A national programme that will focus on helping small and medium manufacturing businesses to grow has been launched by Business Minister Mark Prisk and the Manufacturing Advisory Consortium (MAC). The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) is available to all manufacturing businesses across England. It will be delivered by the MAC, which is comprised of Grant Thornton, Pera, WM Manufacturing Consortium and SWMAS. It has been estimated that the MAS will help to generate £1.5bn in economic growth, 23,000 jobs and safeguard 50,000 jobs. 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.' Businesses interested in finding out more about the programme can find out more by visiting www.mymas.org or by calling an advisor on 0845 658 9600.
