PMG e-Newsletter Edition #55

PMG e-Newsletter Edition #55 nd

2 June 2014

Summary of Contents – Page I News Study Reveals Striking Shifts in Global Manufacturing Costs over the Past Decade UK economy grows by 0.8% in first quarter - Manufacturing is star performer – productivity still a problem Plastic growth boosts UK manufacturing Devon Welcomes New Assisted Area Map The Public Accounts Committee publishes its report into promoting economic growth locally KPMG 2014 Global Manufacturing Outlook: ‘Performance in the crosshairs’ Other News in Brief Awards open for entry II PMG Members’ News PMG’s CI sub-group to visit Tata Steel Princess M CLASS update – New 115ft 35M released from mould Plessey included in the Lux Magazine Power List 2014 PMG members fare well at the Herald Business Awards Applied Automation (UK) Ltd opens high-tech showroom Wrigley takes bigger bite of chewing gum market Barden bearings keep the wheels turning on Team Bath Racing's Formula Student car UTC Aerospace Systems Fire/Energy/Waste Promotion event from 1130 on Wed 11th June in Café Gyro PMG Finance leads meet to discuss Bond Dickinson’s ANT£NNA Fine Tubes to supply precision tubing for Solar Orbiter Other News in Brief Members’ videos and newsletters III Business to Business including grants & funding Television Production company looking for a SME manufacturer with a business issue GAIN Digital Exchange - a key service to help businesses by Plymouth University Discover the key drivers of Employee Engagement Government Funding Available to SW Businesses from LEAD National Composites Centre (NCC) - SME support available Martin C Smith - Supply Chain contractor GEL Southwest Fire Safety Training for Staff Granted Consultancy Other business contacts received this month Company Profiles of Potential Overseas Partners & TSB Funding Competitions IV Talent Spotting: Experienced candidates looking for recruitment Students looking for work or work placements V Events, Training Courses & Other Information Peninsula City Deal SWMAS Training – Subsidised for SME’s Part-time Executive MBA Plymouth International Trade Club Tuesday 03/06/2014 17:30 - 20:00 Copthorne Hotel Plymouth’s Climate Change Commission celebrates World Environment Day on 5th June at Bond Dickinson, W Hoe Rd UTC Aerospace Systems Fire/Energy/Waste event from 1130 to 1330 on Wed 11th June in Café Gyro PMG Health & Safety meeting Thursday June 12th Exelin Events – June and July UTC Plymouth college open day Saturday 21st June 2014 PLM 360 one-hour webinar - Tuesday, 24th June 2014 - 11:00am – 12:00pm Exporters – South Africa - Meet with the marine sector lead for UKTI Plymouth - 2pm on Tuesday 24 June at Plymouth Chamber. Support for Manufacturers - What you need to know - Tuesday 1st July 9:30–11:40 + lunch & networking Plymouth Science Park Energy Prices 2014 - Hinkley Point B Power Station, Nr Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 1UD Thursday 3rd July, 09:00-15:45 The ‘Mittelstand’ study tour - July 9-10, 2014, Baden-Württemberg, Germany The impact of data, science and technology on food security and production - University of Exeter Thursday 4th September Shattering the Myths around Innovation – Starting in September – University of Exeter – for SMEs Torbay Hi Tech Forum 4th Annual Conference – 23rd October 9.30am till 4.30pm – Riviera International Conference Centre Innovate UK 2014 - 5th and 6th November 2014 at Old Billingsgate, London Other Courses/Events VI Requests for Assistance & Corporate Social Responsibility Matters UK's 1st Charity Fuel Card - The fuel card that donates to the charity of your choice – A great idea UTC Plymouth, Devonport - Employability Week: 7th-11th July - your assistance is sought The Big Bang South West 2014, Thursday 26th June, University of Exeter CSR Related newsletters VII Consultations, Reviews, Surveys & Calls for Evidence Department for Transport consults on the future of the Great Western railway Business West Quarter 2 Local Business Survey Insider media's owner-managed business survey Cornish businesses urged to help shape the future of regulation Other surveys VIII Economic News; Newsletters, Briefings & Articles Other sites of interest to manufacturers Disclaimer

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PMG e-Newsletter Edition #55

May saw the UK manufacturing sector maintain one of its brightest spells of output and new order growth in the 22-year survey history. As manufacturers ramped up production to meet strong inflows of new work from both domestic and export markets, the benefits were also shared with the wider economy through solid job creation and rising levels of input purchasing. June Markit/CIPS UK Manufacturing PMI®- here

I News Study Reveals Striking Shifts in Global Manufacturing Costs over the Past Decade - The UK is now the LowCost Manufacturer of Western Europe 1. Manufacturing cost competitiveness around the world has changed dramatically over the past decade—so dramatically that many old perceptions of low-cost and high-cost nations no longer hold, according to new research released today by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In manufacturing, Brazil is now one of the highest-cost countries, for example, and the UK is the cheapest location in western Europe. Mexico now has lower manufacturing costs than China, while costs in much of eastern Europe are basically at parity with the U.S. These are among the findings of the new analysis, which is part of BCG’s ongoing research into the shifting economics of global manufacturing. Cost competitiveness is becoming increasingly important as organizations around the world rethink their manufacturing networks and as governments recognize the economic importance of a stable manufacturing base. To shed light on the shifting cost dynamics of global production, the firm has developed a new tool—BCG’s Global Manufacturing Cost-Competitiveness Index—that tracks changes in production costs over the past decade in the world’s 25 largest goods-exporting nations. The index covers four direct economic drivers of manufacturing competitiveness: wages, productivity growth, energy costs, and currency exchange rates. The 25 countries account for nearly 90 percent of global exports of manufactured goods. The 10 countries with the lowest manufacturing costs, according to the index, include a mix of nations from around the world. Six of the 10 are in Asia, while several others are in North America and eastern Europe. A number of other countries have experienced extreme drops in costcompetiveness: Australia has the highest manufacturing-cost structure of the 25—around 30 percent higher than the U.S. More here and here UK economy grows by 0.8% in first quarter - Manufacturing is star performer – productivity still a problem. 2. The UK economy grew by 0.8% in the first quarter of 2014, according to the latest figures. It marks the fifth consecutive period of GDP growth - the longest positive run since the financial crisis. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) also said the economy is now 0.6% smaller than its 2008 peak. UK manufacturing was one of the strongest performers in the latest figures, with output growing by 1.3%, the ONS said, its strongest quarter for nearly four years. More - here Despite this strong employment data, it is productivity that determines economic growth and real wages in the medium and long term. Despite a small increase in output per hour of 0.3 percent in the last Quarter of 2013, productivity has continued its unprecedented stagnation. Across the whole economy, productivity is still 4.3 percent below the precrisis peak and if it had continued growing at the pre-crisis trend, it would be 20 percent higher than today. The pre-crisis trend rate of growth in manufacturing productivity was 1.16 percent per quarter which was almost double the trend rate for the whole economy. Whilst manufacturing productivity has marginally outperformed the rest of the economy, it is still only at Q3 2008 level. If it had continued to grow at the pre-crisis trend, it would be 30 percent higher than today. More - here Plastic growth boosts UK manufacturing 3. The manufacture of plastics and rubber products proved to be the largest single component contributing to a surge of manufacturing activity in the first quarter of 2014. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that overall manufacturing rose by 1.4% in the first three months of the year, compared to the final quarter of 2013. And according to the ONS the 7.3% growth recorded by plastics, rubber and other non-metallic manufacturing contributed 0.6 percentage points to the sector’s increase. The largest downward contribution in the first quarter, the ONS said, was from the manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations, which fell by 5.8% and decreased manufacturing growth by 0.4 percentage points, having increased between the previous two quarters. More (p11): here

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PMG e-Newsletter Edition #55

