The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) will be heading to the W14 Exhibition for the first time next year, and is urging all UK joinery and furniture manufacturers to join it.
“This is the only UK show for furniture and joinery manufacturers, and we are delighted to be supporting it in 2014,” says David Caddle, area director for MAS.
The organisation will be sending a number of its specialist advisers to the NEC in October 2014 to demonstrate how it can help English manufacturing SMEs with strategy, increasing operational efficiencies, bringing new products to market and developing supply chains.
It is currently working with tens of companies involved in wood production and helping them increase sales and compete globally.
David explains: “All the major names in technology will be there and running machinery, so it’s a great way to get hands-on practical experience on some of the latest innovations and breakthroughs.
“We’ll have some of our industry specialists on hand to talk to manufacturers about any issues they may have around maximising efficiency, entering new markets and even meeting new EU timber legislation.”
Funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, MAS provides strategic advice and guidance to more than 10,000 manufacturing SMEs every year. A team of 80 advisers delivers support on the ground, and this is reinforced by a manufacturing helpline (0845 658 9600) and free skills workshops.
For intensive assistance, MAS offers match-funded projects, where it will work with companies to review their business and identify issues that will help them unleash their full potential.
David concludes: “We’ve recently supported Timberform and Red Monkey Play, two companies who are manufacturing fantastic outdoor play equipment from timber. Working with our advisers, both firms have been able to achieve operational efficiencies and increase sales in the process."
