Links with MAS and RDAs

MTA Links

The DBERR's Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) was set up in 2002 to act in an advisory role for all manufacturing businesses in the UK. The MAS operates in each of the nine English regions as well as in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Some of the services that they provide are free, while others are provided at a subsidised rate. Services vary from region to region, as do the organisations that are operating the service. Generally all MASes offer limited free consultation on a manufacturing issue/problem and will then provide a subsidy to companies if more in-depth consultation work is required.

Full details on the services that your local Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) can provide can be found on the DBERR website.

The MTA works with both the RDAs and MAS in order to support our members. Strong links have been developed in London, the South East and West Midlands, where a variety of joint projects have been carried out, such as MTA Best Practice Workshops and Business Breakfasts. The guide below contains brief information on the two agencies and provides links to further information and contact details for regional offices.

Regional Development Agencies (RDAs)

Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) are non-departmental public bodies (NDBPs) with a primary role as strategic drivers of regional economic development. RDAs aim to co-ordinate regional economic development and regeneration, enable the English regions to improve their relative competitiveness and reduce the imbalance that exists within and between regions.

RDA's agenda includes regional regeneration, taking forward regional competitiveness, taking the lead on regional inward investment and, working with regional partners, ensuring the development of a regional skills action plan to ensure that skills training matches the needs of the labour market.

RDAs were formally launched in eight English regions on 1 April 1999. The ninth, in London, was established in July 2000 following the establishment of the Greater London Authority (GLA).

Full information on their remit and contact details can be found on the DBERR website.

Business Support Information

In May 2004 the DTI (now the DBERR) relaunched its Business Link website and now has an excellent and easy to use Business Support Directory online. This complements the EAMA publication and can be accessed here.

We would urge members, especially SMEs, who are looking for advice and access to financial support, in their areas, to consult this.

The DBERR has also launched new Business Support Solutions, which will be operated centrally by them. The areas covered in these schemes are: Succeeding through Innovation; Achieving Best Practice; Raising Finance; Regional Investment. Full details of these schemes can be found on the DBERR website.

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