Devon Welcomes New Assisted Area Map 4. Devon has warmly welcomed the Government’s recent announcement recommending approval for Assisted Area status to cover large areas of Devon up to 2020 - here. This status establishes the areas of the UK where regional aid and enhanced levels of Government assistance will be available to support disadvantaged economies through the businesses within these. Assisted Area status permits the granting of additional financial support to small businesses and large enterprise. Previously only parts of Plymouth and the Langage industrial estate were covered. Coverage has now been massively increased to also cover large parts of Devon and Torbay, increasing population coverage by almost 81% from the previous map. A total of around 9,700 businesses will now be covered by this status. Included in the announcement are the Newton Abbot area, which builds on the benefits of the South Devon Link Road, Totnes, South West Devon, Torridge and parts of North Devon, including Ilfracombe and Barnstaple. Assisted Area support will encourage business in these communities to grow, helping to drive forward Devon’s contribution to the UK economy. The final Map is due to come into force on 1 July 2014, subject to formal approval by the European Commission. View map - here The Public Accounts Committee publishes its report into promoting economic growth locally 5. Earlier this month, the Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MP, Chair of the Committee of Public Accounts, said "Despite the large sums available for promoting economic growth locally, little money has actually reached businesses. Of the £3.9 billion that has been allocated in total to these initiatives, only nearly £400 million had made it to local projects by the end of 2012-13. The two Departments responsible now face a significant challenge in meeting their spending targets by the end of this financial year. Under the Regional Growth Fund, the largest of the schemes, the Departments will need to spend £1.4 billion this year, compared to the £1.2 billion spent over the previous three years. Some £1 billion of the remaining £3.5 billion allocated to initiatives is currently parked with intermediary bodies such as local authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships and banks – and the rest with the Departments”. More - here KPMG 2014 Global Manufacturing Outlook: ‘Performance in the crosshairs’ 6. The 2014 KPMG Global Manufacturing Outlook: Performance in the crosshairs report examines the continuing evolution of the strategies that manufacturers are deploying to drive value and performance across the enterprise. As evidenced in the survey results, explosive developments in technology, material science, advanced manufacturing and synergistic operating models are clearly beginning to redefine `the art of the possible’ and are changing the way manufacturing companies compete and succeed. Underlying this year’s survey results, we see a powerful theme – `Disruptive Complexity’ – that we believe will be a major force for all manufacturers to reckon with. The challenges of the past five years (largely characterized by global uncertainty, economic volatility, geo-political instability, shifting markets and natural disasters) have resulted in massive changes to the manufacturing landscape and there is every indication that these macroeconomic winds of change will continue to blow. However, these may seem tame compared to the new forces created by the proliferation of data, scientific discovery, robotics, technology and artificial intelligence... just to mention a few. These new and powerful forces will intensify and forever change the dynamics, risks and success factors for global manufacturing companies. Based upon this year’s survey and our view of the marketplace, there are numerous strategies and tactics that global manufacturing companies intend to deploy to capitalize on market opportunities and stay ahead of their competition, including:  predictive analytics that monitor evolving customer preferences,  new OEM/supplier collaborative innovation models,  3D printing and new additive manufacturing capabilities,  technology platforms that support real-time business intelligence, and  resilient/transparent supply chains that create virtual vertically-integrated manufacturing networks. More - here Page 3 of 21

PMG e-Newsletter Edition #55

Other News in Brief • CBI survey - optimism amongst the UK’s smaller manufacturers has surged to its highest level since records began in 1988, according to the CBI’s latest SME Trends Survey. That’s on the back of small and medium-sized manufacturers saying that total orders and output rallied in the three months to April. Numbers employed also enjoyed a sharp boost, and employment is expected to grow at an even stronger pace during the next quarter here. • UK still #1 in Europe for FDI - The UK is still the automatic first choice of more cross-border inward investment projects in Europe than anywhere else. That's according to EY's European Attractiveness Survey 2014 which details the perceptions and realities of foreign direct investment. here • Women in Manufacturing - The second EEF Women in Manufacturing report, sponsored by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, celebrates leading woman in manufacturing SMEs and identifies the successes women can have in modern manufacturing workplaces. The report shows just how many women are at board level in the largest manufacturing companies and how vital women are to the sector. It celebrates the successes that women can have in modern manufacturing workplaces as well as identifying the challenges and highlighting the changes that need to be made if we are to see more women choosing to make their career in our sector. The report updates the previous findings on women on the boards of FTSE 100 manufacturing companies and with our focus on the bigger picture for manufacturing, we also shine a light on the careers of successful high-level women in manufacturing SMEs, which account for nearly 60% of manufacturing employment. More - here • Bristol Airport - recorded its fourth consecutive year of passenger growth in the 2013 calendar year. Passenger numbers increased by 3.4 per cent to 6.1 million. It is only the second time that the airport has handled more than six million passengers in a year, edging closer to its all-time record of 6.2 million set in 2008. More – here courtesy of insidermedia. • MAS Barometer - Positive sales results look to have motivated a recruitment drive and an appetite for investment among small to medium sized (SME) manufacturers in the South West, according to the latest Barometer from the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS). Over half (59 per cent) of businesses report sales growth in the last six months, which is a rise of five per cent from the same time last year. This seems to have had a positive influence on recruitment plans, as almost half (49 per cent) of respondents indicate they plan to engage more staff. Manufacturers’ confidence is also growing, with 44 per cent of the companies questioned stating they intend to invest in developing new technologies, which is the highest number recorded when measured against the same period in previous years. More – here. For national picture - here • Plymouth History Centre project - The Heritage Lottery Fund have announced that Plymouth’s stage 1 bid to them for £12.8M for the Plymouth History Centre project has been successful – that’s 25% of the total available budget for all national bids across the UK. This is a £25M transformational scheme in the heart of the city centre, forming a key plank in the rapidly developing cultural infrastructure of the city. • UK industrial sector poised for surge in acquisitions - Nearly three quarters of UK-listed industrials said they were expecting increased M&A activity in the next 12 months, according to a Deloitte survey of 20 M&A chiefs. More than 60 per cent said they were looking at emerging markets for potential acquisitions. More - here • Interest rates - Britain needs to start raising interest rates sooner rather than later if it wants to avoid sharp and painful increases in the future, a member of the Bank of England’s rate-setting committee has warned. More - here • Populations stats - According to Office for National Statistics (ONS) projections, the South West region is set to grow fourth fastest of all regions by 6.9 per cent. London is projected to grow the fastest, by 13 per cent over the 10 year period. The region projected to grow at the slowest rate over the next 10 years is the North East at 2.9 per cent. Plymouth’s growth rate is forecasted to be less than 5 per cent. More - here • New poll finds engineering is still considered a ‘male’ profession - A new survey by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers has found that the majority of the public still consider engineering as a ‘male’ profession, the findings coincide with the appointment of the Institution’s new President Group Captain Mark Hunt, who has vowed to encourage greater diversity during his tenure. The survey finds that 66% of the public associate engineers more with men than women. More - here Page 4 of 21

PMG e-Newsletter Edition #55

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Performance management systems deemed unfair by a third of employees - Trust in leaders is at a two-year low according to the latest CIPD/Halogen Employee Outlook survey. The CIPD are calling on managers to step up and talk to their employees about their development or risk losing valuable talent. Almost a third of employees also feel that progression within their organisation is unachievable, with one in five stating that their managers do not effectively communicate objectives and expectations. The survey found that overall, net levels of job satisfaction are slightly higher than in spring 2013. However, job seeking intentions are still high as employees lack faith in senior managers. More here Paignton's South Devon College top of table as 'best in country' - South Devon College has topped the national further education tables as the best college in the country. The college has been officially recognised as the top further education and tertiary college in England in results recently published by the Skills Funding Agency. The results — based on learner success rates and retention — cements the college's exemplary status as a leading further education establishment, as well as a beacon for economic development and employment in Torbay and South Devon. More - here More Apprentices Progress into Higher Education - Thousands more apprentices are progressing into Higher Education following their apprenticeship, Matthew Hancock, the Skills and Enterprise Minister announced earlier this month. Published research which shows that overall, almost 20% of advanced apprentices moved onto Higher Education following the completion of their apprenticeship. More - here

Manufacturing Awards open for entry: • The Manufacturer of the Year Awards 2014. This year’s awards were launched at the House of Commons on March 3, 2014. More than 200 senior business leaders turned out for the launch, sponsored by Margot James MP and attended by Business Minister Michael Fallon. Entries for the awards are now open. If you have an inspiring story to tell, have made significant improvements to your working practices or think your team deserves nationwide recognition, then The Manufacturer wants to hear from you. To enter visit - here Closing date 31st July 2014. • IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards Young female engineers: your country needs you. This is the message from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which has relaunched its 2014 Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards with a renewed emphasis on finding female role models to help address the UK science and engineering skills crisis. The deadline for entry to the 2014 Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards is 31st July 2014. Full details of the Awards are available on the website: www.theiet.org/YWE

