I am thrilled to be an Ambassador for the dti sponsored Manufacturing Advisory Service. MAS aims to address the practical needs of British manufacturers by delivering hands-on advice and assistance from experts in a wide range of manufacturing disciplines.

It has been a huge success story since its launch in 2002. MAS now plays a vital role in helping UK manufacturers to share knowledge, improve productivity and achieve success in an increasingly competitive global economy.

In 2007 I was invited to join the Rt. Hon. Stephen Timms MP, Minister of State for Competitiveness, to celebrate the launch of the Manufacturing Advisory Service’s (MAS) Annual report.

The reception proved to be a fitting end to yet another successful year for MAS - a manufacturing programme which, in the past year alone, has added £143 million of extra value to MAS-assisted companies, bringing the cumulative five-year total to an impressive £367million.

As National Ambassador for MAS, I was well placed to set the scene. my own company, Flowcrete, has seen £6 million of value added as a result of support from the service in the last four years.

Dawn was invited to join the Rt. Hon. Stephen Timms MP, Minister of State for Competitiveness, to celebrate the launch of the Manufacturing Advisory Service’s (MAS) Annual report