We’re here to help you put ideas into practice (From Worcester News)

We’re here to help you put ideas into practice

12:50pm Thursday 18th February 2010 in

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WORCESTERSHIRE manufacturers looking to become more innovative are being urged to tap into a service that will help them develop new products, processes and unique technologies.

The innovation advisory service is delivered by Business Link West Midlands, which has recently chosen the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) to spearhead the dedicated assistance for manufacturers.

More than 200 companies will be helped over the next three years and this support should create and safeguard jobs, increase regional sales and establish more than 30 knowledge-based collaborations with local universities and research and technology organisations.

This service, which is available free-of-charge to businesses, also offers match-funding grants to help companies take projects forward.

Roy Pulley, who heads up the MAS innovation team, said the support will have a major impact on industry in Worcestershire.

“Thankfully, there seems to be an increasing view that manufacturing has to be a vital component of future GDP generation to balance the regional and national economy, especially in the wake of the collapsed financial services sector. The landscape for manufacturing is continuing to change dramatically, with large traditional original equipment manufacturers disappearing and being replaced by high-tech, agile SMEs having to respond quickly to market opportunity.”

A team of three specialist advisers will provide free innovation mentoring, from initial review of the product proposition, identification of risk and the creation of a development plan.

Complex projects will be taken through the Manufacturing Advisory Service’s new product development gateway, which has been successfully supporting the development and commercialisation of new products since 2007.

A total of £3.1 million has been set aside for this intensive support programme and it is already helping 30 West Midlands manufacturers.