MANUFACTURERS can now tap into a new service dedicated to helping them become world class. The DTI-sponsored Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) was officially launched at the Williams Formula 1 Centre in Oxfordshire.

The MAS offers guidance on best practice, new sources of funding and business improvement plans. EEF South, the regional engineering employers' association, is running the MAS in the South East in its role as the Regional Centre of Manufacturing Excellence. It is supported by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) as a practical means of helping this key sector become world class. Manufacturing contributes more than £17 billion to the regional economy. Alan Johnson, Minister of State for Employment and the Regions, said at the launch: " These are tough times for manufacturing but be in no doubt, manufacturing matters to this government and is central to our future as a leading, knowledge-driven economy."

Mark Eaton, Head of the MAS, estimates that up to three-quarters of the region's 21,000 manufacturing companies could do with some help. He says many managers focus on technology at the expense of the vital systems, processes and staff training that could make all the difference to the bottom line. The MAS has specialist manufacturing advisors based across the region including Kent. It can be contacted on 0845 609 2121 or via www.mas-se.co.uk