Matched funding to grow your business

If you want to improve your business, MAS can provide practical help - and matched funding!

The Manufacturing Advisory Service is looking for manufacturers who want to grow their business. We can help you define a project to achieve this and provide matched funding to bring in the required specialist knowledge.

Provided your proposed project has a definable business benefit, MAS can provide up to 50% towards the cost. On average, the grants are around £1,500 per project and your company can engage in 3 projects each year.

In broad terms, the funding can be used for consultancy to:
* develop business strategy to improve sales and commercial performance
* identify new sales channels
* instigate or progress New Product Development
* implement efficiency improvements
* provide in-company training on an advanced manufacturing process or technology
* support ISO9000, 9001 or 14001 implementation
* develop IPR protection, such as patent applications

This is not an exhaustive list, and we will consider any project where you need specialist knowledge to grow the business.

We're very aware that the last thing a small company needs is excessive bureaucracy, so we've made the application process as simple as possible. You also have a free choice in the consultant you choose, although you can select from the MAS Supplier Database.

* There is a simple application form to complete
* The supplier you choose needs to register on the MAS Supplier Database if not already registered
* The funding decision is made normally made in a matter of days

Steve Sharp, your local MAS Advisor will help you through the process from beginning to end, answer any questions and work with the supplier to make the process as straightforward as possible.

To arrange a meeting to discuss your requirements, please call Steve Sharp
on 07508 500085 or email steve.sharp@mymas.org

Posted 2012-09-03 11:30:37

Invitation for apprentices to visit the Exhibition Area of the British Marine Electronics Association Conference 2012

The BMEA (British Marine Electronics Association) is providing an open invitation for apprentices and members of other trade associations to visit the exhibition area of its popular annual conference.

This year's British Marine Electronics Association Conference takes place on Wednesday, October 17th, 2012 at the Novotel Hotel, 1 West Quay Road, Southampton. This successful annual event provides an opportunity for all sectors of the marine industry to get together not only to discuss topics of mutual interest but also to create and build beneficial business relationships. The Conference features presentations by leading speakers in the marine electronic/electrical sector, an Annual General Meeting as well as the annual Dinner where four industry awards will be presented.

This year, the Conference has an added exhibition area where apprentices and members of other trade associations are welcome to visit at no cost. The exhibition area has a number of leading companies showcasing the very latest marine electronic and electrical equipment. Those exhibiting include Icom UK Ltd, Navionics UK, Procom UK Ltd, Mantsbrite Marine Electronics Ltd, Energy Solutions UK Ltd, Mailasail, C A Clase Ltd and Watt Marine Ltd.

There is no charge for guests visiting the exhibition area throughout the day. Should anyone be interested in attending the full Conference, they should contact Tony Johns, Secretary of the BMEA by email: secretary@bmea.org. Non-BMEA members can book at £95 for the day or £130 for the Conference and Dinner.

Posted 2012-09-03 10:52:56

Solent Skills and Jobs Fair, 17th October 2012, Southampton

Solent Education Business Partnership (EBP) is organising the 2012 Solent Skills Festival and Jobs Fair aimed at raising awareness and job opportunities in a multitude of industries across the Solent region. The event is the largest of its kind in the region attracting over 130 exhibitors and approximately 4,000 visitors throughout the day.

The Skills Festival 2012 will be hosted at the City Cruise Terminal, West Quay on Wednesday 17th October 2012 in partnership with businesses, community organisations, Local Authorities & councils, colleges and schools. The event takes place at the terminal every year thanks to the support of ABP and will include a VIP reception for business & education leaders and Local Authority representatives as well as many others who will have a keen interest in supporting the work of the Solent LEP (Local Economic Partnership).

The aims of the day are to bring a wide variety of interactive demonstrations which showcase the many opportunities available to young people when they leave school and to help them understand the different opportunities available to them. There is also a Jobs Fair (incorporating a Graduate Fair) in the late afternoon/early evening giving local people an opportunity to meet employers and apply for vacancies during one of the busiest recruitment periods in the year. Last year's event provided over 1,000 job opportunities and training courses across a variety of professional, technical and craft occupations.

These events are planned and developed by Solent EBP in partnership with many private and public organisations across the region. Marketing and promotional activity will include Wave 105, Jobcentre Plus and Graduate Jobs South as well as all the exhibitor organisations attending the event.

For more information please visit:

http://www.solent-ebp.co.uk/

Posted 2012-09-03 11:27:54