ProAct Scheme

The ProAct scheme will receive £48m of Welsh Assembly Government funding to cover the current pilot phase and the year 2009-10. ProAct assists employers and employees to deal with a fall-off in orders and provides an alternative to redundancy through short-time working and retraining on the days not being worked. The scheme will also include support to enable apprentices to complete their training if the employer is struggling to see them through to the end of their course. For further infomration contact MWMG on 01686 628778 or e-mail info@mwmg.org

Small Single Investment Fund (Small SIF) Support Update
Under the 'Small SIF', companies from the 13th January will be able to access additional grant funding for the following types of support :-
1) General Support
2) Strategic Mentoring

Small and medium sized companies including Social Enterprises will, with the help of a Relationship Manager be able to apply for support following an assessment of the business and development of an agreed action plan.

Depending on the value of support requested, companies will be required to provide a minimum of two quotes. Companies who are unfamiliar with procuring business services will be offered support and guidance. A template and guidance will be provided for companies to obtain 2 quotes and information will be made available on advisers in the market from Professional Body Member Lists.

• Eligible companies requiring General Support will be able to access a 100% funded grant.
• Eligible companies requiring Mentoring Support will be able to access the first 2 days of support at 100% intervention rate and then a maximum of a further 10 days in a 12 month period at 50% rate.

Support is targeted at SMEs with:
• More than 4 employees
• Providing Business 2 Business services
• Operating in a regional / National market
• An annual Turnover >£100k

Access to the support via:
• FS4B Centres
• Visiting the website www.business-support-wales.gov.uk
• Calling the FS4B contact number 03000 6 03000
• Intermediary / Business referrals through to Relationship Managers based in the regions although we would encourage intermediaries to direct clients through FS4B
• Through your existing Relationship Manager

General Support
• Up to 100% grant funded by the Welsh Assembly Government
• Company pays adviser/supplier then reimbursed by Welsh Assembly Government

Mentoring
• Up to 12 days for a maximum of 12 months
• First 2 days mentoring support up to 100% grant funded
• Follow on 10 days at 50% company contribution
• Company pays upfront then 50% of costs reimbursed by Welsh Assembly Government

The Process
• The company will now engage an adviser/supplier following open market procurement and Welsh Assembly Government approval of the application.
• The adviser/supplier completes the work and invoices the company.
• The company pays for the work and provides evidence to the Welsh Assembly Government that the adviser/supplier has received payment and work has been completed.
• The Welsh Assembly Government then reimburses the company at the agreed intervention rate.

Open Market procurement requires quotes:

• <£5k grant requirement requires 2 quotes
• £5k-£10k grant requirement requires 3 quotes
• The Open market procurement requires a minimum of 2 quotes to ensure the company is getting Value for Money and offers the client a wider market.

Monitoring
• The Welsh Assembly Government will on an ongoing basis monitor the process and will be exploring ways to improve the delivery to business based on customer feedback

Equality & Diversity Support
• Remains as part of the package but is delivered from a Call Down Supplier List due to the specialism involved and availability of support in the market place.
• An average of 2.5 days support
• 100% funded by Welsh Assembly Government
• Welsh Assembly Government to pay directly to adviser/supplier

Consultants & Interim Managers required

We are seeking people who have a proven track record of working in manufacturing and would like the opportunity to work for companies in mid Wales on a consultancy or interim management basis when relevant assignments are identified.

A background in manufacturing is preferred, either directly in Operations or through the following functions:-
Finance, Health & Safety, Logistics, HR, Marketing and New Product Introduction.

Previous experience of consulting or project / interim work is highly desirable.

Please forward your CV to info@mwmg.org or to discuss informally contact
Ceri Stephens on 01686 628778.