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17/11/2003
Manufacturers 'gain value' through advisory service
New figures released today show that the government's Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) has delivered a total added value of £28 million to UK firms since its launch in April 2002.
The new report, launched by Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt at the Confederation of British Industries (CBI) conference, shows that the service has provided an average added value of £116,000 for every company assisted.
The service was set up to provide practical advice through 10 centres throughout England and Wales to help manufacturing companies improve their productivity and competitiveness. The report shows that the service has responded to over 15,400 enquiries and over 4500 companies have been visited to carry out an initial 'health check'.
Patricia Hewitt said: "In an increasingly competitive global economy British manufacturers must constantly find new ways to innovate to produce the best possible product. MAS is playing a key role by helping UK manufacturers share knowledge so they compete at the very cutting edge.
"I know the future of UK manufacturing can be strong, but it will take a long-term partnership between industry, government and the unions.
"I strongly urge any manufacturer that has not engaged with it to contact their local centre as soon as possible," she added.
Government has invested £15 million of DTI funds, match funded by Regional Development Agencies, into the MAS.
(gmcg)
The new report, launched by Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt at the Confederation of British Industries (CBI) conference, shows that the service has provided an average added value of £116,000 for every company assisted.
The service was set up to provide practical advice through 10 centres throughout England and Wales to help manufacturing companies improve their productivity and competitiveness. The report shows that the service has responded to over 15,400 enquiries and over 4500 companies have been visited to carry out an initial 'health check'.
Patricia Hewitt said: "In an increasingly competitive global economy British manufacturers must constantly find new ways to innovate to produce the best possible product. MAS is playing a key role by helping UK manufacturers share knowledge so they compete at the very cutting edge.
"I know the future of UK manufacturing can be strong, but it will take a long-term partnership between industry, government and the unions.
"I strongly urge any manufacturer that has not engaged with it to contact their local centre as soon as possible," she added.
Government has invested £15 million of DTI funds, match funded by Regional Development Agencies, into the MAS.
(gmcg)
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