The Manufacturing Advisory Service has helped more than 9,000 manufacturing firms in England generate nearly £620m of extra turnover in the last 15-months, the MAS annual report shows.
More than 9,000 firms have received specialist support from MAS with long-term strategy, securing efficiencies, developing new products and supply chain development since the enhanced national offer was introduced in January 2012.
The report says that MAS support has helped to safeguard thousands of jobs and claims that it will help create 7,200 new positions in the next 12-months, as companies take advantage of new opportunities presented by re-shoring, big investments in the automotive sector and a growing desire to ‘buy British’.
Business and energy minister Michael Fallon outlined the figures during the launch of MAS’s Annual Report at amplifier maker Marshall Amplification in Milton Keynes yesterday.
Mr Fallon said: “We have a strong manufacturing base here in the UK boosted by businesses like Marshall Amplification. MAS and its team of local expert advisors are offering a truly valuable service that has already helped thousands of manufacturers generate over £600 million in extra turnover.
The report says that in the last 15-months, MAS has delivered 12,093 business reviews, completed 2,341 in-depth support projects and provided 16,867 days of consultancy.
It also claims that MAS interventions have delivered a 20 x return on investment, which have achieved 98% customer satisfaction. The report says the MAS barometer is the largest SME manufacturing survey in England.
Lorraine Holmes, area director for the Manufacturing Advisory Service, said “Like the companies we serve, we must continue to evolve and this will focus on supporting the delivery of the Government’s Industrial Strategy with early progress already made in aligning activity with the focus of BIS Sector Councils. “
She added “There is also a clear emphasis on MAS helping to build capacity in supply chains, which can support new inward investment opportunities and market growth.”
Marshall Amplification, the world famous designer and manufacturer of guitar amps, is one of the companies that have been supported by the Manufacturing Advisory Service.
The firm, which employs 164 people in Milton Keynes, has received assistance to secure greater production efficiencies and to help its workforce adopt best practice manufacturing techniques.
Graham Young, operations director, said: “It’s a tough world out there with competition from low cost countries a constant challenge that we have to meet and overcome.
“We do this by making sure we continue to produce high quality amps competitively and, importantly, in ensuring we pro-actively promote the fact they are made in Britain.”
Funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Manufacturing Advisory Service was launched in January 2012 with the aim of giving companies in England consistent access to the best possible resources and support, regardless of where they are based.
MAS operates a manufacturing helpline and runs over 300 local events and workshops a year.
