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PMG e-Newsletter Edition #33 11

th June 2012

Summary of Contents

I News Page

PMG Reaches 50 Not Out! 2 UK Manufacturing PMI slumps to three-year low in May 2 Roll up, roll up, two fully funded study trips to Germany available to PMG members! APPLY NOW 2 ‘From crisis to growth’ – A new report on manufacturing by PwC 3 SW Manufacturers Perform on a par with the National Manufacturing Outlook – MAS survey 3 Insider Made in the South West Awards – get your entries in 4 UTC Plymouth Workshop – Latest PowerPoints 4 GrowthAccelerator for small businesses - £200 million programme 4 Export Cornwall ready for stage two 4 Other News in Brief 5

II Business to Business Lean Education And Development Limited (LEAD) 5 HSBC launches Global Connections 5 BusinessMan Software 6 Water Efficiency - Save water and money... 6 EEF Future Manufacturing Awards 2012 6 Business Newsletters 7

III Events & Training Courses 1st Aid refresher Training Tuesday June 12th at 14:30. ****this week***** 7 Want to gain new skills in just one day??? Business Skills Workshops by Cornwall College 7 Celebrating Design Talent - Faculty of Art Degree Show – Plymouth University - Monday June 18th 7 Improve Your Production Yields with Electron Microscopy - Thursday 28th June 2012 at Plymouth Uni. 8 IOSH Managing Safely course - week commencing the 18 June 2012 with fellow PMG member 8 STEM Skills - SW Workforce Development & Employability Conference – Exeter 18

th June 8

Summer 2012 University short courses at South Devon College 8 Supply Chain SC21 by WEAF 14:30 - 17:00 19th Jun 2012 at Future Inn Plymouth 8 MAS Skills Workshop - Introduction to Lean Simulation - 09:30am to 03:30pm June 20

th 8

iNet Innovation Lab: Energy Harvesting Tuesday 26 June 9 Professional Studies Evening at UCP Marjon - Tuesday 3 July 2012 at 5.30pm 9 The Green Deal: 08.00am - 10.00am Wednesday 4 July 2012 9 World Class Award Winning Employer Best Practice event with Semta - 14

th June or 26

th September 9

Torbay Hi Tech Forum's next annual event 'MTI12' - Thursday 18 October 2012 9 The Skills Show - The UK's biggest skills and careers event at the NEC Birmingham, 15-17 November 2012 10 Other Courses/Events 10

IV Request for Assistance/Corporate Social Responsibility Short / med term work placement opportunity 10 Chinese speaker wanted 10 Devonport High School for Boys through to the World finals of the F1 in schools competition 11 Superfast broadband Business Case Studies Wanted 11 Midnight Walk - Marshals needed. Can you help please? 11

V Consultations & Calls for Evidence Review of National Occupational Standards (NOS) and N/SVQ Qualification Structures 11

VI Newsletters, Briefings & Articles 12 Other sites of interest to manufacturers 12 Disclaimer 13

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“This is a great time of opportunity for manufacturers…. We have many successful, highly innovative and well managed manufacturing companies here in the UK – though perhaps just not enough of them.” Andrew Sentance, senior economist at PwC.

I News

PMG Reaches 50 Not Out! 1. The PMG is celebrating the success of recruiting its fiftieth new

member. The newest signatory is Langage-based Advanced Medical Solutions (or ‘AMS’). They are an award-winning business that design, manufacture and distribute cyanoacrylate (or ‘superglue’) based medical devices. AMS was founded in 1991 in Winsford, Cheshire. In 2002 the Company acquired Plymouth-based Medlogic Global Holdings Ltd. This provided the Group with technology in cyanoacrylate based medical adhesives and a direct UK sales force. More recently in 2008 and 2011 the Group made further acquisitions in the Netherlands and Germany. Today the Company has a global customer base, is manufacturing out of 4 countries and employs over 400 people. Steve Gerry, Secretary to the PMG said, “Over the period of just the last couple of years the PMG has literally doubled in size. In addition to our long standing larger members such as Babcock; Kawasaki Precision Machinery and BD etc, we now have a vibrant network of small to medium-sized manufacturers who all see the benefits of meeting together and sharing best practice plus all the other advantages that the PMG can offer its members. It’s often overlooked that Plymouth has a significant group of manufacturers and engineering companies that are truly world-class. In total, the sector injects over half a billion pounds worth of gross value-added (or ‘GVA’) into the local economy each year and whilst the numbers employed may have reduced through productivity gains to about twelve thousand, output continues to rise”.

