Who we can help
The definition of manufacturing as per the MAS Guidelines is: "The modern definition of manufacturing is broad. The full cycle of activities from research, design and development, production, logistics, and service provision to end of life management."
We provide support for SMEs, but larger companies can use our resources at market rates. Subsidised project support from our advisor teams is available to SMEs whereas larger companies will pay the current rate. You must be a manufacturer based in England to access our support.
How we define a manufacturer
The definition we use for manufacturing makes a strong distinction between production (the physical processes of making, bending, etc.) and manufacturing (the overarching process of getting raw materials to goods and their associated services). By taking this approach to defining manufacturing it becomes easier to see that although an organisation may choose to outsource its production activities, it remains at heart a manufacturing company.
We can offer funded support to SME manufacturers in England
Your company can call itself an SME if:
- Less than 250 employees
- Having an annual turnover of less than €50m or a balance sheet of less than €43m
- Not part of a group which in itself exceeds one of the criteria above.
Download a full definition of a Small and Medium Sized Business (pdf).
MAS Aid
MAS’ aid to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises is State Aid which is granted under the “aid for consultancy in favour of SMEs” provisions set out in the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) ((Regulation EC) 800/2008).
The maximum aid to an SME per MAS Level 4 consultancy project is no more than £10,000 per undertaking per project. The maximum which could be granted under the “aid for consultancy in favour of SMEs” provisions in the GBER is EUR 2 million per undertaking per project.
The maximum aid which can be provided under MAS is 50% of eligible costs. The eligible costs for MAS State Aid in accordance with the GBER provisions are the consultancy costs provided under a MAS Level 4 project.
Further information about the State Aid implications of your MAS support will be stated in the Offer Letter and documentation provided by the MAS Centre prior to you receiving your MAS support.
Any subsidised support provided by MAS to Large Enterprises is provided at market rate with no subsidy by UK or EU Government.
The legal basis for MAS support in the UK is Industrial Development Act 1982, Parts III and IV. This enables selective financial assistance in the form of advice, information and service provision. The relevant power in Section 11 of the Industrial Development Act 1982 which enables the Secretary of State to make provision for the giving of advice (whether free of charge or other wise) to persons carrying on business, is the underlying enabling legislation for all the work which will be undertaken as a result of Manufacturing Advisory Service.
So what are the next steps?
Our service easy to access you can complete your details online via our review sign-up page or simply call 0845 658 9600. Our manufacturing review and advice via our helpdesk is free, so if you are still unsure if you qualify for funded support please contact us and a Manufacturing Advisor will answer your concerns and queries.
We can also provide you with information on what other support and expertise is available for your business, free advice from the team who know manufacturing and business support!
