Rt. Hon. John F. Spellar MP

17th December 2009

Warley MP John Spellar Supports Manufacturing Excellence 2010 in Sandwell

John Spellar MP is urging local businesses in the area to enter the UK’s most prestigious business awards scheme. Firms have until January 29 to enter the battle for ‘Best UK Business’ at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Manufacturing Excellence Awards (MX) 2010.

Dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the business world, MX is free for any firm to enter and is the only best practice benchmarking scheme of its kind to offer an elite panel of industry experts giving up to £20,000 worth of free, impartial advice. Deadline for entries is 29 January 2010

John Spellar MP said: ‘‘I would encourage any firms, of any size, to enter the MX Awards. Latest Government figures show SMEs make up 95% of the UK manufacturing sector and 99% of all businesses in the UK. With the MX scheme, these firms can receive coaching and support from leading industry experts."

Companies backing MX this year include PricewaterhouseCoopers, National Skills Academy for Manufacturing, Arup, Warwick Manufacturing Group, the Government’s Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), Autodesk, and the National B2B Centre. They will be touring the country working with entrants to compile a Self Assessment Audit (SAA). In turn firms receive a free Benchmark Report, worth up to £20,000 in free business advice, which will provide them with invaluable advice on how to improve performance.

There are 12 ‘Oscars’ up for grabs including Best Overall Business, Best SME, Sustainable Manufacturing, Product Innovation, People Effectiveness, Customer Focus, Best Finance Management, and Best Business Education Partnership. Finalists get a chance to attend the prestigious ceremony on 23 June 2010 at the Dorchester in London where the winners will be unveiled.

If you are interested in entering this year then complete the MX10 Entry Form at www.mxawards.org and email h_morgan@imeche.org.