New Manufacturing Advisory Service (finally) launches

The Manufacturing Advisory Service has now officially launched, and is available to all manufacturing businesses across England. 

Delivered by the Manufacturing Advisory Consortium (comprised of Grant Thornton, Pera, WM Manufacturing Consortium and SWMAS), it is estimated that the Manufacturing Advisory Services will help to generate £1.5bn in economic growth, 23,000 new jobs and safeguard 50,000 jobs.

“Manufacturing contributes half of Britain’s exports and has much higher productivity than the rest of the economy, so it’s essential to our pans for growth,” says Business Minister Mark Prisk. 

“The Manufacturing Advisory Service will play a key role, providing tailored advice to businesses helping them to grow and thrive , with a specific focus on helping SMEs improve competitiveness and unlock the growth potential.”

The Manufacturing Advisory Service will offer a range of services for businesses: enquiries, a manufacturing review, events, consultancy and referrals. The service has been on the table for over a year, and manufacturers will be sure to welcome the help.

The new service launches as the high-tech manufacturing sector is positive about the year ahead. 

Some 71 per cent of high-tech manufacturers questioned in the GE High Tech Index believe their business will grow in 2012. Forty-five per cent feel they will achieve growth of over five per cent, and 26 say that, despite current uncertainties, they will achieve growth of more than ten per cent.

Mark Elborne, GE UK CEO, says: “It’s extremely encouraging to see a good proportion of high-tech manufacturers are expecting significant growth in the next 12 months. But we need to ensure the conditions are right to help them to grow.

“Access to finance is important, but ensuring the UK is developing the right skills base and encouraging an atmosphere of innovation and collaborative thinking is important.”

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