West Midlands business support event to reveal what's on offer

The event, which sets out to provide a unique insight into manufacturing support and future opportunities in the West Midlands region, will see presentations from LEP board members Brian Francis (European chairman of Gestamp Tallent Automotive) and Paul Heaven (Blue Sky Corporate Finance), Peter Jones (MAS, pictured) and a host of local companies that have already benefited from tapping into expert strategic advice and guidance. It will give delegates the chance to listen about the latest developments, discuss new opportunities and challenges and also get the first in-depth look at the new MAS service that will continue to provide targeted support to firms in Birmingham, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Solihull, East Staffordshire, North Worcester and Tamworth. There will also be a detailed presentation on the World Class Supply Chains for the 21st Century (SC21) programme, which offers funding support to help manufacturers either involved or looking to break into the aerospace and defence sector. Peter Jones, SC21 Project Manager at MAS, explains: "This is the first workshop of its type in 2012 and it's the perfect opportunity to hear more about what the national MAS service can do, ranging from a dedicated telephone hotline and manufacturing reviews to specialist events and part-funding consultancy to improve productivity and encourage strategic transformation projects. "As part of the offer, we also run SC21 which is a supply chain initiative that improves performance, reduces costs, encourage innovation and helps firms to attract new orders in aerospace and defence. "There are grants of up to £20,000 available to boost companies working towards this standard." The event will also feature the latest information on the Advanced Engineering Supply Chain funding. Contact Carrie Holmes on 01902 838 326 or email cholmes@mas-wm.org.