Cable plugs into product made in the Midlands

By Made in the Midlands News
schedule30th Sep 13

Three manufacturers from the Midlands were showcased to the Business Secretary Vince Cable yesterday as part of a display promoting innovative SMEs.

Made in the Midlands member Alucast, Ecospin and Grillstream Technology were handpicked to be part of the Manufacturing Advisory Service’s first ever exhibition at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ Victoria Street Headquarters in London.

Dr Cable was given a tour of the trio’s products that range from the top and bottom caps for the Olympic torch to the three-wheeled electric ‘Raptor’ and Grillstream’s patented cooking technology for BBQs and catering systems.

He chatted with senior figures from participating firms about the current economic landscape, apprenticeships, international trade and the type of specialist support they need to unlock their potential.

The Business Secretary also used the exhibition to praise the role SME manufacturers are playing in the economic recovery, with this vital and often overlooked segment of the industry making up 95% of England’s manufacturing businesses and employing 1.1 million people.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said:

“We are rightly proud of the manufacturing talent we have in this country, but larger household names are just part of the success story.

“There are more than 110,000 small to medium sized businesses, who are investing in developing new products and technologies that will be used across the world. This showcase gives visitors a first hand glimpse of some great British success stories.

“The Government wants to make the UK the best place to start and grow a business. With the support of the Manufacturing Advisory Service, SMEs are overcoming challenges and identifying new opportunities, leading to increased sales and the creation of new jobs.”

The Manufacturing showcase runs until the end of this week and features seven companies and their products. In addition to the Midlands firms, there are:

·  Anglepoise (distinctive office and home lighting)

·  Ashwood Timber Product (custom-made timber shepherd huts for glamping)

·  Flying Fish (lightweight hovercrafts)

·  Kleenoil (fuel efficiency and emissions reductions product)

The showcase also features an exhibition on the Manufacturing Advisory Service and the types of support it offers to SMEs, ranging from assistance with strategy and process improvements to new product development and supply chain development.

In the last year, the organisation has worked with 12,000 firms in England, helping deliver a forecasted additional £620m of GVA to the economy.

This specialist support is predicted to safeguard and create approximately 27,000 jobs.

Lorraine Holmes, Area Director for MAS in the North and West, explained: “I’m delighted at the response we have had and the interest shown from visitors to the showcase, many of whom have been from overseas.”

She concluded: “This is a great way to put SME manufacturers in the spotlight and demonstrate how MAS works for the sector. It is also the perfect way to gain momentum for our forthcoming Manufacturing Matters campaign.”

The Showcase is open from 9am to 5.30pm until October 4th. For further information, please visit www.mymas.org or follow @mas_works on twitter.

Image (l-r) Tony Sartorius (Alucast), Paul Loomes (Ecospin), Roy Pulley (MAS), David Loomes (Ecospin), Peter Neath and Ian Worton (both Grillstream).


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