UK Manufacturing PMI slumps to three-year low in May 2. The UK manufacturing sector took a sudden sharp turn for the

worse in May. Companies scaled back production and employment as inflows of new business declined at the steepest pace since March 2009, amid rising uncertainty among domestic and overseas clients. At 45.9 in May, down from 50.2 in April, the seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index

(PMI) fell to its lowest level for three years and below the neutral 50.0 mark for the first time since last November. The headline index fell by 4.3 points over the month, the second-steepest fall in its 20-year history.

Roll up, roll up, two fully funded study trips to Germany available to PMG members! APPLY NOW. 3. PMG/City College Plymouth are actively looking to recruit up to eight PMG

members to attend one of two fully funded European Study Trips to Mannheim in Germany (i.e. inclusive of flights, accommodation and subsistence). The dates are as follows: first visit: 22nd July – 28th July 2012; second visit: later in the year (dates TBC). A commitment of a full week is necessary. This is specifically aimed at HR professionals; training managers and/or MDs. The benefits to PMG Members in attending are as follows: • Fully funded visit by the EU through Leonardo VETPRO click here • Share best practice in training and development of staff • A chance to understand the highly successful German training models e.g. Apprenticeship

Delivery • An insight into the German Fraunhofer Institute - Europe’s largest application-oriented research

organization. Click here and here • Develop/initiate German partnerships

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• Proximity to Frankfurt and the possibility of MDs developing trading opportunities. UKTI may be able to assist with this.

• Links to Mannheim Chamber of Commerce • Business Development opportunities • International Linkages • A chance to understand more about MVV Energie, the German Company who are based in

Mannheim that have been granted approval to build a new waste incinerator in Plymouth All PMG members are asked to consider the offer and, particularly if you are interested in attending the July visit, to get back to Steve Gerry THIS WEEK! stevegerry@dsl.pipex.com

‘From crisis to growth’ – A new report on manufacturing by PwC 4. Recent economic news indicates that the UK has slipped back into recession,

however, new research from PwC shows that, in the 2 years to December 2011, UK Industrial Manufacturers continued to increase margins and their share prices outperformed the 250 index. In fact, their strong financial performance and share prices reflect just how UK Industrial Manufacturers have capitalised on restructuring actions they have taken during the recession. This review is an update on extensive research we carried out in 2010 when we interviewed leading UK Industrial Manufacturing (IM) CEOs and analysed the performance of the top companies in the sector, to understand their strategies and performance during and post the 2008/2009 recession. PwC discovered then, that businesses had used the recession as an opportunity to carry out radical restructuring, implement cost reduction strategies, improve agility and flexibility, and renegotiate contracts and liabilities. They captured these in their report ‘Never waste a good crisis’ issued in July 2010, and nearly two years later, we have revisited the performance of these companies to understand the sustainability of these strategies and how IM companies are positioned for future growth. Key Findings 2012 • Businesses continued to outperform the FTSE250, with UK Manufacturing PLCs share price index

trebling since 2009. • Revenues continue to improve with year on year growth of 9% and 16% in FY10 and FY11

respectively, and the outlook for 2012 is generally positive. • Gross margins are higher than pre-recession levels, with Earnings Before Interest, Taxes,

Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) margins improving on average from 16% to 19% in FY10 and increasing to 21% in FY11, despite increasing commodity prices. Balance sheet net cash has almost doubled since FY07.

These improvements all demonstrate the benefit of actions taken by UK manufacturers during the recession. To see the full report click here

SW Manufacturers Perform on a par with the National Manufacturing Outlook – MAS survey 5. The latest South West Barometer, conducted quarterly by the Manufacturing Advisory Service

(MAS), has revealed that manufacturers in the region are closely mirroring the national manufacturing outlook, with some positive indications of growth and increased expectations for the months ahead. Over half of respondents (51 per cent) to the South West barometer reported an increase in turnover in the last six months, with 58 per cent expecting further growth over the next six months. In comparison, results from the first national barometer from MAS revealed 54 per cent reporting a rise in turnover and 60 per cent anticipating additional growth during the same timeframes. Despite the Office for National Statistics’ recent announcement that the UK has slipped back into recession, results from barometer suggest the outlook for the months ahead is positive. In the South West, 42 per cent of respondents expect to increase staff numbers over the next six months and nearly half (49 per cent) expect employee numbers to remain in the same. National results echoed these, with 41 per cent of companies planning to take on staff and exactly half expecting numbers to remain the same. To see the full report click - here

