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Government provides know-how for beleaguered manufacturers

May 02 2001

SMEs are to be put in touch with experts in the field of manufacturing "at the touch of a button," commented Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers on the launch of a new website dti.gov.uk/manufacturing .

It is the first step in the development of a new Government interactive website "designed to offer expert advice and information to manufacturers." As 98% of the UK's 135,000 manufacturing businesses are SMEs, an especial focus is being placed on this sector.

The website currently invites companies to apply to join a web-based database of manufacturing expertise, which will then be used to provide expert manufacturing advice and assistance to enable SMEs to improve their productivity and competitiveness. The members of the database are expected to range from manufacturing companies and their suppliers through to universities and other training organisations.
dti.gov.uk/manufacturing also provides information on the Government's Manufacturing Advisory Service, of which the database forms a part. The overall aim of the service is to provide the UK manufacturing sector, and especially SMEs, with know-how, new technologies, best practice methods and processes, and materials and to facilitate training and skills development.

The service will consist of Regional Centres of Manufacturing Excellence (RCMEs) which will serve as a "focal point for the regional delivery of support services to SME manufacturers". One will be based in each of the regions of England and one in Wales, and they are due to be up and running later in the year.

The RCMEs will form the core of the National Network of Centres of Expertise, which will cover England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and will be directly accessible through the database on the Government manufacturing website as well as through the RMCEs.

With thanks to Lloyds TSB Success4Business. For more news and information visit www.success4business.com .

(02/5/01)

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