ABOUT THE NETWORK
Manufacturing Businesses in Somerset and Dorset now have improved opportunities to resolve Technological, Management and Skills issues affecting Quality, Cost and Delivery Performance.

Yeovil College acting as a hub, and supported by the DTI and the University of Exeter and other partners, is using their combined resources to develop a sustainable network of manufacturing / engineering Small & Medium Enterprises (SME's) in the region.

The NETWORK is to be operated by and for owner managers, company directors and managers in order to facilitate :-

Employer / Employee Networking Employer / FE / HE Networking to provide for Ease of access to advanced engineering facilities, expertise, research and development Ease of access to information sources and market intelligence Increased opportunities for joint development projects Information on funding initiatives Co-ordinated world-wide exposure via website

BENEFIT TO PARTICIPANTS

Shared knowledge and expertise More effective networking Ease of access to advanced engineering facilities, expertise, research and development Ease of access to information sources and market intelligence Increased opportunities for joint development projects Information on funding initiatives Co-ordinated world-wide exposure via website

WHY MANUFACTURING NETWORKS?
Company managers may understand the skills needs of their companies but opportunities to meet these needs on an individual basis is often difficult and may be more easily achieved through partnership.

Experience demonstrates that major improvements to the 'bottom line' can be achieved by enhancing the technical and managerial awareness and capability of Engineering (Technician) staff within individual and supply chain SME's.

THE NETWORK AIMS TO:

Increase Company awareness, knowledge and expertise Underpin Company knowledge and expertise with appropriately skilled employees Create a forum to share experience and ideas Help diversify and develop new markets Promote and boost the region's technological expertise Create a self sustaining organisation Improve business potential and profitability through partnership