Don’t just survive when you can thrive

MANUFACTURERS from Oldham enjoyed a tour of the defence systems facility at Cairo Mill, Waterhead, when Ferranti Technologies hosted a breakfast on behalf of the Business Growth Hub.

Guests were welcomed to the Survive and Thrive-Access to Finance event by Sue Barnard, from the Manchester-based government-funded Hub, and senior directors from Ferranti.

Mark Sutherberry, from the Manufacturing Advisory Service, talked about the services and assistance available to manufacturers pointing out that any business or organisation that produced something was classed as a manufacturer.

“These can be bakers and candlestick makers and printers as well as the more traditional businesses more readily associated with the manufacturing,” he said.

He outlined who was eligible for the free service and what MAS was trying to achieve, pointing out that funding was available to help finance outside consultants support a business through a process, including training or seeking a quality accreditation.

Brian Devlin, from NatWest Bank, was at pains to point that banks “are lending” — a point he emphasised on several occasions — to small and medium-sized enterprises and discussed with the audience how the financial services industry is helping and supporting manufacturers. “Talk to us” was his message. Paul Cox, the quality and improvement director at Ferranti Technologies, gave a fascinating insight into the working of the defence systems manufacturers and how the company’s reputation and integrity was key to its success in a global market place. Manufacturers who missed the event, jointly supported by Oldham and Rochdale councils, may wish to attend a similar get-together at Rochdale Golf Club.

It will once again be hosted by the Business Growth Hub, on Wednesday February 27.

Interested parties should email info@businessgrowthhub.com for details or to register.