MANUFACTURING ADVISORY SERVICE -SOUTHWEST
The Manufacturing Advisory Service in the South West (MAS-SW) is the trusted provider of advice and hands-on support for manufacturers aiming to achieve sustainable success. Much of this support is either free or subsidised and combined with regional events plus access to a manufacturing helpline, MAS-SW has become an invaluable lifeline for manufacturers in the region wanting to stay ahead of the game.
For SME manufacturing and engineering companies within the Somerset area we have specific support to help you get ‘Fit to Supply’ to benefit from the opportunities existing within the Hinckley C Nuclear new build project. This tailored support is aimed to help you understand and overcome the possible barriers to supply and get your business ready for growth. This begins with a free on site review to understand your needs and develop a package of support which may include help towards ISO accreditation.
The more generic MAS-SW support covers a wide range of areas including :
Strategic Development – helping ambitious manufacturers adapt to market changes and turn growth opportunities into reality
Innovation – supporting businesses to develop new and existing products , introduce new technology and optimise development from design through to production
Operational improvements – tailored on site support to adopt lean thinking, improve productivity, cut costs and expand capacity for growth.
Contact us: www.mas.bis.gov.uk/south-west/services
BRIDGWATER COLLEGE
Bridgwater College is at the heart of the UK’s NEW nuclear new build agenda with expertise already established in science, radiation control and decommissioning in the South West. The College is located just 10 miles west of Hinkley Point power stations and Severn Estuary and 3 miles distant from the M5 corridor. Bridgwater College enjoys a national reputation for both quality and excellence in education and training as an Ofsted designated ‘Outstanding’ College, attracting over 17,000 students. It has received 12 National Beacon Awards, achieved the Matrix Standard and been accredited with the Training Quality Standard for its training provision to employers.
Committed to the energy and renewables sectors and their supply chains, the College has invested heavily in designing and building a state-of-the-art Energy Skills Centre, which will support a range of industries.
The new Energy Skills Centre show-cases a Realistic Working Environment (RWE) and offers training in subjects including robotics, welding, electronics, process control, engineering, renewables and material science. In the RWE, students will train in operating elements within commercial power stations, decommissioning of existing power stations and undertaking simulated exercises in both areas.
An example of employer training offered at Bridgwater College’s new Energy Skills Centre includes:
- Nuclear Skills Passport and Triple Bar Common Induction Standard
- Radiation Control and AINA Nuclear Industry Awareness Award
- Quality Management –foundation to lead auditor ISO9001 and ISO1400 training
- Health & Safety – IOSH, NEBOSH, CIECH
- Apprenticeships in Maintenance & Operations, Lean Manufacturing, Electrical, Engineering, Construction, etc. with new pathways added frequently, such as Composites and Wind Turbines
- NVQs in Business Improvement Techniques, Technical Services, etc
The Energy Skills Centre is BREEAM excellent building with a Training Roof featuring a quiet revolution wind turbine, ‘green’ sedum roof for rainwater harvesting, solar heating and photovoltaic cells.
Contact us www.bridgwater.ac.uk Email business@bridgwater.ac.uk Tel 01278 655111
Hannah Ranby, Employer Account Manager, Bridgwater College
WEST SOMERSET COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Working in partnership with EDF to develop ‘Hinkley Ready’ – commercial training provision in the following sectors
- Mechanical and Electrical
- Civil Engineering and Formwork carpentry
- Plant Maintenance
- Applied Science/Scientific and Environmental technicians
- Masonry, brickwork, hard landscaping
- Business Administration
- Landscaping and land related occupations
‘BTEC outcomes 2010 are outstanding … the College is in the top 10% of BTEC providers nationally’ ALPS 2010
‘The provision of vocational courses is exceptional’ OFSTED 2009
The College offers excellent facilities in the purpose built Skills and Enterprise Centre. We will work with you to provide bespoke training to upskill your workforce to meet the requirements of EDF and other commercial opportunities. Training provision can include NVQs, Apprenticeships, ticket/qualification updates, on-site assessment and basic skills (full or part-time).
Contact us: Marguerite Bowden, Assistant Principal on 01643 700335 or e-mail mbowden@educ.somerset.gov.uk
BUSINESS LINK
The construction of Hinkley Point C power plant in Somerset represents a huge opportunity for local businesses. Business Link is a free on-line advice and support service for businesses of any size, which are just starting out, have been running for a while or want to grow. The Business Link website www.businesslink.gov.uk has many easy-to-use tools to help you start up, improve and grow your business.
You can access the advice you need on areas from tax allowances and grants, to health and safety, environmental best practice, intellectual property issues, finance and much more.
Contact us: www.businesslink.gov.uk
INTO SOMERSET
The Into Somerset team is here to provide help and support as you consider moving to Somerset, growing your business and living life to the full in this progressive county. We will provide you with all the information and introductions you need to assist in your relocation and business investment. We will work with you to find the best place for your business to thrive as well as guide you to the most appropriate places to live.
Working with our local authorities, other economic agencies and private sector partners, we will offer you a full tailored service to relocate your business to Somerset.
We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to Somerset – where you and your business can grow.
Contact us: www.intosomerset.co.uk Email enquiries@intosomerset.co.uk Tel 0845 1222 066
SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Somerset Chamber is a membership organisation which promotes and lobbies for business development in the county of Somerset. As a combined force, with Somerset’s Town Chambers, we represent 100′s of businesses. Industries such as manufacturing, tourism, engineering, construction, leisure, IT, consumer goods, finance, and education.
The Somerset Chamber of Commerce has been asked by EDF Energy to manage the development of the local supply chain that will deliver the Hinkley Project. The Chamber is to be the single point of contact for business and agencies engaged in the construction of the project.
Contact us: www.somerset-chamber.co.uk Email manager@somerset-chamber.co.uk Tel 01823 444924