Runcorn MP Graham Evans urges Halton firms to sign up for Manufacturing Excellence

Apr 21 2011 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

MANUFACTURING firms in Halton are being encouraged to take part in an excellence scheme which offers a prize worth £20,000 .

Runcorn MP Graham Evans wants businesses to take part in the new Manufacturing Excellence (MX) programme which aims to assess, develop and celebrate the best in UK manufacturing.

Entry is free, and there is the potential to get as much as £20,000 of free consultancy advice through the programme.

The completed audits can also be used as submissions for the MX Awards and businesses can become involved in a knowledge sharing network.

The key ways to become involved in the Manufacturing Excellence programme are:

The Business Improvement Programme, which involves manufacturing companies conducting an in-depth self assessment.

Firms which complete one or more of the eight parts receive a free, bespoke and confidential benchmark report.

The best companies in each module receive a visit from a team of expert assessors who verify the audit responses and offer practical advice and suggestions for the business.

Companies that complete at least one module of the audit by June 10 can also put themselves forward for the MX Awards 2011.

Developed in conjunction with Warwick University’s Warwick Manufacturing Group, Manufacturing Excellence is the longest established manufacturing awards programme in the UK.

Mr Evans said: “Manufacturing Excellence can help businesses realise their full potential and provides an opportunity to celebrate local manufacturing successes.”