THE extraordinary success of Manufacturing Advisory Ser-vice (MAS) in the south-east won plaudits from Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt.

Speaking at a special event to launch the first report into the success of the service Ms Hewitt said that MAS was proving to be an important element in providing practical support to manufacturers and in helping them to "move up the value-added chain".

"This report shows that the Manufacturing Advisory Service has been a huge success," she said.

"I am proud of the fact that we are delivering practical help to manufacturers that is world class and is working.

"I would urge manufacturers to take advantage of this service, which is clearly delivering huge rewards for those who have already engaged with it."

Jim Brathwaite, chairman of South-East England Development Agency, a key partner in MAS said that in the region MAS had provided practical advice to more than 300 companies, welcomed more than 3,000 people to events, given in-depth support to over 50 companies, created first year productivity gains valued at more than £2.6m, helped to increase turnover by £2.3m, and helped companies save £200,000 in equipment costs.

David Seall, chief executive of EEF South, which delivers MAS in the south-east, said: "The work of MAS is proving its value many times over with companies eager to improve their competitive position.

"If we can build a culture where such activity is the norm, we will be well on the way to creating a sustainable future for manufacturing."