MP SUPPORTS MOVE TO FIND BEST UK MANUFACTURER

5.33.46pm GMT Mon 26th Feb 2007

Paul Keetch, MP for Hereford is appealing for firms in the area to enter the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Manufacturing Excellence (MX) Awards for 2007. The winner of the competition, one of the most prestigious in the business world, will win the coveted title of the UK's Best Manufacturer.

"This is the 25th anniversary of the awards, set up initially by a dedicated team of IMechE members and business representatives to promote and help protect the heritage of our UK industry and, most importantly, share best practice," Mr Keetch explained.

"I would encourage any firms, of any size, to enter these awards, run in partnership with some of the country's leading business names from Barclays to the DTI's Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) and supported by Warwick Manufacturing Group. Each firm that enters is entitled to a free, bespoke Benchmark Report from a panel of manufacturing experts worth up to £20,000 after filling in a Self Assessment Audit."

The report will offer a 'top tips' service to firms with invaluable advice on how to improve performance, taking size and resources into consideration. Furthermore, all MX participating companies are entitled to a free on-site diagnostic 'health check' visit of up to five days from MAS. Deadline for entries is 1st March 2007.

Finalists for the 11 categories will be invited to a glittering awards ceremony on the 13th June at the Marriott Hotel in London where winners (and overall MX winner) will be announced.

Paul Keetch MP commented:

"I hope to see as many companies as possible enter as everyone is a winner. MX, now running in Germany, is well known as the international hallmark of best practice in manufacturing and we, as MPs should be doing all we can to support MX and these companies.

"For those that reach the final, they will have demonstrated that they are the elite in their field. A positive effect of this would be an enhanced local economy and, potentially, more jobs for the area."

Firms interested should visit the dedicated website www.mx2007.org.uk, or email mx2007@imeche.org.uk. Alternately telephone 020 7304 6859 to contact the office direct.