The Government has issued an open letter to manufacturing stakeholders asking for contributions to define the function of the Manufacturing Advisory Service.
In November, amid announcements of public sector cuts, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) said that the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) will continue as the sector’s principle state-funded support body,
The letter, issued on Wednesday, asks key questions about the design and delivery of MAS, Highlighting lessons learnt and initial recommendations from the independently produced MAS Review (DTZ, published by the East Midlands Development Agency).
Areas for discussion include how best to prioritise services given emerging and future needs of manufacturers, strengthening key knowledge areas and the potential inclusion of larger companies than the target SME size.
Since its launch in 2002, the main remit of MAS has been to focus on ensuring that its work best matches the needs of manufacturers.
BIS says that feedback from businesses and intermediaries is integral to the assessment process.
Comments and suggestions about MAS can be submitted and reviewed via this email address: [email protected], which will be live until close of play Wednesday 16th February.
The open letter, and more information, can be viewed at www.mas.bis.gov.uk/news/open-letter-to-manufacturing-stakeholders-on-the-future-of-mas
Pictured is Simon Griffiths, chief executive of MAS West Midlands