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Insider Made in the South West Awards – get your entries in 6. Manufacturers, design and product development companies from across the region are being

encouraged to get their entries in for the inaugural Insider Made in the South West Awards. Aimed at showcasing the best South West products, services, inventions and management, the awards recognise those companies that keep innovating for their customers, stakeholders and the wider economy across the region. Seven awards will be given out on the night. They are: Aerospace/Defence; Exporter of the Year; Sustainable Manufacturer; Food and Drink; Advanced Manufacturer; and Manufacturer of the Year. Insider Made in the South West Awards takes place at the Marriott Hotel (City Centre) in Bristol on 8 November 2012. Click here to submit your entries.

UTC Plymouth Workshop – Latest PowerPoints

7. ‘For those that were able to attend the UTC Plymouth Employer’s Workshop on 1st June, many thanks indeed for your ongoing support and advice on the current issues which allows us to move business forward. We covered four areas today: • UTC Plymouth progress update • Branding • Specialist Equipment, facilities and software packages (CAD/CAM etc) – click here • Parkside refurbish and new build plans including the workshops – click here And we asked for your feedback and help in all the above areas as well as the ongoing requirement for your engagement and support. Kindly note that presentations are for internal use only. To note, the UTC will hit the newspaper headlines in the w/c 11 Jun as we apply for Planning Permission commencing with a public consultation event on 12 Jun, and PCC’s Cabinet approval process. With many thanks again for your continued support to UTC Plymouth’. Brian Warren and Nina Hughes.

GrowthAccelerator for small businesses - £200 million programme delivers growth support for England's most ambitious small businesses 8. GrowthAccelerator has launched today, (23/05/12) designed

to help up to 26,000 of England’s brightest businesses achieve their ambition and potential. The new partnership between the Government and the private sector will see proven business experts working with companies to identify their barriers to growth and how to overcome them. This will include tackling problems such as: • Securing finance. • Commercialising innovation. • Developing leadership. • Management capability. As well as coaching, GrowthAccelerator helps by fast tracking clients to trusted providers of business advice, such as UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), professional advisers and Angel Investors. The programme forms part of a package of support for small and mid-sized businesses. It is part of the Business in you campaign running this year, encouraging more people to start or grow their business throughout 2012 using the support services available. For more info click - here and here

For Cornish Members Only Export Cornwall ready for stage two 9. The second phase of a project aimed at

encouraging Cornish businesses to trade overseas has secured £2.5M of Convergence funding. Export Cornwall estimates that by the time the second part of the scheme ends, in 2015, 345 businesses will have been supported and 410 jobs created. The second phase of the project has been approved for £2,463,393 of Convergence investment, with a further £446,131 coming from

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UKTI (UK Trade and Industry) and £375k from the private sector. It will be delivered by Peninsula Enterprise. Click - here

Other News in Brief • EEF/BDO Manufacturing Outlook Survey - here • DECC is introducing regulations today to put the Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) scheme on a more

predictable, certain and sustainable footing for householders, businesses and the solar industry. Click - here

• Manufacturing The Future – the first in a series of research reports produced by BDO where they surveyed nearly 1,500 engineers and manufacturers to further understand the current state of manufacturing and more importantly, the actions needed to make UK manufacturing a key part of the economy for the next decade. Click - here

• Cameron defends manufacturing stance – Click - here • Offshore Wind Component Technologies Development and Demonstration scheme - The second

round of the DECC and Technology Strategy Board’s Offshore Wind Component Technologies Development and Demonstration scheme has now been launched. Click - here

• Plymouth University, is to partner with innovative online crowd-funding platform, Peoplefund.it, to help back and stimulate enterprise in the South West and Nationally. Click - here

II Business to Business

Lean Education And Development Limited (LEAD) - specialist niche providers of lean and continuous improvement training 10. Lean Education And Development Limited (LEAD) are a specialist niche provider of lean and

continuous improvement training and application using a qualification framework to recognise team success and secure government funding. Click here for a PowerPoint presentation (scan down the list). Several larger PMG members: Fine Tubes; Barden Corp.; Kawasaki PM have successfully been using LEAD for some time. Now, some of the smaller PMG members are expressing an interest in doing the same. To do so, they need to have a minimum of 30 ‘fundable learners’ which will enable LEAD to provide a LEAD delivery team for one day a week for a year. A larger cohort of 60 fundable learners would give two days a week for a year or two years at one day per week and so on. For 30 learners, LEAD would split this into 4 teams of 7 or 8. Each team would meet one day per month and LEAD would deliver on one day every week to the rotating teams. For smaller firms, and LEAD do this in the West Midlands, they create a cohort from several clients which train at the one location. It works very well and the sharing of ideas is superb. It requires a host company and here in Plymouth PMG member Vortok, based at Langage, are keen to be that host. Is this of interest to you? If so, pl. contact Max Jones, Group Business Development Director, Lean Education And Development Limited, Tel: 07792 989907; email: maxjones@leadlimited.co.uk

