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New award for masters of manufacturing
New award for masters of manufacturing
New award for masters of manufacturing
27 July 2009
The search is on to find innovative and successful manufacturing ‘clusters’ to represent the East of England in a prestigious national competition.
As part of the UK-wide ‘Cluster Mark’ competition, the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is looking for groups of companies, suppliers and institutions like universities, all working together in close proximity to help bring their quality products to global markets.
Perhaps the most internationally-famous example of a ‘cluster’ is Silicon Valley in California, where different components of the IT industry work side-by-side on major projects. Now the hunt is on to find the UK’s manufacturing equivalent.
Launching the Cluster Mark competition in the region today (Monday 27 July) was Minister for Regional Economic Development, Rosie Winterton. She said:
“When I hear people say the UK doesn’t make stuff anymore, they forget that we’re the sixth largest manufacturer in the world. Manufacturing is crucial to the economic health of the East of England, and all the UK’s regions. It adds over £150billion to the economy, and accounts for around half of UK exports and 75% of business R&D.”
“When groups of competing manufacturers locate and work together it can benefit both individual companies and the regional economy; like we’ve seen in California’s Silicon Valley. Collaboration can boost competitiveness through developing and spreading best practice, increase cooperation in supply chains and help promote local strengths on an international stage.”
Deborah Cadman, chief executive of EEDA, said:
“The prestigious Cluster Mark award will do much to raise the profile of industry and manufacturing powerhouses across the region. It will boost the reputation of this important sector – one which continues to deliver and innovate despite bearing the harsher effects of the recession.
“The government's Manufacturing Strategy believes that supporting innovation in manufacturing is critical to the health of the national economy – preparing businesses to take advantage when the upturn comes.
“In the East of England, EEDA have invested over £4 million into the Manufacturing Advisory Service, which is helping firms now to improve their productivity through innovative new processes and subtle changes to the way they work. The impact of these interventions have been clear, with benefits to businesses who receive MAS support typically valued in excess of £100,000.”
To find out more apply for the Cluster Mark competition, visit www.bis.gov.uk/clustermark. For further information about manufacturing support in the East of England, visit the ‘Operations’ line of EEDA’s Business Map – www.bizmapeast.co.uk.
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