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Call for South West manufacturers to collaborate for award
28 July 2009
Groups of manufacturers across the South West are being invited
to enter a competition that will help them raise their profile.
The South West RDA (Regional Development Agency) is encouraging
groups of companies involved in manufacturing within the region to
put themselves forward for the national "Cluster Mark" awards. This
event, organised by the Government's Department for Business, aims
to help businesses establish manufacturing 'clusters' that will
enable them to secure a competitive advantage on a global stage.
(See Notes to Editors for a definition of 'cluster') The winners
will be able to use the "Cluster Mark Winner" logo on their
promotional material, an independent and prestigious endorsement of
the quality of the cluster, and an excellent sales and marketing
tool helping to attract inward investment.
A regional selection process will take place over the next few
months across the UK. Each region will put forward two nominations
for the national awards. A panel chaired by a Department of
Business Minister and consisting of leading members of the business
community and academia will select the overall winners. The
national awards will be presented at a gala dinner in 2010.
Graham Harrison, Director of International Business at the South
West RDA, said: "It's been proved that by collaborating, businesses
and associated institutions with common interests can achieve a
more competitive and productive environment. The RDA has a solid
history of supporting innovative clusters that have delivered real
business benefits. These range from new products and services to
skills development and access to new markets. The National Cluster
Mark for 2009 will recognise achievements from clusters engaged in
the fields of advanced manufacturing and we are supporting this
with a regional competition to recognise good practice in the South
West. We look forward to receiving the applications from eligible
clusters."
Entrants from the manufacturing sector will need to demonstrate
the competitive advantage achieved by businesses engaged in the
cluster. In addition, applicants will have to describe how activity
within the cluster is coordinated and how it is well placed to
adapt to change. The competition aims to recognise where companies,
specialist suppliers, service providers and educational
institutions are working together to develop competitive advantage
in a global economy.
At the launch of the national competition in Norwich yesterday
(Monday, July 27), Rosie Winterton, Minister for Regional Economic
Development, said: "When I hear people say the UK doesn't make
stuff anymore, they forget that we're the sixth largest
manufacturer in the world. Manufacturing is crucial to all the UK's
regions. It adds over £150 billion to the economy, and accounts for
around half of UK exports and 75 per cent of business R&D.
"When groups of competing manufacturers locate and work together
it can benefit both individual companies and the regional economy;
like we've seen in California's Silicon Valley. Collaboration can
boost competitiveness through developing and spreading best
practice, increase cooperation in supply chains and help promote
local strengths on an international stage."
Today, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson will launch a
significant package of measures to help the UK's advanced
manufacturers seize the opportunities provided by emerging
technologies, as part of Building Britain's Future.
To find out more and how clusters can apply, please see
www.bis.gov.uk/clustermark
or email charlotte.lane@southwestrda.org.uk.