New-look MAS retains base in the city

Date added: 23 January 2012

Wolverhampton is one of just four remaining bases for the re-launched Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS).

The previous incarnation of MAS was split between nine regional development agency areas, but the new streamlined service will be delivered from Wolverhampton, Leicester, London and the South West.

The local office is based on Wolverhampton Science Park (pictured), where the Business Solutions Centre is also located.

MAS support is now available to all manufacturing businesses across England. It will be delivered by the Manufacturing Advisory Consortium (MAC), which is comprised of Grant Thornton, Pera, WM Manufacturing Consortium Ltd and SWMAS Ltd.

It has been estimated that the new MAS will help to generate £1.5 billion in economic growth, 23,000 jobs and safeguard 50,000 jobs.

Businesses interested in finding out more about the programme can find out more by visiting www.mymas.org or by calling an advisor on 0845 658 9600.

Karl Eddy, Head of Government Infrastructure Advisory at Grant Thornton and Head of MAS, said: "This type of programme is vital to support Britain's businesses and economy in growth. The Manufacturing Advisory Consortium is driven by a passion for dynamic, innovative business and has proven experience in delivering advice for growth. As we drive this historically successful programme in to a new era we encourage business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sector to contact a local advisor to find out more about how MAS can deliver real benefits for their business."

Finditinwolverhampton members interested in finding the new MAS offer can visit www.mymas.org or call an advisor on 0845 658 9600. More details about the support available is below.

The new MAS offer will comprise:

Level 1 (Enquiries)
Provided by a small team of experienced advisors, geographically dispersed around England. This will ensure detailed local knowledge supported by an enhanced website offering a range of online support packages.

Level 2 (Manufacturing Review)
Continue to provide one-day on-site specialist manufacturing diagnostic review (two days for more complex businesses). MAC will use a new diagnostic tool based on the principles of "Manufacturing Excellence” developed in conjunction with the Warwick Manufacturing Group, which includes comparisons against best-in-class. In addition, a "Fast Track” over the ‘phone Level 2 will be introduced for common, well-understood issues.

Level 3 (Events)
Continue to provide training and networking events, including best practice visits. These will be an integral part of delivering the Business Improvement actions identified at Level 2. This will be complemented by a Sustainable Improvement Community using best practice social networking tools to provide peer-led best practice examples and lower cost forms of self-help.

Level 4 (Consultancy)
Introduction of a three tier Level 4 project structure:
MAS Foundation Service: Funding up to £1,000 (or a maximum of 50%) towards an improvement project - targeted at companies who need basic low level help.
MAS Step Change Service: Funding of up to £3,000 (or 50% maximum) towards a more significant improvement programme.
MAS Transformation Service: Funding of up to £10,000 (or 50% maximum) for a strategic change to the business.

Level 5 (Referrals)
MAS advisors are responsible for identifying partner organisation support but retain responsibility for referral until it is demonstrated and confirmed by the client that the partner organisation has addressed the client need.

Supply Chain
Focus on helping SMEs diversify into advanced manufacturing supply chains; helping Original Equipment Manufacturers and their supply chains develop better relationships and greater efficiency; helping groups of SMEs in supply chains or clusters interact more effectively. It will use the tools available through Levels 1 – 5 with custom implementation packages assembled to suit client needs delivered by a team of dedicated supply chain experts.

Visit the MAS website for more information.