II PMG Members’ News PMG’s CI sub-group to visit Tata Steel 7. The PMG’s continuous Improvement (CI) sub-group are to visit Tata Steel’s Zodiac line at their Port Talbot works in South Wales. This is such ‘hot news’ (forgive the pun) that, as yet, no date for the visit has been fixed. The Tata Steel Group has operations in 26 countries and produces 28 million tonnes of steel per year. Tata Steel is the 2nd largest steel producer in Europe supplying some of the most demanding markets worldwide including automotive, construction, packaging and engineering. Port Talbot Works is part of the Strip Products UK business. Producing hot rolled, cold rolled and hot dip coated steel; steelmaking is a complex and fascinating process which is well worth a visit. For more about Tata at Port Talbot click – here In due course, more details will be sent to CI group members and the main nominated leads of all member firms. Page 5 of 21

PMG e-Newsletter Edition #55

Princess M CLASS update – New 115ft 35M released from mould 8. It’s the Princess destined to break the superyacht mould, but first it had to be released from its own mould. The hull section for the new 35M has been successfully released from its layup stage within the Princess South Yard superyacht facility in Plymouth. The hull, finished in Princess Steel Grey, slipped from its mould and was moved using a special lowloader shipped in from Italy to its new home a matter of yards away. Now the fit out stage of the 35M’s build process will begin in earnest with the TRAC stabiliser system, twin MTU V16 2637hp engines and general engineering work already underway. Once completed the main deck sections will be added and the 35M’s full majesty will be realised. Princess Yachts International’s M Class Director, Richard Lambert said; “It was an incredibly proud moment for Princess Yachts as the first 35M hull was released from the mould which was the culmination of a tremendous amount of hard work from a dedicated and skilled team. The 35M represents a leap forward in raised pilot house design and she will be a dominant player in this important and dynamic market segment.” Exclusive video of the 35M in build is available - here Plessey included in the Lux Magazine Power List 2014 9. Plessey has been named in this month's edition of Lux Magazine featuring the top twentyfive innovative lighting companies. Robert Bain, Editor of Lux Magazine says, "The Power List is Lux's pick of the most exciting lighting companies in the UK. When we heard Plessey was manufacturing LEDs right here in the UK, we had to find out more. Plessey is using GaNon-silicon technology to unlock manufacturing efficiencies and drive down the cost of LED lighting - and they're doing it in Devon. This is unique and has the potential to bring real benefits to the world of LED lighting. Plessey has earned its place on our Power List, and we'll be keeping our eye on them." Joe Lopez, Chief Commercial Officer for Plessey adds, "Plessey is one of a very select few selling GaN-on-silicon LEDs in the global solid state lighting market what Plessey has developed is a truly unique technology. The Solid State Lighting (SSL) market is developing very fast and becoming even more price sensitive as it moves into the consumer market where Plessey's manufacturing cost advantage is particularly strong." Plessey previously announced that its GaN on silicon LEDs are produced using standard high-yield automated processing in contrast with current generations of LEDs which use expensive sapphire and other exotic materials requiring nonstandard semiconductor manufacturing processes. More here PMG members fare well at the Herald Business Awards 10. Of the 17 winners walking away with trophies at the Herald Business Awards event held at the Boringdon Park Golf Club, near Plympton earlier this month were the following PMG members: the Barden Corporation (UK) Ltd took the Large Business of the Year honour, after a year in which it has celebrated producing its one millionth deep groove ceramic bearing. Applied Automation Ltd, was named best Medium-sized Business. Former Barden boss and current Plymouth Albion Chairman, Dr Graham Stirling was honoured for Lifetime Achievement. Other prominent winners, all of whom received a speciallyframed “front page” about their firm’s success, included MGB Group Ltd, which took two awards for Apprenticeship Development and for its manufacturing arm and just to cap a great night for them their employee Natalie Wooldridge was named Young Business Person of the Year. The full report from the Herald - here

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PMG e-Newsletter Edition #55

Applied Automation (UK) Ltd opens high-tech showroom 11. It looks like something from the TV sci-fi classic Star Trek and it's even called The Bridge, but it is in fact a Plymouth manufacturer's new showroom. Plympton-based Applied Marine Automation, division of Applied Automation (UK) Ltd, invited guests to view its new high-tech installation. The company specialises in making sophisticated panels and control systems for the helms of luxury yachts. The Bridge showroom was unveiled to an audience of customers from leading boat builders, plus city business leaders and representatives from colleges, showing their support for the growing business. Part of Applied Marine Automation's large factory at its Langage headquarters has been transformed into a marine centre. It is fitted out with examples of the customisable helm panels and advanced electronics that allow a vessel's captain to control the engines, navigation, fuel, water tanks and other on-board systems. David Rowe, Applied Marine Automation's managing director, said: "It was an exciting night for us; the showroom will enable us to demonstrate our marine systems and showcase the innovative concepts our design team are working on, not only here in Plymouth but to customers around the world. Source: Plymouth Herald - here Wrigley takes bigger bite of chewing gum market 12. The UK arm of confectionery manufacturer Wrigley has grown revenues closer to the £250m mark and posted an increase in profits. A spokesperson told Insider media.com that the UK business had enjoyed an excellent year boosted by the success of new product lines, and revealed that the results would enable it to continue investing in its Plymouth home. According to its latest set of accounts, the Wrigley Company generated a turnover of £245.2m in the year ending 28 December 2013, up by 7 per cent on a year earlier. Of this, by far the largest market was the UK (£211.3m), followed by the rest of the EU (£29.1m) and the rest of the world (£4.7m). Pre-tax profits climbed by 14 per cent to £63.9m over the same period, even though the company included a one-off expense of £4.5m to equalise the pension age for male and female employees. A spokesperson for the Wrigley Company in the UK said: "Wrigley UK has had an excellent year, with the increase in our volume sales showing the success of our new bottle format and the popularity of new product lines like Extra White Bubblemint”. Full story - here Barden bearings keep the wheels turning on Team Bath Racing's Formula Student car 13. Super precision bearings manufacturer, The Barden Corporation (UK) Ltd, is supplying angular contact ball bearings to Team Bath Racing for use on its 2014 Formula Student racing car. Team Bath Racing is a team of around 100 undergraduate engineers from the University of Bath. Every year, the team designs, builds and competes with a singleseater racing car in the worldwide Formula Student competitions. The team comprises of first, second, third and final year undergraduates from a range of engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical, automotive and electronics. Having competed in Formula Student events since 2001, Team Bath Racing has established itself as one of Europe’s top teams. In 2012, the team finished fourth in the Austrian event, the best performance that year by a UK team, as well as second in the endurance event in Austria and was the winner of the Cost & Sustainability competition (UK). The team will compete in three competitions later this year, the most by any UK-based team. The three races will be held at Silverstone, UK (12 -13 July), Germany (29 July - 4 August) and Austria (17-20 August). More - here UTC Aerospace Systems Fire/Energy/Waste Promotion event from 1130 on Wed 11th June in Café Gyro. 14. UTC Aerospace Systems Plymouth is hosting a Fire/Energy/Waste Promotion event from 1130 to 1330 on Wednesday 11th June in our Café Gyro. All members of the PMG Health & Safety and Resource Efficiency Groups are very welcome to attend to see the exhibitors. See further details below in section V Events.