HSBC launches Global Connections 11. HSBC has launched Global Connections, a major initiative that combines millions in lending with

substantial financial rewards and a unique opportunity to meet and network with successful business leaders from around the world. We’re looking for 30 forward thinking, ambitious businesses to share their ideas on a truly global scale. Taking entries from 5 UK regions, we want innovative businesses to demonstrate the quality of their thinking and ability to put that thought into action. We’ll then be selecting a shortlist of finalists from each region, chosen by our expert panel of judges, and inviting them to attend one of our high profile International Exchanges in either the USA or UAE. The top ten international and innovative businesses in the Global Connections scheme could be awarded a share of £60m worth of funding – up to £6m lending each – linked to a financial reward of up to £120,000 for the regional finalists and £240,000 for the overall winner. Click - here

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BusinessMan Software 12. BusinessMan is a Complete Business Management Solution for Mac & PC. BusinessMan allows

companies to manage all aspects of their business from prospect, stock to invoice. We understand that every company works in their own way which is why it can be customised to suit. http://www.businessmancrm.com Contact: Danielle Thompson, Sales Manager, Computech IT Services Ltd, Aston House, Moorlands Lane, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 4HL. Danielle@computech-it.co.uk www.computech-it.co.uk

Water Efficiency - Save water and money... 13. Over the last 12 months Source for Business have saved

the region's businesses over £1 million off their water and sewerage bills through water management, flow monitoring, leakage advice and water audits. A comprehensive water audit can give valuable insight into much more than just water usage and leakage management. The process includes understanding water management techniques and checking billing history, leakage history and identifying and implementing improvements. The central aim of the water audit is to identify opportunities to use water wisely and reduce costs in any business, based on its size, number of employees or industry. Follow our simple Action Plan or find out how you can save water and have a positive effect on the environment with our Water-Saving Devices, Water Review or use our Top Tips to start saving water today.

EEF Future Manufacturing Awards 2012 14. (Message from Lindsay Lewis – EEF) ‘The 2012 EEF Future Manufacturing Awards are up and running.

As the UK voice of Engineering and Manufacturing businesses we are here to support our sector and showcase the best businesses that the Southwest and UK has to offer. As the 9th largest manufacturing nation, you are producing world class products and components and it’s time to be recognised for being so outstanding. We think the EEF Future Manufacturing Awards is an ideal platform to share how you are going about achieving this and in turn receive recognition. So, what makes your business world class? Is it: • empowered staff who take pride in their work a smooth and efficient production line • investment in technology • green product development • your strategy to enter new markets either locally or globally • an environmentally efficient and aware organisation • apprentices and/or key stage 4 students who are working towards a bright future in

manufacturing • a skilled and motivated workforce • a strategy for continuous improvement • a transformation within your department or, is it something completely unique to your business or team? Well, come out from behind your desk and tell us all about it. Be proud of your achievements and take this opportunity to celebrate, recognise your staff, stand out from your competitors, showcase yourself as a top employer and promote yourself as a world class engineering or manufacturing business’. Find out about the Awards categories here: http://www.eef.org.uk/awards/manufacturing-award-categories/ Lindsay Lewis, Membership & External Affairs Manager, EEF, Engineers' House, Clifton Down, Bristol, BS8 3NB DDI: 0117 9064809 email: llewis@eef.org.uk

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Business newsletters:

• None this month

III Events & Training Courses:

