| Diverse And Vital |
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Diverse And Vital Manufacturing has long been important to Wiltshire; the county’s employment structure remains based around manufacturing, which accounts for 13% of employment in the county (22,900 jobs) and up to a quarter of the workforce in certain districts. Wiltshire's engineering and manufacturing industries are as diverse as they are innovative, encompassing a wide range of activities from the manufacture of all types of industrial, household and food products to specialisms such as precision engineering and automotive engineering. SECTOR PROFILE With its high-quality infrastructure, large and highly-skilled labour force and very competitive operating costs, Wiltshire is a world-class location for companies in the manufacturing sector. The County has a long tradition of being at the forefront of the Manufacturing industry. By delivering the right infrastructure and skills and supporting company growth, we intend to continue this tradition. Identified as one of the priority sectors in the Wiltshire & Swindon Economic Assessment, manufacturing is one of the largest contributors to economic output in Wiltshire and, with technological investments and movement up the value chain, is recognised as a high value-added industry with the highest and still improving labour productivity. ACADEMIC RESEARCH & EXPERTISE Great Western Research aims to provide 130 Postgraduate Research Studentships. Designed to meet business needs and jointly funded by industry and SWRDA, Studentships can be held in any SW HEI provided they are compliant with the current QAA Code for Postgraduate Research Supervision. The first training provider in the UK to be awarded Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) status, Avon Vale Training is the leading provider of engineering training in the South West, delivering award-winning first-class engineering and manufacturing training for industry, from Apprenticeships & NVQs to a range of specialist courses. Programmes are designed around the particular requirements of both the learner and the employer, and Avon Vale Training works with businesses at all levels, from small family companies to large multinationals. INDUSTRY & SECTOR SUPPORT With increasing competition and a wide choice of suppliers for customers, manufacturing businesses need to be flexible. They must consider new ways of working and use technologies that will allow rapid response to customer demand. Innovation in manufacturing can be introduced in many areas, from new processes and materials to the use of new equipment. Any company that chooses to locate in Wiltshire can expect to receive expert advice from many organisations in the region: South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) - the Agency's focus is on the development of a vibrant business and manufacturing community across the region, strengthening the most important sectors and building trading links. There is also the Manufacturing and Logistics Engineering Group. South West Manufacturing Network - established to meet the need for a coherent regional plan to address the competitiveness of the manufacturing businesses and their supply chains, especially the SME’s. A single voice to influence key regional decision-makers, the Network was designed to promote, co-ordinate, lobby, secure potential funding and generally demonstrate the sector’s strength. Great Western Research Great Western Enterprise (GWE) The Manufacturing Advisory Service aims to address the practical needs of British manufacturers. Experts in a wide range of manufacturing disciplines deliver hands-on advice and assistance. BERR Manufacturing Advisory Service Helpline: 0845 658 9600 http://www.mas.berr.gov.uk/ Business Innovation Centres - help support and develop innovative business projects. CBI South West- the catalyst for action in the South West of England. CBI SW provides member support, designs and co-ordinates events and plans lobbying activities. Command Wessex - supporting SME's in Manufacturing, Service and Distribution, this is a Non-Profit making organisation supporting Manufacturing, Service and Distribution companies in the South West of England. EEF Western Association- the representational voice of Engineering and Manufacturing in the UK. This nationwide federation comprises 13 regional Associations and the ECIA, the Engineering Construction Industry Association. Federation of Small Businesses- a non-party political campaigning pressure group that exists to promote and protect the interests of all who own and/or manage their own businesses. It is the largest organisation representing small and medium-sized businesses in the United Kingdom. WEAF- the South West is a region of global excellence in aerospace – it is one of the most important and economically influential industrial sectors. WEAF is a committed and focused aerospace trade association that champions the interests of all aerospace companies in the region - particularly the 500-plus small and medium-size enterprises (SME's). Business networks, trade associations and professional bodies – organisations such as Chambers of Commerce, the Trade Association Forum (TAF), the Confederation of British Industry, the Engineering Employers' Federation and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers provide a useful source of information and best practice. Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) - helps to identify universities and research organisations with expertise relevant to business projects. Typically these projects last between one and three years. Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS) programme now extended to April 2008 bringing the South West RDA's total investment to over £4m. The SWMAS assists businesses to develop lean processes and to plan for growth, supporting manufacturers with diagnostic reviews and in-depth consultancies. Working with firms, through their Strategic Management Programme, to provide them with comprehensive, hands-on support, focusing on topics ranging from product marketing strategies through to financial plans and models. KEY PLAYERS IN WILTSHIRE With a reputation as one of the UK's most competitive business locations, Wiltshire has been highly successful in attracting internationally-mobile inward investment, and is now home to a host of world-class companies, including: Deceuninck Ltd, Danlers Limited, Huber Technology, Linpac Environmental, Rohmann UK Ltd, Sebakmt UK, Westinghouse Rail Systems, Westcode Semiconductors Ltd, Avon Rubber PLC, BMW, Lyons Seafood, Bowyers, Cadbury, Tulip International, Beavans, British Gas, British Rail, Western Region (including Great Western Railway) , Case's, Clarks, Colliers, Cow & Gate, Lavertons, Nestle, Reeves, Salters, Sawtells, Spencer Moulton, Unigate, Ushers, Wadworth Brewery, Westinghouse, Wilton Royal Carpet Co, Dairy Crest, LINKS
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 September 2009 ) |