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PMG Finance leads meet to discuss Bond Dickinson’s ANT£NNA 15. The PMG’s Finance sub-group met earlier this month at Bandvulc’s site at Lee Mill – its first meeting since September last year. Representatives from the following firms were present: Kawasaki PM; Plessey Semiconductors; Bombardier; Burts Chips; Schneider Electric/Invensys; MGB; Fairford Electronics; Permaban and hosts Bandvulc. The group received a presentation from Stephen Dilley, Partner, Bond Dickinson LLP on the topic of their Ant£nna service which he described as a tool for proactively managing risk and spotting supplier insolvencies. The group went on to perform a collective SWOT analysis for everyone’s individual finance functions. This will help identify common themes and future agenda items for the group to consider. The next meeting will be held at 3:00pm on Wednesday 22nd October at Princess Yachts. Following comments made during the SWOT analysis, it was agreed that ‘Product Costing’ should be a discussion topic at the next meeting. If you or a colleague want to join this group please let me know: [email protected] Fine Tubes to supply precision tubing for Solar Orbiter 16. PMG member, Fine Tubes, a leading manufacturer and global distributor of precision tubes for critical applications, is delighted to announce that it has been selected to supply specialist tubing for the Chemical Propulsion System (CPS) of the highly anticipated Solar Orbiter project. Contracted by OHB Sweden, Fine Tubes will be manufacturing over 100m of titanium tubing Grade 2. Solar Orbiter is a European Space Agency (ESA) project that will investigate how the Sun creates and controls the heliosphere, its extended atmosphere. The contract to build the satellite has been awarded to Astrium UK who will lead a team of suppliers, including OHB Sweden, and NASA will provide the launcher and contribute instruments to the scientific payload. The scientific mission will be co-ordinated with NASA's Solar Probe Plus to maximise the combined science return. Due for launch in 2017, Solar Orbiter will fly to within 45 million kilometres of the Sun, closer than Mercury, and will image the solar poles for the first time, helping to explain how the Sun generates its magnetic field. The Orbiter will experience levels of sunlight thirteen times higher than satellites orbiting the Earth and will also need to endure powerful bursts of atomic particles from explosions in the solar atmosphere. These high-energy bursts (Coronal Mass Ejections) can disrupt satellite communications and electrical power distribution systems as well as causing computers to crash. The data provided by Solar Orbiter will, it is hoped, enable scientists to better understand how these violent and disruptive phenomena are caused. More - here Other news in brief • Plessey further expands LED production with another Aixtron CRIUS II-XL MOCVD system Deposition equipment maker Aixtron SE of Aachen, Germany says that Plessey Semiconductors Ltd of Plymouth has purchased another metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) system for manufacturing gallium nitride LEDs on silicon wafers (GaN-on-Si) as it further expands its production capacity. The Close Coupled Showerhead (CCS) system, delivered recently with a 7x6-inch configuration, will supplement an existing production system from Aixtron (delivered in July 2012). • Advanced Medical Solutions Group - has received CE approval for a newly developed cyanoacrylate adhesive device for hernia mesh fixation - LiquiBand Fix 8. AMS says LiquiBand Fix 8 device can accurately deliver individual drops of cyanoacrylate adhesive internally within the body, giving the surgeon precision and control for the first time. More - here • Fine Tubes - world-leading manufacturer and distributor of precision tubes for critical applications, is delighted to announce that it has appointed Bait Al-Aseel to act as its agent in Kuwait. The decision forms part of Fine Tubes’ strategic plan to secure further growth in the market for exotic alloy tubing across the Middle East region. • Fine Tubes has received additional NORSOK approval to supply UNS S31254 seamless tubes as endorsed by Parker Hannifin and Statoil. The company has also achieved a place on the Statoil TR2000 approved supplier list. More - here

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PMG e-Newsletter Edition #55

Members’ videos, newsletters and articles • Burts Potato Chips – here If you’re a PMG member and you’re reading this and wishing your firm’s good news story was also posted here, then next time please let me know and send me a link to your press release. [email protected]

III Business to Business – including grants & funding Television Production company looking for a SME manufacturer with a business issue 17. A major UK broadcaster is making a new high-profile television series to be transmitted later this year and we are looking to contact business owners in your area. We are interested in small to medium sized companies with up to 100 employees. The business owner will work with a well-known entrepreneur across a number of weeks, exploring and testing out fresh strategies to suit their business. This series would suit a company dealing with new competition, the repercussions of the recession, or a decrease in customers or revenue. We are keen to focus on businesses in the leisure, tourism, food, retail and manufacturing sectors. Ideally, we are looking for companies that are open to explore new ways of transforming their business and making them more profitable. This is an exciting opportunity to be featured on a prime time series and to create innovative ideas with one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs. Victory Television - is an independent production company with a background in both factual and entertainment programmes, most famous for producing Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and, more recently, Tough Young Teachers for the BBC. Do please contact [email protected] or on 0207 4063057 to find out more information about this exciting new project. GAIN Digital Exchange - a key service to help businesses by Plymouth University 18. ‘As a PMG member and therefore a key stakeholder of the Peninsula City Deal Growth Hub, we’d like to introduce you to the new GAIN Digital Exchange - a key service to help businesses. We are in the soft launch phase of the new site www.gaininbusiness.com which is a BETA version currently being targeted at the business community while we are gathering feedback. Your support of the project will be vital and greatly appreciated as we develop the platform and continue to raise awareness. You can sign up to the website here: www.gaininbusiness.com and it would be fantastic if you could also support by following the network across our social platforms:LinkedIn Google+ Facebook Twitter If you would like to submit a thought-leadership piece for the website, or content that will enable SMEs and entrepreneurs here in the South West to develop their business we would appreciate any ideas and submissions. Likewise if you have further feedback please email us at [email protected]. Please feel free to share this email with your contacts and networks who may also wish to get involved, we have sharable content for mailing lists and social networks. We are also actively looking for partner organisations and mailing lists so we can ensure the business community are aware of this new tool. Thank you for your time and we look forward to working closely with you in the future as GAIN reaches out to businesses across the South West’. Discover the key drivers of Employee Engagement 19. Opportunity for Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group members to take part in a ground-breaking research project. youbecome® have developed specialist expertise with King’s College London to help companies accurately measure the engagement of their employees and then help them to focus on essential improvement areas. Project objectives • Measure the current level of employee morale in PMG member organisations • Explore what PMG businesses are doing to manage tough economic conditions • Understand people’s outlook for the future • Measure how well people are managed in PMG businesses • Benchmark best practices to help all PMG businesses in the future. Methodology • youbecome® will meet with and then complete an online study of the selected organisations • Respondents will not be individually identified and all information gathered will be treated in the strictest confidence and aggregated across all participating businesses.

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Deliverables to participating PMG members • Confidential report including: o Analysis of key data o A benchmark score compared to all other participating companies o Key strengths and development needs o Tracking line manager effectiveness by team within their organisation o Aggregated research report o Invitation to a private seminar looking at the overall results and possible solutions.

Costs - Prices range from £500 for businesses employing up to 25, to £2,450 for those employing up to 400. Larger businesses POA. 10% discount will apply if a minimum of 6 PMG members participate Please note that PMG members who are also members of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce may receive a headline analysis free of charge. More - here To take part in this ground-breaking research, please contact Dr Rebekah Southern on 07790 849 449 or email [email protected] Government Funding Available to SW Businesses from LEAD 20. Having helped many PMG members, LEAD, Lean Education And Development is looking for new businesses to work with in the south west. Thousands of pounds worth of government funding is still available to help companies with their Continuous improvement plans. Lean helps businesses transform using continuous improvement strategies. If YOU want to receive government funding to improve your business practices, achieve real benefits, and do this by actively engaging your people, contact LEAD today. We will support your teams with live implementation of improvement in a practical way. YOU choose projects which are relevant to your business. Our programmes are all about applied training and projects. We share best practice with your teams. We are the largest provider of this in the UK and are working with major blue chip companies. Our business is to help you increase productivity and profitability. In the last two years we have saved businesses more than £5 million pounds. We are still have access to full government funding, all we ask for from you is a VOLUNTARY contribution, so we are still one of the South West’s best kept secrets! Contact [email protected] or tel 01562 720 874 or 07772 902 738 www.leadlimited.co.uk National Composites Centre (NCC) - SME support available 21. The NCC is committed to encouraging southwest SMEs to explore the use of composites, and to helping innovative smaller businesses break through into the ever-changing technological world. To this end, we offer a wide range of free support and guidance services. Southwest-based SMEs can benefit from up to two days (or 12 hours) support and guidance, enabling them to explore the possibilities that composites can bring to their business. Support can be provided in a number of ways: networking, knowledge clusters, consultancy, potential collaborative projects, possible funding opportunities, and most notably the use of our state-of-the-art research and development technology to create prototypes and carry out testing. We encourage small to medium-sized enterprises (less than 250 employees with less than £45m (€50m) turnover) based in the South-West of England to get in touch to explore how our breadth of knowledge, skills and services can help you. For more information, contact [email protected] Martin C Smith - Supply Chain contractor 22. An experienced Supply Chain contractor lives in the PMG area. Martin specialises in improving the communication along the Supply Chain in manufacturing businesses: developing Demand Planning, S&OP, Production Planning, Materials Control and Inventory. In the area he has worked for Pall Aeropower, Becton Dickinson, Kensey Foods and Psychology Associates. As an adjunct to his Supply Chain knowledge Martin can write sophisticated reliable and secure Excel spreadsheets from complicated multi-database systems to bespoke solutions to office requirements. Check www.SCMbyMCS.co.uk to see if it is worth calling Martin.

