New scheme will enable Northwest's automotive firms to win contracts

"Many of the companies operating in this sector in the Northwest are now becoming increasingly busy after the recession - and this scheme has been launched in response to that."

Supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Northwest Automotive Alliance (NWAA) aims to promote excellence in manufacture, engineering, supply chain management, innovation, and workforce skills.

It has established the SME Excellence Network to help car and van companies • as well as those firms in the supply chain - win new contracts, cut costs and ultimately increase profits.

The initiative is also intended to help its 450-strong members fulfil their potential in the wake of the global recession.

It will first assist firms to implement a ‘structured approach’ to business improvement while introducing the kind of best practice used by larger companies.

The initiative also provides opportunities for them to network with other SMEs while moving from day-to-day 'fire-fighting' to planning for strategic growth.

What's more, the NWAA's team of experienced industry experts will visit participating companies to recommend efficiency improvements which will lead to cost savings and business growth.
Gretchen adds: "The programme has been devised to have a structured approach. Companies initially receive an assessment which accords with our 'SME Business Excellence' model.They then take part in a mentoring programme over the next year to 18 months which involves monthly on-site visits from our experts and more assessments if necessary.
"We will identify those areas which they need to work on - and then work with the company to ensure that the right procedures are in place to help them."

Gretchen adds that the main aim is to "improve and sustain" business performance for those participating firms by positioning them ahead of the competition.

She also believes that there will be tangible business benefits from networking opportunities.
And the programme will also demonstrate what additional public sector help is available through organisations like Business Link, the Manufacturing Advisory Service and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).
Gretchen said: "This initiative is tailor-made for SMEs willing to embrace a culture of continuous improvement.

"It is also ideal for those companies that want to maximise the opportunities for growth at this time or suppliers who have developed cutting-edge technologies."

The NWAA launched the scheme in spring 2010 and five companies across the region have already signed up to take part.

It has the potential to help a total of 55 companies operating within the automotive sector over the next two years.

The scheme is 50% funded by the ERDF's Automotive and Related Manufacturing SME Network and 25% funded by the NWDA's Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain programme.

Participants pay for the remaining 25% of the programme themselves with an initial payment of £1,000 and then paying £200 a month for the scheme's duration.

This secures a total of three company assessments by the NWAA's team of experts, 18 days of mentor support as well as ongoing network activities.

For more information about the scheme, click on the link to the Northwest Automotive Alliance's website.