1st Aid refresher Training Tuesday June 12th at 14:30. ****this week***** 15. ‘We have a new IMASS Occupational Health Nurse, Annette Nowill. She has arranged to give our

onsite first aiders refresher training approximately every six weeks. The next planned session is due on Tuesday June 12th at 14:30. The session is planned for an hour and will focus on crush injuries and anaphylaxis. As always, this is open to the rest of the PMG if you want to send along any of your first aiders who you think may benefit. If you are interested please reply with names and numbers attending. We need names so they can be booked in at Reception for security reasons as we are a Government Contractor. I need numbers as, depending on responses, I may need to book another room! I would be grateful if you could respond by Monday lunchtime’. Kind Regards, Gareth George, Support Services Coordinator, Goodrich Sensors and Integrated Systems, Clittaford Rd, Plymouth, PL6 6DE email: gareth.george@goodrich.com

Want to gain new skills in just one day??? Business Skills Workshops by Cornwall College – Various Dates – Mayflower Street, Plymouth 16. Book two or more of the following one day Business Skill Workshops and get each workshop for just

£100.00!! Making a saving of £70.00 in total!! Time Management – 12th June 2012 *****this week***** There is always more to do than time will allow. Find out how to become more efficient by managing your time more effectively. Presentation and Pitching – 18th June 2012 Develop your presentation and pitching skills - Wow your audience and get them to buy into what you are saying. Assertiveness and Self-confidence Development- 3rd July 2012 Gain the tools and techniques to develop your assertiveness skills and boost your confidence and self-esteem All above courses are £135.00 per person, per course when booked individually. Delivered by our team of professional experts, these workshops will be held at The Plymouth Business Space, Mayflower Street Limited Spaces, enquire or book your place today by calling 01752 850090/ 01752 850093. Jane Wickett, Jane.wickett@ccb.cornwall.ac.uk Business Development Advisor, Cornwall College Business, Tel: 01752 850092, Mob: 07500 573458 www.ccb.cornwall.ac.uk

Celebrating Design Talent - Faculty of Art Degree Show – Plymouth University - Monday June 18th 17. ‘You are invited to attend a private business viewing for our upcoming

Faculty of Art Design Degree Show on the 18th June. Students will be exhibiting a very broad range of projects within 3 disciplines: Spatial and Interior design, Product Design and Designer Maker. We have a boat which has won an international design competition, some very contemporary chandeliers, and some futuristic interiors. All graduating students will be exhibiting their best work and have portfolios to share with anyone interested in them or their work. Please RSVP to me directly then I can forward possible numbers to the academic team from Design’. Kind regards Steve Wallers, Employer Liaison Manager, Employer Liaison Team, Careers & Employability Service, PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA Tel: 01752 587720 Ext: 87720 Email: steven.wallers@plymouth.ac.uk

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Improve Your Production Yields with Electron Microscopy - Thursday 28th June 2012 at Plymouth University Starting at 9.30am Cost – Free. Plus analysis slots available in the afternoon 18. With speakers from industry, equipment suppliers and University

experts on hand, find out how electron microscopy can improve production yields and identify sources of damage, contamination and component failure in your manufacturing processes. Get the chance to look at your sample under high resolution electron microscopy with chemical analysis (subject to availability). For details click - here To book the event click - here

IOSH Managing Safely course - week commencing the 18 June 2012 with fellow PMG member 19. ‘I have arranged an IOSH Managing Safely course for the week commencing the 18 June 2012, with a

preferred start date of Tuesday. The course will run for 4 consecutive days. I currently have 3 - 4 places available if anyone would like to take up this offer. The cost per person will be approx. £285 (lunch inclusive) if there are 10 attendees. Can you please contact at your earliest convenience to avoid missing out on this great once in a life time offer’. David Box, Safety & Training Manager at PMG member ArjoWiggens. Contact: 01752 612126 DavidBox@arjowiggins.com

STEM Skills - SW Workforce Development & Employability Conference – Exeter Monday 18th June, 2012 20. How can industry, universities and colleges work together to

upskill the workforce and increase the employability of students in science, engineering and maths? SW projects which are focused on upskilling the workforce and increasing the employability of current STEM students will be showcased at our Workforce Development and Employability Conference at Sandy Park Conference Centre near Exeter on Monday 18th June, 2012. You can find out more about the Conference here: Conference Flyer Conference Agenda To register your intention to attend – click here

Summer 2012 University short courses at South Devon College 21. Courses available in: Business, Law, Engineering - Industrial Control and

Automation. For a flyer click - here Designed by South Devon College and approved by Plymouth University, these degree modules are available on a standalone basis, here in South Devon. To apply, fill in the short form on: www.southdevon.ac.uk/welcome-to-business and click on the ‘Apply Now - University Short Courses’ button. For further information: university@southdevon.ac.uk Tel: 08000 21 31 81 University Centre, South Devon College, Vantage Point, Long Road, Paignton TQ4 7EJ www.southdevon.ac.uk