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GEL Southwest 23. GEL Southwest is offering fully funded training for Devon and Somerset based SMEs in the Advanced Engineering, Marine Services, Environmental Services and BioSciences & Health sectors. They can now access leadership and management training free of charge under the new ESF Skills for Growth initiative. read more Fire Safety Training for Staff 24. ‘As you can see from my details below, I manage Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service’s (DSFRS) commercial fire safety school. Whilst we already provide training to some of the Plymouth Manufacturing Group (PMG) members, I would like to establish a more formal contact with the group and would welcome the opportunity to distribute useful information about our services to members. I could even provide a short presentation on almost any fire safety topic that may be of interest when they next meet if this would be desirable’. Mr. Brian Harvey, Fire Safety School Manager, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Training Academy, Academy Training Centre, Glen Road, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 2XT. [email protected] tel: 01752 333658. www.dsfire.gov.uk/trainingacademy

Mob: 07974 805523

Granted Consultancy 25. If you are a manufacturer planning to buy a new factory, purchase new machines or expand, then there is a good chance that you could pull down government grant funding to help you achieve your plans. It has been confirmed that there will be a new round of the Regional Growth Fund launched in the summer of 2014 offering £millions of grant funding to the private sector. Our experience of the RGF is that funds can be used where they are most needed and are not limited to strictly capital or revenue based activities. RGF money can also be used to match European grant funding for further leverage – which was certainly the case with our successful £1.2million RGF bid that has now been leveraged to £8.5million in total funding. Applications must be made for at least £1million, include approximately 50% match funding and lead to the creation of new, sustainable jobs. Granted is a leading consultancy specialising in grant, bid and tender writing for the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Based in Exmouth, we are ideally positioned to provide expert bespoke grant funding advice and support services to organisations based across the UK. Katie Breadmore / [email protected] / 01395 223020 / www.grantedltd.co.uk Other business contacts received this month: • Essential 6 training & development - here Company Profiles of Potential Overseas Partners • For the Latest Co-operation profiles from Enterprise Europe Network South West – here Technology Strategy Board • Funding competitions - The first round of the SBRI Healthcare competition: a £2.5 million programme to support small business to develop innovative products and services that address unmet health needs. More - here

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IV Talent Spotting: experienced candidates looking for recruitment Peter David Armstrong 26. A Plymouth-based Business Development, Project Management and General Management professional with 35 years’ experience in the global defence industry – the last 15 years at Director and Vice President levels. Career highlights include: VP, BD for a $200m transatlantic company with a global customer base; Project Director of the multi-national £1Bn Eurofighter Defensive Aids System programme; Site and General Management experience during growth, re-structuring and divestiture business phases. Until recently a Board Member of the West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF) and a member of the steering group for the South West Aerospace and Advanced Engineering iNet. He is a Rotarian and has had involvement in Job Coaching and school/industry partnership schemes as an Industrial Mentor. He has an honours degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Peter is interested in hearing of any opportunities (full- or part-time) at CEO, Director, NED, or consultant level which would allow me to apply my core skills and expertise to help make a significant difference to an organisation's business performance. CV – here Stephen Tyrrell 27. An ambitious, pro-active and commercially-astute Senior Business Professional, Consultant and Company Director. Holding an outstanding record of performance, achievement and success earned in diverse senior management and director roles, combining an impressive portfolio of business know-how, management and team leadership skills, with an appetite for challenging work and personal accomplishment. A supportive and motivational team player/leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the confidence, credibility and diplomacy to influence at all levels. Highly-motivated, resourceful and capable of delivering to demanding standards, targets and deadlines. Consistently demonstrates loyalty, reliability and the highest standards of personal and professional integrity. CV – here Natalie Werner, Industrial Engineer looking for a free 5 month placement in August 28. Steven Kerswill from the local Tellus group www.tellusgroup.com who specialise in placing overseas vocational education and training (‘VET’) students, have an engineer looking for a 5 month free placement early August. Steven can be contacted [email protected] ‘My name is Natalie Werner, I’m 29 years old. I was born in Ukraine and since 2000 I live with my family in Saarland (Germany). In October 2008 I started my study as Industrial Engineer in Saarbruecken at the “University of Technology and Economics of the Saarland”. I finished successful in September 2013. After my study I worked two months at company Johnson Controls, this company is producing roof skies for cars. Since December until now I’m working at Neways Neunkirchen Company (Electronics Production) in Purchasing / Logistic department. During my study time my main study theme was production systems, process optimization and management systems. In the courses for production systems I learned about production planning and error avoidance. In my Thesis I wrote about production planning of tyre sensors for Volvo Trucks. My main points in the Thesis are production planning, process description and process analysis. Certainly, I would do my internship in the purchasing or logistic sector. I’m interested in automobile industry or manufacturing companies. I’m interested in logistic systems and production systems because I think every process is important for nearly all companies. In the purchase and logistic department I like to learn the administrative work. I like to use the opportunity to learn more about these points in a company abroad. I prefer to work in England to learn English. I am communicative and I would like to work with nice colleagues in a team so I can learn better and faster to speak and write. I like to gain a lot of experiences in this job area so I can use it later on my work life. With best Regards Natalie Werner’. CV - here Students looking for work or work placements • None this month • Unlocking Potential – Grads for Growth - here

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V Events, Training Courses & Other Information: Peninsula City Deal SWMAS Training – Subsidised for SME’s. 29. Leadership Development Programme for Front Line Supervision and Management. More – here Leadership Development Programme for Managers and Directors. More - here Lean Practitioner Programme. More – here Professional Procurement Programme. More – here Introduction to Project Management. More – here Sales & Marketing best practice programme. More – here Six Sigma Green Belt Programme - here Also see here for details of all the Programmes that SWMAS currently have for the Peninsula City Deal. Part-time Executive MBA 30. The University of St Mark & St John is pleased to now offer a part-time Executive MBA as part of its new leadership and management portfolio. The Executive MBA is a flexible programme designed to develop senior management and leadership skills and competences while engaging in postgraduate study. We have attached a leaflet outlining the programme. For further information please visit: here or contact the programme leader Dr Carl Evans T: 01752 636700 ext: 5663 E: [email protected] Plymouth International Trade Club Tuesday 03/06/2014 17:30 - 20:00 Copthorne Hotel, Armada Way, Devon, Plymouth PL1 1AR. – **********this week*********** 31. We have some great speakers – Alastair Roberts, Head of the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Operations Team in France and based at the British Consulate in Bordeaux will discuss some great opportunities to engage in international trade across the channel - a key export market and gateway to Western Europe. Sandra Warne, UKTI lead for South Africa, will give us an insight into both the challenges and opportunities to engage this high growth market. UKTI South West, in partnership with UKTI West Midlands, will be leading a trade mission to South Africa and Zambia from 8th to 15 November 2014, so this is your chance to find out more and to see whether your business might be interested in joining it. We also have a fascinating case study from Jan Knight of Knight Scientific Ltd, a unique Plymouth company and winner of the 2014 Herald Business Award for innovation. Find out how the business is successfully developing new products and finding new markets outside the UK. A light buffet will be served and there will be plenty of opportunity to meet other businesses engaged in international trade and to share experiences. Please note that this event is free of charge. We are looking for active import and export businesses to attend, but also businesses which may not have considered international trade and simply want to find out more about the opportunities and support available. Register - here Plymouth’s Climate Change Commission celebrates World Environment Day on 5 th June at Bond Dickinson’s Ballard House W Hoe Rd, Plymouth PL1 3AE between 3pm and 5pm.***this week***** 32. Plymouth’s Climate Change Commission is celebrating World Environment Day on the 5th June by bringing together Commission members and guests to discuss how we might realistically drive the city’s low carbon economy. The meeting is being hosted by Bond Dickinson’s at Ballard House and is only for 2 hours between 3pm and 5pm. We would like to extend this invitation to any members of the PMG who have a particular interest in this sector of the economy and the practicalities of contributing to it. I am aware we have some leading manufacturing companies who are closely involved in this and their views would be very welcomed. I wonder if you might pass this invite on and perhaps ask them to contact me direct if they are interested in attending. With kind regards, Jackie Young, Urban Agenda SW – Eco Training [email protected] 07970 909912 or 01752 672537. UTC Aerospace Systems Fire/Energy/Waste event from 1130 to 1330 on Wed 11 th June in Café Gyro 33. UTC Aerospace Systems Plymouth is hosting a Fire/Energy/Waste Promotion event from 1130 to 1330 on Wednesday 11th June in our Café Gyro. All members of the PMG Health & Safety and Resource Efficiency Groups are very welcome to attend to see the exhibitors. During the event there will be a fire demonstration from the local fire brigade, exhibit stands from Chubb Fire, Western Electrical with energy saving technologies, Devon Contract Waste and St Lukes’ Hospice charity recycling scheme. Should anyone wish to attend then please contact Richard Eastwood ([email protected]) Regards, Richard Eastwood – Facilities and Security Manager – Sensors & Integrated Systems UTC AEROSPACE SYSTEMS. Page 13 of 21

