Take pride in achievements (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Take pride in achievements

WILTSHIRE manufacturers' reluctance to shout about their achievements is having a detrimental impact on the perception of the industry and its growth in the region.

This is according to manufacturing trouble shooters the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service.

"We are continually bombarded with statistics and news reporting the decline of orders, productivity and investment in manufacturing and the rise of costs and prices," said the director of the south west MAS, Arthur Richardson.

"There is a lot of negativity surrounding manufacturing and this is picked up on not just by individuals working in the industry, but also by customers, investors, stakeholders and those considering a career in the sector.

"Sadly, there have been large site closures across the region in the past year but this has actually resulted in the emergence of numerous micro-manufacturing businesses.

"We need to move away from the habit of talking down manufacturing and instead become better at celebrating success.

"By increasing awareness of the good things that manufacturers in the region are doing we will inspire, motivate and create pride in the industry

"And we will also make a career move into the sector an attractive prospect."

The South West MAS is focused on helping manufacturers build knowledge, improve productivity and achieve success.

The service has provided help, ranging from advice to hands-on support to implement improvement projects, to more than 122 Wiltshire manufacturers since its inception in 2002.

Mr Richardson believes, however, that many organisations are not taking advantage of the subsidised or free Government-funded support available to them.

"The South West MAS, which is funded by the South West Regional Development Agency, has been an overwhelming success in the region generating over £11.4m of added value to businesses and the economy," he said.

"These figures show a real desire by manufacturers to succeed, but there are still a number of organisations who have not cottoned on to this invaluable resource."

On the challenges facing manufacturers, Mr Richardson added: "Despite our long tradition of manufacturing and engineering, there is an acute shortage of people entering the profession.

"It is essential, therefore, that we work to attract and keep people in the industry and not discourage them.

"Last year, 1,000 engineering and manufacturing graduates entered the workforce in the UK compared to 35,000 in China.

"If we do not address recruitment, and the perception of the industry which is not in line with how the sector has changed over the years, we will increasingly fail to compete against low cost competition."

To find out more about the South West MAS call the helpdesk on 0845 608 3838 or email enquiries@swmas.co.uk.