Section Menu

Manufacturing Advisory Service

• The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) helps small and medium sized manufacturing firms achieve big improvements in their productivity and competitiveness by providing direct access to manufacturing experts who provide professional advice and practical, hands-on support.
• Since its inception in 2002, MAS has generated £546 million in value-added for client firms. It has dealt with nearly 142,000 technical enquiries from manufacturers, carried out over 24,800 free on-site diagnostic reviews and more than 8,400 in-depth consultancy projects.
• MAS is funded by the nine English Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), the Scottish Executive, the Welsh Assembly Government and delivered through nine regional centres.
• From April 2008 through either direct, outsourced or partnership delivery, MAS support will extend the scope of business support by offering the following additional services:

1. a programme of visits to best practice exemplars
2. assistance in finding supplies, services or equipment
3. assistance to companies who want to improve their resource efficiency
4. assistance to companies developing and/or introducing new products
5. assistance to companies for working within a supply base or with supply chains
6. assistance in developing a medium to long term manufacturing strategy
7. assistance in applying lean techniques across their whole enterprise

• More information about the services offered by MAS can be found through the programme website.
• Manufacturers seeking help can contact the service direct through the national helpline number, 0845 658 9600.