The government’s Manufacturing Advisory Service is to be extended from April 2008 so that small and medium size manufacturers can receive up to four days of free advice.

The service was launched in 2002 to promote manufacturing. During its first five years MAS experts carried out more than 18,000 on-site reviews and completed over 5,000 consultancy projects. It is designed to boost productivity, improve sales and enhance investment. Each UK region has its own Centre of Excellence.

Industry minister Margaret Hodge also announced an extended range of help and advice that will include strategic planning and skills development; sourcing materials, services and technology; management and operations advice; improving supply chain performance; plus improved resource efficiency in energy and waste. She described the changes as a massive leap forward.

The scheme, aimed at exposing smaller companies to world-class best practices, is backed by leading employers’ groups and the TUC. EEF director-general Martin Temple said: “MAS is simple, practical, easy to administer and access. Most importantly, it delivers tangible results on the bottom line.”

The CBI’s deputy director-general, John Cridland, said: “It has been a success story from the word go. Amid the plethora of business support schemes on offer it has delivered real, measurable value, particularly to smaller manufacturers. The new improved MAS needs to build on this foundation by offering a simple joined up one-stop-shop providing quality advice from expert advisers.”

Visit www.mas.dti.gov.uk for more information.

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