Furthermore, the programme has recently secured over £90m of funding to continue the roll-out of its range of services, including business development and capital equipment grants, management and workforce progression, supply chain improvement and collaborative supplier networks.

"As an organisation, we are very focussed on the future and, in particular, in meeting the evolving needs of the supply chain as it greets the 21st century, " explained Lucy Prinsep, Project Manager.

"The challenge for us going forward is to raise awareness of Accelerate and encourage greater participation from the region's component suppliers, a focus that has been spearheaded by the appointment of MG Rover's Kevin Howe as Chairman."

So what's in it for the West Midlands? First and foremost, it is driven by people with real knowledge of the industry and, as a result, the various opportunities available are carefully tailored to address everyday issues and create maximum benefit for the companies taking part.

"This is an ideal opportunity for suppliers to gain access to a raft of possibilities that can really make a real difference", Lucy continued, "It's simply a case of getting in touch with us or their local Business Link and discovering what Accelerate can do for them, whether it is part funding towards purchasing that all important piece of machinery, developing strategic business plans for the future or even creating groups of mutual interest with access to mutual opportunities!"

The sceptical MD and FD will perhaps dismiss this as yet another 'all-singing, all-dancing' initiative to emanate from the support service network. The reality is somewhat different, with statistics highlighting that the long-standing programme has helped the supply chain increase productivity by 27%, improve Original Equipment Effectiveness by 24%, reduce defect ppm by 65%, not to mention elimination of waste and 40% cost downs on specific products.

Interest levels rising? Well, with Accelerate taking a major presence at Midlands Manufacturing 2003, organisations now have the ideal opportunity to talk to project managers Lucy Prinsep and Rachel Eade and explore how their business can benefit.

Lucy concludes: "Our region lies at the very heart of UK manufacturing and, with this in mind, the exhibition provides an ideal forum for automotive suppliers to engage with a wider audience and showcase the best practice, development and innovation that is now synonymous with our supply chain."

Accelerate, which is hosting a special zone for component suppliers from the West Midlands, will also be running a series of cutting edge seminars and the opportunity to become the virtual 'Colin McRae' for the day.

Tel: 0121 607 1806