Supply Chain SC21 by WEAF 14:30 - 17:00 19th Jun 2012 at Future Inn Plymouth 22. Have you started your SC21 journey or not sure where to start? Perhaps you are facing some issues

that are proving difficult to overcome? Whether you are an award winner or just starting out, this event will help you address any issues you may be experiencing & assist you to achieve your goals. Case study provided by PMG member Goodrich. Click - here to download a flyer or here to book online. Pricing: WEAF Members Price: £20 + VAT; Advanced Manufacturing Members Price: £20 + VAT; Non Members Price: £25 + VAT.

MAS Skills Workshop - Introduction to Lean Simulation - 09:30am to 03:30pm June 20th at Endsleigh Garden & Leisure Centre, Ivybridge, Nr Plymouth 23. Lean Principles are essential in today’s business world promoting

standardisation procedures, which eliminate the waste of manufacturing resources, time, manpower, space and many other aspects within an organisation. Kaizen is a Japanese word meaning gradual and orderly, continuous improvement. It is a business strategy that involves everyone in an organisation making sustained continuous

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improvement “without large capital investments” focusing on eliminating waste in all systems and processes of an organisation. For more details click - here

iNet Innovation Lab: Energy Harvesting Tuesday 26 June - 09:00 – 15:30 - Bristol Golf Club, Bristol 24. Interested in exploring new or innovative applications for your ideas and capabilities, or existing

products and services? The Microelectronics iNet is actively seeking to provide financial support and free business services to projects relating to the development of new technologies in Energy Harvesting. Energy harvesting covers a vast spectrum, from micro generation (kinetic, piezo electric) to macro (Solar PV).

Professional Studies Evening at UCP Marjon - Tuesday 3 July 2012 at 5.30pm 25. This event is to showcase our exciting and innovative portfolio of professionally relevant Higher

Education courses. • Listen to key note speakers within the areas of employment law and leadership • Meet some of our current learners from our various courses • Find out about what’s available in Leadership and Management training and future related

developments such as personnel and development accreditation as well as other courses • Enjoy our facilities and meet our friendly and experienced UCP Marjon academics. Contact: Claire Pearce - Head of Employer Engagement & Business Development. Tel: 01752 636755 or email: cpearce@ucpmarjon.ac.uk For online registration – click here For details on all subjects please visit our website: www.ucpmarjon.ac.uk

The Green Deal: 08.00am - 10.00am Wednesday 4 July 2012 (Breakfast will be provided) at Foot Anstey, Salt Quay House, 4 North East Quay, Sutton Harbour, PL4 0BN

26. Whilst much of the detail has yet to be fixed, it is clear that the Energy Act is likely to make a significant impact on the commercial and residential property markets. Much of this stems from the fact that, from April 2018, landlords will be unable to let premises which do not meet certain energy performance standards. This Forum will provide a valuable opportunity to discuss the content of the Act. Guest speakers will join us to share their viewpoint and debate the key issues, including: • Is the property industry ready for this? • Should we embrace the Act and its aims or should it be feared? • What could landlords and tenants do now to lessen the impact? • Should landlords look to offload problematic properties now? • How will the Act impact upon the South West compared to other regions? Please RSVP by Wednesday 27 June 2012. Tel: 0800 408 0050 events.team@footanstey.com

World Class Award Winning Employer Best Practice event with Semta 26th September – 09.30 – 12.30 Case New Holland, Cranes Farm Road, Basildon, Essex, SS14 3AD 27. An opportunity to see award winning World Class Manufacturing in action. Semta in conjunction

with Case New Holland are holding two best practice events. Places for these events are limited, please register using our web link click - here or contact our Customer Services on 0845 643 9001 or customerservices@semta.org.uk

Torbay Hi Tech Forum's next annual event 'MTI12' - Thursday 18 October 2012 at the Riviera International Conference Centre 28. Building on the success of its inaugural event, Torbay Development Agency and the Torbay Hi Tech

Forum are pleased to announce the date for this year's Manufacturing, Technology & Innovation Conference 2012 - 'MTI12.' The high-profile event will be once again be held at the Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay on Thursday 18 October from 9am to 4.30pm, with key industry speakers, break-out seminars and exhibitors from the hi tech sector and related industries. Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are now available, on a first-come-first-served basis. For more details click - here

