Advisory Service For Manufacturing Launched

A national programme to help small and medium manufacturing businesses has been officially launched by Business Minister Mark Prisk on Tuesday.

The Manufacturing Advisory Consortium (MAC) will help to generate £1.5 billion in economic growth, 23,000 jobs and safeguard 50,000 jobs, according to the Government, and is comprised of Grant Thornton, Pera, WM Manufacturing Consortium Ltd and SWMAS Ltd, who will oversee the programme.

Announcing the imitative, Business Minister Mark Prisk said: “Manufacturing contributes half of Britain’s exports and has much higher productivity than the rest of the economy so it is essential to our plans for growth. That is why we are taking steps to ensure our industrial base is thriving as part of a strong and balanced UK economy.

“The new Manufacturing Advisory Service will play a key role, providing tailored advice to businesses helping them to grow and thrive, with a specific focus on helping SMEs improve competitiveness and unlock their growth potential.”

Meanwhile, Karl Eddy, Head of Government Infrastructure Advisory at Grant Thornton and Head of MAS, said the programme was "vital" to support Britain's businesses and economy in growth.

"MAC is driven by a passion for dynamic, innovative business and has proven experience in delivering advice for growth. As we drive this historically successful programme in to a new era we encourage business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sector to contact a local advisor to find out more about how MAS can deliver real benefits for their business."

Under the programme, small manufacturing businesses will also have access to a £125 million fund, to support the UK supply chain, encourage new suppliers to invest in the UK and support economic growth, the Government added.

(DW)