Press release

Last call for businesses to sign up to £20,000 free consultancy

May 10, 2011

Time is running out for businesses to sign up to the Manufacturing Excellence programme.

Businesses have just a month left to take part in the Manufacturing Excellence programme to assess, develop and celebrate the best in UK manufacturing.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers Chief Executive Stephen Tetlow said:
“Manufacturing Excellence helps businesses improve their competitiveness. In the UK, manufacturing remains at the heart of the country’s economic recovery. Past winners have shown that by taking part and adopting best practice they can thrive, grow and become global players.
“I urge those businesses that have not yet applied to take advantage of the programme. Entry is free and there is up to £20,000 free consultancy advice up for grabs as well as the chance to win at the prestigious MX Awards.”

The key ways to get involved in the Manufacturing Excellence programme are:
• The Business Improvement Programme
Manufacturing companies are asked to conduct an in-depth self assessment and those who 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.

• The Manufacturing Excellence Awards
Companies that complete at least one module of the audit by 10 June 2011 can also put themselves forward for the MX Awards 2011, which will take place on 23 November.
Entry to Manufacturing Excellence is free as it is supported by PwC, Autodesk, PP Business Improvement, The ERA Foundation, Lombard, WMG Innovative Solutions, ARUP, and Barclays Corporate.
Manufacturing Excellence is the most successful and long established manufacturing awards programme in the UK, and the only one that provides such a detailed benchmarking and assessment process to help improve your manufacturing businesses.

Notes to Editors
• For more information on Manufacturing Excellence: http://www.imeche.org/manufacturingexcellence