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PMG Health & Safety meeting Thursday June 12th 34. The next PMG H&S meeting will be on Thursday June 12th - note this is a week earlier that the date sent out at the start of the year. The date was changed to meet schedules – not just to avoid England’s clash with Uruguay, honest!! Jon Cooper from Bond Dickinson will be giving a legal update and covering the following areas: • • • • • •

Hot topics ACOPs – changes and their status Sentencing – new guidelines and trends Stress – legal requirement Corporate manslaughter update Prosecution by hindsight – the M5 fireworks case

I’m sure you will agree there will be something in here relevant to you and your site. For those of you not familiar with Jon Cooper I have attached a brief summary of the practice he works for, he is also on the editorial advisory board for Health & Safety at Work (magazine for IIRSM). In addition to Jon Cooper, Bombardier Transportation, the hosts, have offered to give a short presentation on their stress survey process and the follow up actions implemented as a result of the findings. Can I ask if you are attending and there is something you wish adding to the agenda that you let me know by early next week, in time I will send out a formal agenda? Look forward to seeing many of you again soon. Kind regards, Gareth George – EHS Officer – Sensors & Integrated Systems, UTC AEROSPACE SYSTEMS. [email protected] Exelin Events – June and July 35. Exelin offer a choice of open training programmes tailored to suit the development needs of individuals, teams and businesses. Many of our programmes can be match funded for manufacturing SME’s through the Manufacturing Advisory Service. Sales & Marketing Best Practice – Exeter June 14 Six Sigma Green Belt – Plymouth June 14 Leadership for Front Line Supervision – Plymouth June 14 Lean Practitioner – Bodmin July 2014 Please contact [email protected] for more information or visit our website http://www.exelin.co.uk/events

UTC Plymouth college open day Saturday 21st June 2014 36. UTC Plymouth in Devonport is opening its doors to the general public for a morning where people will get the opportunity to "have a go" in some interactive sessions as well as learn what it feels like to be a student in Devon and Cornwall's only technical engineering school. We are asking for support from individual PMG firms by having a stand at the open morning as well as advertising it with your employees who might be interested in having a look around. If you feel you would be able to help out for the morning please email Pete Robinson, vice principal of the college [email protected] PLM 360 one-hour webinar - Tuesday, 24th June 2014 - 11:00am – 12:00pm 37. Join Autodesk for a free one-hour webinar to learn more about PLM 360, our Product Lifecycle Management solution. Autodesk PLM 360® supports effective management of processes and projects by automating key tasks and delivering the right information to the right people at the right time. The webinar will provide critical insights from Autodesk’s Gavin England on the benefits of PLM 360, followed by TSM Control Systems who will outline how they are using PLM 360 to better access information, allowing them to do more with less. Register here Exporters – South Africa - Meet with Trevor Horne, the marine sector lead for UKTI Plymouth - 2pm on Tuesday 24 June at Plymouth Chamber. 38. Meet with Trevor Horne, the marine sector lead for UKTI Plymouth - 2pm on Tuesday 24 June at Plymouth Chamber. As part of Plymouth’s drive to support international trade we are planning (with UKTI) to hold a round table discussion / briefing re doing business with South Africa with a particular focus on marine / advanced manufacturing. Register - [email protected]

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Support for Manufacturers - What you need to know - Tuesday 1st July 9:30–11:40 + lunch & networking Baylis Suite, Plymouth Science Park, 1 Davy Road, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 8BX Manufacturing Advisory Service plus others 39. An opportunity to hear about the latest support available to help your manufacturing business grow. If you are a manufacturer or you provide advice for manufacturers, this event will enable you to find out: • • • • • •

What funding and grants are available How to access finance and gain an awareness of tax allowances How to up-skill your workforce The support and benefits of apprenticeships What resources Universities and Colleges offer Local support available to the manufacturing industry

Similar events in the South West have attracted in excess of 100 people, so book now to reserve your place. More - here Energy Prices 2014 - Hinkley Point B Power Station, Nr Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 1UD Thursday 3 rd July, 09:00-15:45. 40. Understand what the key drivers and possible outcomes are for energy prices over the coming months. Hear what the future holds for non-energy costs and the tools to help manage the risks. Combined with advice on long term energy purchasing and an update on our plans for nuclear new build, this briefing could prove invaluable in ensuring you are prepared for the period ahead. Register – here If this conference is of interest but either you can’t make it that day or Bridgwater is further than you care to travel, please let me know. EdF may be prepared to run a similar event in Plymouth for us – assuming there is sufficient demand. [email protected] The ‘Mittelstand’ study tour - July 9-10, 2014, Baden-Württemberg, Germany 41. The ‘Mittelstand’ study tour takes 15 UK manufactures for two days of best practice on business/manufacturing strategy, operational excellence, innovation, people development and the Mittelstand way. The Mittelstand are privately owned, often family businesses that are the bedrock of German manufacturing. Those attending will receive exclusive access to the business leaders and private site visits to the key manufacturing and business areas. Those already attending are MD’s, manufacturing/operations leaders and functional directors. Companies include: Gripple, Unipart, Toyota, Xaar, PowerPanels, i.e. medium, large and OEM’s. Brochure here Contact: Jon Tudor, Director M: 07971 055556 T: 0207 111 0976 True North Excellence Ltd, Warrington WA3 2BP. If you call mention your membership of the PMG – I met Jon recently - Editor. The impact of data, science and technology on food security and production - The Forum, University of Exeter Thursday 4th September, 9.30am - 5pm 42. Confirmed Speakers: • • • • • • • • • •

Chairman’s introduction – John Lee, OBE, High Sherriff of Devon, Chairman, Mole Avon Ltd Professor Michael Winter, Director of the Centre for Rural Policy Research, University of Exeter Professor Sarah Gurr, Chair in Food Security, University of Exeter Dr Tim Fox, IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers) Professor Dame Julia Slingo, Chief Scientist, The Met Office Professor John Bryant, Emeritus, University of Exeter Professor Toby Mottram, Royal Agricultural University Dr Mike Bushell, Principal Scientific Adviser, Syngenta Ms Mary Quicke, Quicke Traditional Waitrose

For further information and to register your attendance please contact ExIST at [email protected] or call 01392 431133 Exist Exeter 4-5 Southernhay West, Exeter, EX1 1JG, UK

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Shattering the Myths around Innovation – Starting in September – University of Exeter – for SMEs 43. When technology is just not enough……… Do you really know how to exploit all of your good ideas? This is your invitation to a four-part Innovation Series • Discover what you might do to develop new goods and services • Learn how to implement these ideas • Introduce a process for managing ideas from inception to delivery • Consider how innovative business models might unlock capability around the areas of materials development, recycling and remanufacturing. Workshop Dates Wed 24 Sept 5.30 - 8pm Wed 12 Nov 5.30 - 8pm Wed 15 Oct 5.30 - 8pm Wed 26 Nov 5.30 - 8pm Note: all sessions must be attended as the content builds over each session Complimentary sandwiches and drinks will be provided at the start of each session.

