This DTI web site specifically for manufacturing was first published in April 2001 to explain DTI's proposals for a Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS). It communicated to UK manufacturers and their business advisers, particularly those dealing with small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), certain proposed developments which could help them to achieve a competitive advantage. DTI's aim shared with Regional Development Agencies is for manufacturers to be better able to contribute to improving our productivity as a nation. We said that the site would need to evolve and in its current form it reflects the progress we have made towards establishing the MAS.

Incorporated early in year 2001, AME-UK is the UK Chapter of the USA-based AME. It offers the benefits of the US organisation through its UK-based programme. AME-UK is a growing UK organisation that is helping managers learn and apply dramatically better ways of running their operations. The purpose is to learn the how-to and the why-to, so we can all radically reduce our operating costs. It is a not-for-profit organisation and is not expensive: annual membership costs only £100. Events and training are charged to cover costs as you attend. It provides a programme of events, learning and practical exercises that you can apply in your own companies. And every member receives Target®, the acclaimed quarterly AME journal which publishes in-depth case studies and accounts from members who put lessons into practice.

Axis is a strategic partnership between employers, colleges, training providers, local councils and statutory agencies to provide comprehensive solutions and deliver a single point of contact for business to enhance performance.

The Design Council makes sure people in business, education and government know how effective design can transform what they do - and it gives those people the knowledge and tools they need to turn design from an inspiring idea into something they can use. We work with other influential organisations to help the UK make the most of its innovation and creativity by using design to add value. We also build links with the rest of the world, which improve the UKs global standing. All our work in inspiring and enabling the best use of design aims to increase prosperity and improve quality of life.

Design Directory is a guide to finding designers and working with them. Here you will find A comprehensive listing of UK design agencies, broken down by region, speciality and experience. Advice on picking the right designer and making sure your relationship with them is as effective as possible.

For more than 10 years, EFQM has been helping European businesses make better products and deliver improved services through the effective use of leading edge management practices. Based among the worlds most demanding and diverse business and consumer populations, our members use advanced performance measurement systems, principally the EFQM Excellence Model, to continuously improve their business results

NPL is the United Kingdom's national standards laboratory, an internationally respected and independent centre of excellence in research, development and knowledge transfer in measurement and materials science. For more than a century we have developed and maintained the nation's primary measurement standards - the heart of an infrastructure designed to ensure accuracy, consistency and innovation in physical measurement.

With more than 25 years experience, and 15,000 industrial lasers installed worldwide, ROFIN has dedicated itself to becoming one of the leading manufacturers of laser sources and laser-based solutions for industrial material processing.

The Innovators' Club is a brand new, completely FREE, business programme that will provide tangible practical assistance to business people such as yourselves. The Innovators' Club will help you drive market led innovation into every aspect of your organisation, from your internal processes through to taking a concept to market.

A flexible, industrially relevant Personnel/Personal Development Programme, covering the full range of Business and Technology, for the Professional/Managerial staff of partner companies. Current partner companies include BAE Systems, BICC, BNFL, Caradon Mira, Celestica, ELE Advanced Technologies, European Vinyls Corporation, Firth Rixson Superalloys, Gower Furniture, Guardmaster, Henrob, Ineos Chlor, Ineos Fluor, Kellogg, Linco Care, MBDA, Rieter Automotive, Solvay Interox, Strix, Tetrapak,Thomas Bolton Flexible Cabes, West Coast Traincare.

The Manufacturing Foundation is a not-for-profit think tank that researches into manufacturing issues and provides policy advice to National and Regional Government. The Manufacturing Foundation is an independent voice for manufacturing in the West Midlands and has the full support of Advantage West Midlands and the Manufacturing Beacon Group. James Bentley is the director. The Manufacturing Foundation's research produces hard results in the form of reports and policy advice useful to the region and Government. It studies issues that are both generic to UK manufacturing and those that may be specific to regional or local economies. It co-operates with industry and helps integrate the expertise of the many specialist centres in universities and elsewhere in the region.

Providing information, experience, knowledge and solutions for middle market decision makers, The Sunday Times Enterprise Network is a membership organisation geared to helping Medium Size Enterprises deal effectively with business challenges. Check out the Sunday Times Enterprise Network Networking Directory which provides email addresses of those individual members who are happy to be contacted by other members to share information and business experience.

The Foundation is being set up to promote the activity of Invention by encouraging and supporting Inventors and Engineers. It will do this by; * Raising the Profile of Inventors and Invention. * Helping Inventors receive Proper Rewards for their Inventions. * Promoting the Commercial Benefits to the UK of New Inventions. * Encouraging the Study of Invention as a Discipline in its Own Right. * Making sure that there are equal opportunities for all regardless of gender, creed, or origin.

UKCeB exists to ensure that UK companies benefit from the e-solutions strategies being adopted across the globe. The focus is on improvement of business performance through digital information sharing throughout the supply chain and the development of appropriate national and international policies and standards.