"We can help them tackle a range of issues, from working out why their new products are always late to how they can put in place an effective, sustainable business strategy," said Peter Templeton.

Small manufacturing companies can get free help to improve their business from experts at the University of Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing (IfM). Up to 100-man days of impartial guidance is on offer between now and the end of September. The service is free to users thanks to government funding designed to improve the success rate of start-ups and small businesses.

The IfM has undertaken many years' of research and practical engagement with small companies. It has developed a set of tools, the Industrial Innovation Toolset, that help smaller businesses to become more competitive. 

"We can help them tackle a range of issues, from working out why their new products are always late to how they can put in place an effective, sustainable business strategy," said Peter Templeton, Head of the IfM's Industry Links Unit. "The programme is being run in conjunction with six regions of the government's Manufacturing Advisory Service who will help to identify the companies taking part." MAS regions involved are the South East, North West, East Midlands, North East, West Midlands and East of England.

Press release (MS Word document)