The search is on for the next Chairman of the West Midlands Manufacturing Consortium, who will oversee the work of the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS-WM).
Regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, which funds MAS-WM, is supporting the call for an experienced industry figure to succeed industrialist Mike Smith, who steps down after more than five years at the helm.
The next Chairman will be charged with helping to develop the MAS-WM offer so that it helps manufacturers overcome the credit crunch and make the most of global opportunities.
The specialist support organisation is looking to find someone with the ability to bring the public and private sector together and who will have a major role to play in promoting the region and its capabilities and in influencing Government manufacturing policy.
Debra Blisson, Director of Business Support and Enterprise at Advantage West Midlands, said: “Manufacturing is vital to the West Midlands. It is a major contributor to productivity growth and a lead driver of innovation.
“It is essential that West Midlands manufacturing moves from producing low value products to operating in high value knowledge-based markets, where it is able to compete globally.
“We also need to raise demand for and use of skills in manufacturing, and to boost both employment and investment prospects to attract people into the sector by creating positive attitudes towards manufacturing.
“At the same time, we need to support the development of globally competitive businesses through modernisation in key operational areas and diversification, and to provide a more responsive and effective business support service.
“A dynamic, inspiring leader is needed who understands the current world of manufacturing and can provide strategic direction to help achieve these goals as Chairman of the Non Executive Board.”
David Wright, Chief Executive of MAS-WM, said: “Mike Smith did an excellent job and helped us become the leading specialist support agency in the region...a hard act to follow, but we certainly have the calibre of people in the West Midlands who will relish this opportunity.”
“Since 2002, we have helped more than 5,000 manufacturers from precision engineers and medical specialists to aerospace suppliers and automotive component makers.
“We are continuing to evolve in order to meet new global challenges and have ambitious plans to further stimulate the manufacturing community and generate economic growth within the West Midlands.”
In addition to the Chairman Post, MAS-WM is also looking to recruit two Non-Executive Directors to its Board.
Closing date for applications is 26th November and for further information please contact David Wright on 01902 838301.