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The Skills Show - The UK's biggest skills and careers event at the NEC Birmingham, 15-17 November 2012 29. The UK’s biggest skills and careers event, The Skills Show is a unique annual

celebration that will inspire the fashion designers, web developers and engineers of tomorrow with exciting opportunities in further education, skills and Apprenticeships. Held at the NEC Birmingham from 15-17 November, The Skills Show will play host to a range of skills competitions, awards and activities. Visitors will be inspired by skills in action as the best of the nation’s young talent perform at the WorldSkills UK Competitions; they’ll have chance to Have a Go at new skills, get up to the minute careers advice, access Apprenticeships and real job opportunities from employers, to help them make that next important step! For the very first time, The Skills Show will also bring together under one roof a range of key conferences from the annual skills events calendar. Set to be the skills event of the year, the show highlights the vital importance of skills to economic growth in the UK. For more details click - here

Other Courses/Events • UKTI Events Horizon – click - here • Electronics, Sensors. Photonics KTN events from now until November – click here and here • Various events at the Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge including Make or Buy

Decisions; Strategic road mapping and Realising the Potential of Early Stage Technologies – click - here

• Oxford Innovation are running the new ‘Business Coaching for Growth’ service for companies determined to realise controlled and accelerated growth, with Account Managers Mike Parry and Katharine Bourke in place to cover Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and across into Dorset. For more details click - here

• South Devon College Managers’ Club Meeting 5:30pm 13th June – click - here • WEAF events – click - here • Sensors & Instrumentation Group - Whole Cell Biosensors in the Era of Synthetic Biology – 3

July 2012, BIS Conference Centre, 1 Victoria St, London, SW1H 0ET - click - here • Plymouth's Climate Change Commission members would like to extend an invitation to you to

join us for Plymouth's Summer Green Drinks 'meeting' from 5.30pm, on Thursday 28th June at the Waterfront, West Hoe. We are hoping that it will be a sunny day! Green Drinks is a 'social networking' opportunity that now operates successfully in 653 cities across the World. See

http://www.greendrinks.org/ for more details.

IV Request for Help/Corporate Social Responsibility

Short / med term work placement opportunity 30. ‘As anticipated, Plessey semiconductors are going through a soft order period through Q3 and

consequently are able to subcontract out a small number of operators for a period of 3 – 4 months. If any PMG member is interested in this short / med term work placement opportunity please respond to me ASAP’. Mike Snaith, Operations Director, Plessey Semiconductors Ltd., Tamerton Road, Roborough, Plymouth, Devon. PL6 7BQ email: mike.snaith@plesseysemi.com

Chinese speaker wanted 31. Bandvulc are looking for a Chinese speaker (Mandarin, we think). We need someone to make calls

and interpret for us. Only a couple of hours a week at first so not sure if any PMG members use anyone locally? Teri Norman, PA to the Directors Tel: 01752 893559 ext 1205 email: t.norman@bandvulc.co.uk

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Devonport High School for Boys through to the World finals of the F1 in schools competition 32. "Devonport High School for Boys is heavily involved in F1 in schools competition, which is an

engineering competition run in 30 different countries, where students work as a team to design, test, manufacture, market and race their own CO2 powered model racing car. Students can compete at regional level in the first instance, then at national level at an extremely high level, if successful they can then go onto compete at international level against the other 29 countries. Students design their car on CAD (SolidWorks) and use this software and wind tunnels to test their designs before manufacturing it on the school's CNC router. This scheme allows students to expand their engineering skills in a fantastic engaging way, and opens their eyes to various aspects of engineering and teamwork. Team Vitesse a group of three 17 year olds from Devonport High School for Boys, Plymouth, have been successful this year in making it though to the international finals as part of a collaboration team joined with a team from Pennsylvania, USA. They have been South West Champions for the last two seasons and are now in a position to pitch against the best at the World finals, which are being held at Farrari world, Abu Dhabi. The team now needs raise the finance to take them to these finals by means of sponsorship from companies who are willing to support them. The team need to raise in excess of £10,000 to cover all costs associated with them competing at World Finals level, including materials, travel, and accommodation, we would appreciate any support you are able to give. Further details of the competition can be found on the following website http://www.f1inschools.co.uk/. If you are able to support us in this competition and would like further details please get in contact with Pete Robinson, Head of Engineering at Devonport High School for Boys”. email pete.robinson@dhsb.org or by telephone on 07565 705756.

