Chief executive Simon Griffiths has announced his plans to leave the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) as he intends to take up a role in the private sector, as yet unannounced due to ongoing negotiations.

Mr Griffiths has shared leadership of MAS with three other chief executives since late 2011 when the popular government facility for business improvement in manufacturing companies was won by the Manufacturing Advisory Consortium (MAC). This group comprises Grant Thornton, Pera, SWMAS Ltd and Griffiths’ own organisation, the West Midlands Manufacturing Consortium.

Mr Griffiths, a former GKN and Land Rover employee, started working with MAS three years ago and has played an instrumental role in implementing the national MAS contract.

MAS, which is funded by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, helps SME manufacturers in England streamline their processes and grow their businesses by developing bespoke innovation and business strategies which are tuned in to SME requirements. Many of the MAS services are free or subsidised.

Griffiths said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at MAS and have been delighted with the significant contribution it has made in assisting manufacturers in challenging economic conditions.”

MAS is now entering the next phase of its development. Griffiths leaves with the news from a recent survey conducted by MAS that over half of manufacturers in England are bucking trends and seeing their orders grow.

WMMC’s Lorraine Holmes said: “The Board would like to thank Simon for his hard work since he joined in 2009 and, in particular, his role in successfully bidding for the new national Manufacturing Advisory Service contract with our three partners. We wish him all the very best for the future.”