New body to offer support package for North business

Mar 18 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

A NEW organisation that aims to deliver millions of pounds worth of efficiency and energy savings will be officially launched this week.

MAS North East is the new name for the organisation delivering the MAS (Manufacturing Advisory Service) and former NEPA (North East Productivity Alliance) skills and productivity support, which were combined last year.

MAS North East delivers the Manufacturing Advisory Service and intensive skills and productivity support as part of Train to Gain. These are part of Solutions for Business, the Government's portfolio of publicly funded business support to help companies start and grow.

One North East director of business and industry Ian Williams said: "MAS North East combines the skills, knowledge and experience of three great organisations - the North East Productivity Alliance, the Manufacturing Advisory Service and PA Consulting.

“This represents a very considerable support package for all North East manufacturers to benefit from. Hundreds of manufacturing businesses have already benefited from the support they can offer, saving millions, making them more productive and reducing energy waste and expense.

"We recognise the harsh economic conditions and current tough trading position for the country.

The MAS North East programmes provide companies with the expertise and skill to eliminate waste from manufacturing processes, to cut energy costs and reduce fuel bills, to maximise the return from equipment and to train employees and equip them with the skills to go on making productivity savings at their companies."