collaborative Flagship Initiatives for business, provides continuing professional development, events for business themed on business innovation and the knowledge economy, and advice about business innovation networks. The project is led by the University of the West of England in collaboration with the universities of Bath, Gloucestershire, and Bristol, the Royal Agricultural College, Bath Spa University and Business West.
Lean Manufacturing & Processing Foundation Degree
This part-time foundation degree in Cornwall is targeted towards mature experienced people working in manufacturing and/or processing companies. They will want to achieve significant cost savings and competitive advantage for their company, through supported implementation of lean manufacturing and processing strategies and techniques. And also during the process gain a foundation degree for themselves. FFI visit Cornwall College website, select 'Courses' and type "FdA Lean Manufacturing and Processing"
London 2012 opportunities Olympics - Procurement
Sign up your business to the London 2012 website and receive e-alerts that will keep you informed of major developments, including new tender opportunities, key appointments and business events.
Manufacturingtalk
Website and newsletter giving Manufacturing product news and events.
National MAS Website
The national MAS Website
North Devon Manufacturing Association
Aims: To represent the interests of manufacturing and our supporting service industries. More specifically we will, through meetings, lectures, representation, networking, visits and social events promote the development of the businesses in order that we will achieve our full potential. New members are always welcome.
Small Business Organisation Directory
The UK Small Business Directory provides a free service to small UK Business enabling them to publicise their online presence, and a free service to the public to help locate local businesses. Search by county or category
South West RDA
Foremost amongst the South West RDA's responsibilities are the ongoing development and implementation of the Regional Strategy. Shaped by the views of local people, businesses and partners, the Strategy forms the blueprint for sustainable economic growth for the South West region over the coming years.
Supplier Matching Service
Business Link on-line Supplier Matching Service
Talent Retention Scheme
The objective of the Talent Retention Scheme is to support the retention and development of advanced engineering skills and people across the South West. It comprises a range of services including career guidance, job search support and interview techniques. The West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF) is working in partnership with EEF and Winchester Consulting Limited accompanied by colleagues from Jobcentre Plus and other organisations. The project is fully funded by the South West Regional Development Agency; therefore there are no charges for companies or individuals who use the services of the project.
The Royal Academy of Engineers
As Britain’s national academy for engineering, we bring together the country’s most eminent engineers from all disciplines to promote excellence in the science, art and practice of engineering. Our strategic priorities are to enhance the UK’s engineering capabilities; to celebrate excellence and inspire the next generation; and to lead debate by guiding informed thinking and influencing public policy.
Universities - Solve a Problem
The universities of South West England can offer Solve a Problem Expert Solutions to help you access highly skilled employees, new ideas and technologies and commerical opportunities. They can work with you to overcome barriers to growth, progress new ideas and resolve business problems. Access to Highly Skilled Employees Help your organisation remain innovative and competitive by developing a highly skilled workforce. Universities can offer flexible solutions to workforce requirements