Superfast broadband Business Case Studies Wanted 33. (Message from Mike Atkinson) ‘I am working on the project rolling out superfast broadband across

Devon and Somerset and we are looking for case studies of businesses that either are needing superfast broadband as soon as possible as slow broadband/service dropoffs etc are affecting business, or examples of businesses that are doing really innovative things with what they have speedwise…….but could do much more. Any suggestions please let me know - we are trying to get a good range of case studies across sectors and across Devon and Somerset, including BANES, North Somerset, Torbay and Plymouth. Our PR company for the Connecting Devon and Somerset Programme (COAST) would be writing the case studies and contacting any businesses put forward. There are now 5 case studies on the website and more will soon appear. http://www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk/case-studies-2/ We intend to use the case studies in press releases and on the website to raise awareness of the programme and encourage people to sign the demand registration survey’. Mike Atkinson, Economic Development Officer, Economy Group, Somerset County Council A2, County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY Tel: 01823 355611 mob: 0787 966 8736 email: matkinson@somerset.gov.uk

Midnight Walk - Marshals needed. Can you help please? 34. ‘The St Luke's Hospice Midnight Walk is taking place on Saturday 21st July and 3500 ladies will walk a

choice of 7, 13 and 30 miles around Plymouth. St Luke’s Hospice is looking for Route Marshals to be situated at various points along the route to help cheer, direct and keep our ladies safe on their journey! Without volunteers the event could not happen. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, have fun and help the Hospice raise vital funds. There are also some great prizes to be won if you take part in volunteering..... including the chance to win a ride in a Hot Air Balloon and the chance to win £100 worth of House of Frazer vouchers! If you are interested in volunteering please email marina.leadbetter@stlukes-hospice.org.uk or ring the fundraising office on 01752 492626. Thank you in anticipation’. Lorna Baker.

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V Consultations & Calls for Evidence

Review of National Occupational Standards (NOS) and N/SVQ Qualification Structures 35. Semta’s Standards and Qualifications department are leading a UK wide review of NOS and N/SVQ

qualification structures. The review began in April 2012 and is scheduled to be completed by 31st December 2012. As part of our philosophy of continuous improvement Semta are now requesting feedback from relevant stakeholders to ascertain whether the current NOS and N/SVQs are still fit for purpose and if not what changes are required? If you would like to comment on these standards, please follow the link below: semta.org.uk/employers/services1/work-based-learning/nos/nos-and-n-svq-qualification-review If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Semta’s Customer Services on 0845 643 9001 or email: customerservices@semta.org.uk Paul Turnbull, Standards and Qualifications, Mob: 07899 926097.

VI Economic News; Newsletters, Briefings & Articles:

BIS Bulletins

• BIS Bulletin – 8th June – click - here • BIS Bulletin – 28th May – click - here • BIS Bulletin – 18th May – click - here

Economic news

• EEF’s monthly roundup of economic news (June) – click - here • HM Treasury pocket databank (28/5) – click - here • Bank of England agents’ summary of business conditions - click – here • Bank of England inflation report (May) – click - here

Other newsletters:

• Heart of the SW LEP newsletter – click - here • Electronics, Sensors. Photonics KTN - click - here • Plymouth University Evolve newsletter – click – here • To obtain the free MAS electronic newsletter you now have to complete a subscription form –

click - here • Plymouth Matters – click - here • Technology Strategy Board newsletter – click - here • Semta newsletter Issue 18 – click - here • Energy Savings Trust newsletter – click - here • McKinsey newsletter (June) – click - here

Other articles and reports of interest: • ‘Two Lists You Should Look at Every Morning’ - Harvard Business Review blog – click - here • A BT PowerPoint about the rollout of Superfast Broadband in Plymouth – click - here • The UK Composites Sector – Info & Intelligence from UKTI – click - here • Trading myths: Addressing misconceptions about trade, jobs, and competitiveness. Article by

McKinsey Global Institute – click here • The National Audit Office report on the first two rounds of the Regional Growth Fund. here

Other sites of interest to manufacturers:

• http://www.worksmanagement.co.uk/ • http://source.theengineer.co.uk/

Image credits: Gratis image (p2) courtesy of http://ilovetypography.com

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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 ACIS MIED Secretary to Plymouth Manufacturers' Group and the PMG Network 23 Nursery Close, Tamerton Foliot, Plymouth PL5 4QG

: 01752 795034

: 07585 445 346

: stevegerry@dsl.pipex.com : www.plymouthmanufacturers.co.uk

: http://stevegerryconsulting.co.uk/