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In his first statement as President of the Bristol and Western Engineering Manufacturers' Association (BEMA), Andrew Putin indicated that the organisation will be raising its profile and increasing its influence on government policy relating to the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Mr Putin is the first solicitor to be appointed president of BEMA, the largest engineering trade association in the South West of England and Wales. He said that whilst, for manufacturers, the Budget has been poorly received, other central government initiatives via the DTI are showing promise. Patricia Hewitt has received much praise for her hands-on approach in her role as Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; and the launch of the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) shows true promise.

There have been some major successes of the Government's strategy for manufacturing, including the rationalisation of DTI 'products', which aim to make it easier for businesses to access financial support. It has also become easier for manufacturers to access the benefits of university research.

Government can play a key role in helping manufacturers particularly in areas that are too big to be addressed by industry, including macroeconomic stability, access to skilled labour force and transport infrastructure. However, more manufacturing managers need to help themselves through competitiveness improvement programmes.

For copies of the original Manufacturing Strategy or the Manufacturing Review contact the Manufacturing Advisory Service in the South East 0845-609-2121 or email info@mas-se. org. uk, where the team can provide you with a copy wherever you are located.

To find out more about the national MAS initiative visit www.mas.dti.gov.uk.