Finding out more about MAS-SW

Who does the Manufacturing Advisory Service in the South West (MAS-SW) work with?

What service do we provide?

How long might MAS-SW work with a manufacturer? 

Where does the support take place? 

How much does MAS-SW charge?

What is subsidised support / matched funding and how can I take advantage of it?

Does MAS-SW work with Large Enterprises?

Why choose MAS-SW?

Who else offers support to manufacturers?

Eligibility Criteria to receive matched-funded support from MAS-SW

Protecting your information - When a company attends an event or fills in an application form to be contacted by MAS-SW, what do we do with your information?

Who does the Manufacturing Advisory Service in the South West (MAS-SW) work with?

MAS-SW was set up to work with and support the 12,000 SME* manufacturers based within the South West of England.

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What service do we provide?

Building on the standards and best practice offered by lean manufacturing, the MAS-SW offers a range of responsive services and programmes focusing on:

• Operational Improvement
• Lean Enterprise and Resource Efficiency
  
• Strategic Management
  
• Leadership
  
• New Product Development
  
• Supply Chain Development

There are many support guides and information on the national MAS website and this website.  A free on-line Resource Zone

is available too. Many manufacturers will benefit from an on-site review.

Through mutual agreement at a free on-site review, our specialists identify an on-site support project to address inefficiencies and waste.  Our aims are to work with the manufacturer to improve quality, cost and on-time delivery with the added benefit of releasing cash within the business.

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How long might MAS-SW work with a manufacturer?

This depends entirely on the needs of the manufacturer.

Many manufacturers may receive support by talking with a MAS specialist or for those who have agreed to receive project support on-site from a MAS specialist, typically we find that on average 4-5 days is sufficient to make a significant difference to efficiency and productivity.  However, manufacturers may require support for just one day or up to ten* days in any one financial year, depending entirely on their needs and budget.  Below are 3 scenarios but it is up to the manufacturer and MAS to agree the way forward together:

Example A - Operational Improvement

Manufacturer with 15 employees receives 4 days operational improvement support, delivered in 3 whole days and 2 half day sessions over an 8 week period.

Example B - Operational Improvement

Manufacturer with 125 employees receives 10 days operational improvement support, delivered over 10 separate days over a 12 week period.

1 day working with the management team and team leaders to scope the project and identify improvements and potential financial savings to the business.

5 days are used training teams of employees who cover three shift patterns

3 days spent with teams on the shop floor supporting the implementation of improvements.

1 day for teams to report to the management on their successes and improvements.

Example C - Strategic Review of Business

Typically takes 5 to 8 days over a 4 to 8 week period and is conducted with the manufacturer's senior management team via a combination of meetings and structured practical workshops.  Includes developing an implementation plan and performance review to identify future actions.

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Where does the support take place?

Our county-based specialists will work at your south west based factory.  This might be on the shopfloor, line-side, within a cell, in an office / training room, or in the board room.

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How much does MAS-SW charge?

For Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) the subsidised charge is £300 + VAT per day Eligibility criteria applies. 

Non SMEs may receive the service at the full market rate.

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What is subsidised support / matched funding and how can I take advantage of it?

The South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) and the EU provide financial support for south west manufacturers which is subject to strict eligibility criteria and conditions on how it is used.  If a manufacturing company meets the criteria and conditions, the subsidised rate of £300 + VAT per day applies.  This is made up as follows:

Normal day rate £600 +VAT per day

Matched-funding covers 50% of this charge

An eligible SME manufacturer is only asked to pay £300 + VAT per day.

This is known as matched funding: the manufacturer pays an amount towards the support and that amount is matched.

or call 0845 608 3838 for further information.

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Does MAS-SW work with Large Enterprises?

Yes, MAS-SW works with Large Enterprises (LEs) but LEs are not entitled to receive the matched-funded subsidy. An LE employs more than 251 employees on site.

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Why choose MAS-SW?

We think the figures speak for themselves with improved growth and productivity and real bottom line benefits for very little outlay.

 Return on Investment (ROI) examples:

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Who else offers support to manufacturers?

and we will be pleased to find the right business support for your manufacturing company.

In particular, from our experience of working with smaller manufacturers, ie less than 10 employees, we find that Business Link may be better placed to serve their specific business issues.

that may be of benefit.

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Eligibility Criteria to receive matched-funded support from MAS-SW

Eligibility will be determined on the following factors:

1. Companies should employ fewer than 250 employees at the time an application is made (the number of employees should include part time, seasonal and temporary staff) and does not have an annual turnover exceeding Euro's 50 Million or a balance sheet of over Euro's 43 million.  Ownership will also be taken into account.
   For more details open the PDF document from the EU publication website (note this PDF document is 52 pages and 1.16MB)
2. The manufacturing company must have a manufacturing facility within the South West of England. The South West is as defined by the South West Regional Development Agency
3. Any matched funding agreed by MAS-SW for the provision of on-site consultancy support cannot under any circumstances be used for capital purchases, accreditation of quality standards or subscriptions.
4. The SME manufacturing company has not received more than ten days of funded support from MAS-SW in any current fiscal year.

Protecting Your Information - When a company attends a MAS-SW event or fills in a form requesting contact by MAS-SW, what do we do with the information you provide?

Your data will be held on a database by MAS-SW.  It will be used for marketing, research and statistical purposes by ourselves and our funders (SWRDA and Department for business Innovation & Skills) and only passed to third parties where in the opinion of MAS they can provide a service that will complement and enhance your business.  From time to time we may wish to send you details about our products and services that maybe of interest to you. If you do not wish to take advantage of this please let us know.  More information can be found on the MAS website

or call 0845 608 3838 for further information.

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