To register, click: here Any enquiries should be directed to Stuart Monk, CALMARE: [email protected] The event series will be presented by the University of Exeter Business School and is a unique collaboration between the Centre for Alternative Materials and Remanufacturing Technologies (CALMARE) and the Centre for Innovation & Service Research (ISR). The delegate costs for this innovation master-class are being met by the EU (through State Aid Funding to your company), so we can offer this at NO CHARGE to eligible SMEs* or sole-traders. Places are limited to 12; early booking is recommended. Torbay Hi Tech Forum 4th Annual Conference – 23rd October 9.30am till 4.30pm – Riviera International Conference Centre 44. ‘Torbay Hi Tech Forum’s 4th Annual Conference will take place on 23rd October between 9.30am and 4.30pm at the Riviera International Conference Centre. We are aiming for 450+ delegates and a 40+ expo growing year on year. We would welcome PMG and others to attend or to exhibit. I am the main point of contact for all issues relating to this including sponsorship opportunities’. Jason Buck, Investment Development Manager, Torbay Development Agency, 3rd Floor Tor Hill House , Union Street, Torquay TQ2 5QW Tel: 01803 208799 em: [email protected] Innovate UK 2014 - 5th and 6th November 2014 at Old Billingsgate, London 45. If you want to find out about how the UK’s most innovative and successful companies made it, hear about the cuttingedge technologies set to make a real difference to everyday life, develop relationships to help your company grow and identify new sources of funding, Innovate UK 2014, is the only event you’ll need to attend. The event, organised by the Technology Strategy Board and the UK Trade & Investment, takes place on the 5th and 6th November 2014 at Old Billingsgate, London. Take advantage of Innovate UK 2014's powerful networking opportunities and enjoy unmatched access to peers and leaders from a host of the UK’s most innovative business sectors. Early Bird Tickets are available now and there are only a limited number – so make sure you register your place at www.innovateukevent.com Ticket Prices: £95.00 (ex-Vat) per day – Early Bird Rate or £125.00 (ex-Vat) for two days – Early Bird Rate (expires 30th June 2014). For more information, please click here or email [email protected] . For more information, please click here or email [email protected]. More - here

Other Information/Courses/Events • • • • • • • •

Business Pulse events – Cornwall - here EEF events - here Hemsley Fraser training courses in London - here MAS events – here The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) - here UKTI events horizon - Win new business in South Africa, Why Vietnam, Doing business in the Middle East, Training courses - here WEAF events – here Windpower Monthly’s Integrity & Corrosion of Offshore Wind Structures Conference taking place in London on 3 & 4 June - here Page 16 of 21

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Webcast: Emerging Offshore Markets – Policy, Potential & Progress Wednesday 4 June 11:00-12:00 GMT Exclusively previewing the Global Offshore event, industry experts will be sharing their insights and answers to your questions in our live streamed webcast. Register for free here. th The 40 Intelligent Sensing Programme (ISP) The Knowledge Transfer Network Wednesday, 4 June from 10:00 to 18:00 (BST) London - here Navigate the Grants, Loans and Funding Maze 5th June (09:00 - 14:00) Leigh Court, Bristol, BS8 3RA - This event is designed to navigate your company through the grants, loans and funding maze. Presenting support from funding organisations who can offer financial assistance. Through 10 minute presentations and table top stands, you can find the right partner with access to the funding that precisely matches your company’s requirements. Throughout the business growth cycle we all at some stage require external financial support and this event is the one-stop shop which will clarify all the confusion and steer you confidently through the maze. Click Here to Book City College Plymouth’s inaugural Annual Business Dinner. Celebrate the great training achievements over the last year. Friday 6 June - Reception: 6.45pm - Close: 11.30pm - £45 per ticket, £300 per table of eight, £150 for half a table. Book - [email protected] State of Small Business Britain Conference - 10th Jun 2014 10:00 am - 4:30 pm Liverpool - See more: here SDC Seventh Annual Skills Summit which will take place on 10th June at the South West Energy Centre. email [email protected] Insider - Made in Devon Breakfast 2014- Thursday 19th June 2014 - The Thistle Hotel, Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3SP - 7.30am – Breakfast & registration 9.00am – Close. More - here Entrepreneurial women in the renewables sector event 26 June 2014 Bristol - here Event invitation: Employment Club Summer Series, July 2014 - Would you like to attend one of Bond Dickinson's forthcoming Employment Club Seminars? Click - here COMPOSITES EUROPE 2014 – the 9th European Trade Fair and Forum for Composites, Technology and Applications, takes place on 7-9 October in Düsseldorf - here Barton House – Women in leadership - here

VI Requests for Assistance & Corporate Social Responsibility Matters UK's 1st Charity Fuel Card - The fuel card that donates to the charity of your choice – A great idea 46. How does it work? With every litre of fuel you purchase, Shell donates to the charity of your choice. Why do it? Make regular donations to your preferred charity while saving money on fuel. ‘Hopes are high that millions of pounds could be raised for charities following the launch of what is believed to be the UK’s first charity fuel card. Professional Charity Services (PCS) was launched last year with the aim of helping charities use their collective purchasing power to drive volume-related discounts and, in the case of the fuel card, raise money for them through rebates. To launch the fuel card, PCS has joined forces with Shell, which will rebate between 1.75p per litre up to a maximum of 3.05ppl to individual charities. The rebate will be dependent on the volume of fuel purchased collectively by users of the special charity-specific fuel cards at the oil giant’s fixed weekly price. Up to 90% of the rebate goes to the charity with 10% to PCS, with corporates using a charity fuel card electing the percentage of rebate sent by Shell to their supported charity and the percentage retained by them. Each fuel card carries an annual £5 fee. The initial charity fuel card, which can be used at more than 1,100 Shell forecourts in the UK as well as more than 3,000 partner sites operated by Esso, Texaco, Total, Gulf and Gleaner’. More - here UTC Plymouth, Devonport - Employability Week: 7th-11th July - your assistance is sought 47. During the week of 7th-11th July we will be hosting a dedicated week in college focused on employability skills. One of the key features of that week will be careers talks and mock interviews. We are looking for support from PMG members in assisting with these sessions. Mock interviews will be taking place on Thursday 10th July, and careers talks will be on Tuesday 8th July. If you feel you or some of your colleagues would be interested in interviewing some of our students or perhaps you would be able to spare some apprentices or staff to talk to our students about life in the real world please get in touch with the Vice Principal, Pete Robinson [email protected] Page 17 of 21

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The Big Bang South West 2014, Thursday 26th June, University of Exeter 48. We are now looking for volunteers to help us at the Mega Class with the National Space Centre and with other duties. If you'd like to find out more or to register your interest, please e-mail Janie. The Big Bang South West is getting even bigger! Not only by location but also by the creation of bespoke events focusing on specific themes to widen participation and increase the fun. Everything we do is aimed at showing young people (primarily aged 11-19) just how many exciting and rewarding opportunities are out there in Science, Technology, engineering and Maths (STEM). On the 26th June at Exeter University, there will be: • • • • •

Over 80 fantastic interactive exhibition stands from the country's top businesses. Around 150 student projects that will compete to win a place at the regional finals of the British Science Association's National Science and Engineering Competition Science shows from Simon Watt A Mega Class from the National Space Centre A spectacular awards ceremony

The exhibition hall is now full for 2014, but if you'd like to find out more or register your interest in exhibiting for 2015, please e-mail Janie. If you would like to exhibit, judge or volunteer at a Big Bang South West event or have any questions, please contact Janie Harper on 01392 215501 (Ext. 249) or email [email protected] . More - here CSR Related newsletters • Hannahs Seale-Hayne (May) – here

VII Consultations, Reviews, Surveys & Calls for Evidence Department for Transport consults on the future of the Great Western railway 49. ‘We thought it would be helpful to draw the PMG’s attention to the Department for Transport's consultation with stakeholders about the future shape of the Great Western franchise. The aim of the DfT's consultation is to seek stakeholder views on how the franchise should serve the region in the five year period from September 2015 onwards. FGW's current two year contract expires in September 2015. This consultation will run until Thursday 26 June 2014. The DfT will make a decision this year about what is the best approach for the franchise, the region and the communities we serve. In March, the DfT issued an Information Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, confirming that it is planning a second direct award of at least 10 months to First Great Western, followed by what is known as a competed franchise. The Information Notice also confirmed that the DfT is exploring whether a longer direct award of up to five years (from September 2015) could create better overall value for passengers and taxpayers, and facilitate the delivery of significant Government rail projects such as the new Intercity Express trains, electrification and upgrading Bristol Temple Meads and Oxford stations to facilitate passenger growth. The DfT's consultation can be found through the following weblink: here This is your opportunity to set out your priorities and views on the Great Western franchise(s) through to 2020. The DfT would welcome your comments and response’. Sue Evans, Director of Communications, First Great Western. Business West Quarter 2 Local Business Survey 50. Our Quarter 2 Local Business Survey is now open. As a Business West member we'd like to hear from you about the current economic and business conditions. This quarter we are also looking at the 'skills gap' in the UK. With the need to ensure that business demand for skills is met through education and training provision, our survey explores if and how this national issue is affecting businesses locally. So tell us your views and provide us with a clear picture of what it’s really like being in business. Take the survey here . Last quarter, Vince Cable quoted our survey during Question Time and the findings were covered by the Sunday Politics Show. The results also feed into the British Chamber of Commerce's national Quarterly Economic Survey which is used by the Bank of England as one of the first economic indicators of the quarter. Each company responding to the survey will be entered into a draw to win a hot air balloon flight for 2 people or 6 bottles of wine. We look forward to hearing from you. Phil Smith, Managing Director.

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Insider media's owner-managed business survey

51. Owner-managed businesses are among the most agile, innovative and entrepreneurial in the South West. But does the region provide the right conditions for them to thrive? In our first-ever survey of this vital demographic, we want to hear from owner-managed businesses and understand the challenges you face in making your company a success. Do you find it easy enough to get funding to grow? What is the most important source of advice for business owners? Where do you believe the new business opportunities will arrive? This survey, in association with BGF and Baker Tilly, will take no more than two minutes of your time, and forms a core part of Insider's campaign in print, in person and online to support ownermanaged businesses. Thanks for your time. Survey - here Cornish businesses urged to help shape the future of regulation 52. Cornwall’s businesses are being urged to help shape the future of regulation by feeding back on their best and worst experiences, and suggesting the one thing they would change about regulation if they had the opportunity. Reducing the regulatory burden on business is a priority for the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). That is why it has set up a new project between businesses and regulatory services at Cornwall Council called Better Business for All. It aims to take a business-led approach to improving regulation and show how working with regulators can save businesses time and money, improve competitiveness and help them grow. It will also encourage more businesses in Cornwall to seek advice from regulators without fear of enforcement activity. Regulation takes many forms. It includes trading standards, environmental health, animal health, licensing, planning and fire and community safety. Better Business for All will make it quicker and easier for businesses to comply with the law and will ensure that regulatory staff better understand how businesses operate and the pressures they face. To help develop the programme, businesses across Cornwall are now being urged to share their experiences of regulation through a short questionnaire on the LEP’s Business Pulse website. The results will help inform a range of activity to make it easier for businesses to access guidance and advice from Cornwall’s regulatory services. Survey - here Other Surveys - none this month

VIII Economic News; Newsletters, Briefings & Articles: BIS Bulletins – st • 1 May - Assisted areas map published, £25m of support for firms to fund training, £5bn Export Refinancing Facility launched - here rd • 23 May - Longitude Prize 2014, 'Your Life' campaign, changes to civil penalty on illegal working - here th • 30 May - 80,000 UK students to visit China, PM marks £1 billion investment boost for UK SMEs, leading scientists believe remaining in UK protects Scottish funding - here BIS South, Central & West news • None this month Economic news • Inflation Report (May 14) - here • HM Treasury pocket databank (20/5) – here • House of Commons Economic Indicators – here PMG Press Coverage • None this month Other newsletters & journals: • Beers Solicitors employment law bulletin (May) – here • Cornwall College Business – Plymouth & Devon newsletter (May) – here • Cornwall LEP – Chairman’s update (May) - here • Devon & Cornwall Business Council – May CEO’s update – here • Electronics, Sensors & Photonics KTN newsletter (May) - here • Enterprise Research Centre (for SMEs) (May) - here • Foot Anstey employment & pensions newsletter (May) - here Page 19 of 21

PMG e-Newsletter Edition #55

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Videos • • • • • • •

Heart of the SW LEP newsletter (May) - here Institute for Sustainability Solutions Research – Partner e-bulletin – May - here Lambert Smith Hampton – Rating in Brief – Spring 14 - here Manufacturing digital (May) – here MAS Newsletter (May) – here Micro-electronics iNet newsletter (May) - here - (June) here Plymouth and South West Peninsula City Deal Update (May) – here Plymouth Science Park Parklife newsletter (May) – here Plymouth University – Alumni & Friends – (May/June) - here th Professional Engineering (30 May) – here Quality World (May) – here Regen SW Bulletin (May) - here Reinforced Plastics (May/June) – here Silicon SW newsletter (28/5) - here SW Academic Health Science Network newsletter (Vol 2 Issue 10) – here SW Skills newsletters - #139 - here - #140 - here - #141 - here Technology Strategy Board news update (May) - here Visit Plymouth enews (19/5) - here Windpower Offshore (29/5) - here 777X Boeing – composite materials - here A First Drive - Google Self-Driving Car Project - here Industrial strategy progress report – Aerospace - here Industrial strategy progress report – Automotive - here MAS case study - Future Advanced Manufacture Ltd - here Women into Technology & Engineering: A Call to Action - here Wolf Minerals Ltd Corporate Video - here

Infographics • Cornwall & IoS Economy Dashboard - here • Employee engagement – the evidence - here • Plastics timeline posters - here Other articles, publications and reports of interest: • Bond Dickinson – Environment & Safety Review Spring 2014 - here • EEF Report - Improving the Quality and Quantity of Graduate-Level Skills - here • Frozen food market in Western Europe - here • Reed Global - SW England Local Salary Guide and Market Insight 2014 - here • The use of composites in civil and military aircraft continues to increase - here • There is an alternative – An economic strategy for 2015 by Civitas - here • ‘Trying to Recapture the Magic’: The Strategy Behind the Pharma M&A Rush - here • Women in manufacturing – EEF Report - here Other sites of interest to manufacturers: • http://www.imeche.org/news • http://www.themanufacturer.com/ • http://www.worksmanagement.co.uk/ • http://source.theengineer.co.uk/ • http://www.pwc.com/gx/en/industrial-manufacturing/index.jhtml • http://www.thecqi.org/Knowledge-Hub/Qualityworld/Current-issue/ • http://profeng.com/ • http://www.chemweek.com/home/

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PMG e-Newsletter Edition #55

Credits: The Editor of this newsletter is grateful to various news sources for stories contained either herein or in previous editions, including: insidermedia.com; Plastics & Rubber Weekly; The Manufacturer and Plymouth Herald The MAS barometer is provided courtesy of the Manufacturing Advisory Service National Barometer.

Image credits: Barden Corp.; Fine Tubes; Armstrong; Maclusky; Smith and Tyrell – LinkedIn; Applied Automation MD David Rowe and his wife, company director Val Rowe – courtesy of Plymouth Herald; Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Jon Cooper – Bond Dickinson. NB: Some weblinks are only accessible temporarily until the release of the next edition of this newsletter. Pl. contact the editor if you cannot access the link you require. [email protected] If you want to read what some people are saying about this newsletter please see here and scroll down towards the bottom of the screen. All comments are unsolicited. Please send me your own if you wish!

Disclaimer: The information contained in this newsletter is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by the PMG and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained here for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will the PMG be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of products or services referred to within this newsletter. Throughout this newsletter you are able to link to websites which are not under the control of the PMG. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. Editor’s contact details are as follows:

Steve Gerry

MBA PGDip MIED Secretary to Plymouth Manufacturers' Group and the PMG Network 23 Nursery Close, Tamerton Foliot, Plymouth PL5 4QG : 01752 795034 : 07585 445 346

 : [email protected]  : www.plymouthmanufacturers.co.uk  : http://stevegerryconsulting.co.uk/

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