Monahans Quarterly Manufacturing Breakfast set in the scene!
Monahans, one of the largest accountancy firms in the west of England held its inaugural Quarterly Manufacturing Breakfast at the STEAM Museum, Swindon, on Thursday 10 October 2013. The event was held in an appropriate setting of Caerphilly Castle within Swindon’s STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway, to which Monahans catered for 43 delegates, all with a background and passion for the manufacturing industry.
The event offered members of the manufacturing community an opportunity to hear from leading figures in the engineering sector, including Ian Lloyd, Relationship Partner at Monahans, Dr Gareth Neighbour, Head of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at Oxford Brookes University and Raphaël Caillé, Managing Director of Swindon Engines. The speakers each presented in front of a Great Western Express Locomotive built in Swindon in August 1923 – setting the background for the event.
Presentations included:
Ian Lloyd, Relationship Partner, Monahans
“Business growth and improvement in the manufacturing sector”
Ian positively presented an overview of the growth of the manufacturing sector, confirming that the sector employs 2.3 million people in the UK.
He also suggested four key areas of focus for Manufacturing businesses to grow and improve including: processes, products, promotion and people along with his expertise and tips in this area.
Ian said, “It was great to see so many leading figures from the manufacturing industry in the room. We had some amazing feedback and guests were delighted to hear from our speakers; offering valuable questions and proving that the manufacturing industry is still alive! We are looking forward to our next event to be held in February 2014”
Dr Gareth Neighbour, Head of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University & UTC Swindon Director
“Employer Facing Education”
Dr Neighbour explained what a University Technical College is and what it would mean for Swindon and the engineering industry in general. He encouraged people to get involved with UTC Swindon in any way they possibly can whether it be providing apprenticeships or giving their input on the curriculum. He confidently explained how Oxford Brookes University and Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells are sponsoring the College and what they are able to offer.
Dr Neighbour stated that UTC Swindon is, “A college for students aged 14 to 18 which will specialise in engineering supported by business, enterprise and entrepreneurship. It will be sponsored by Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells and Oxford Brookes University. It will offer full time courses which combine practical and academic studies. Employers are involved from the start in shaping the curriculum.”
If anyone wishes to find out how they, as a company, can be involved with UTC Swindon, please make contact with info@utcswindon.co.uk.
Raphaël Caillé, Managing Director, Swindon Engines
“Experiences of growing a manufacturing company”
Raphaël presented his takeover of a struggling company during a financial crisis and how he used drive and confidence in order to turn it around. He explained in depth some of the challenges and obstacles he faced along with some of the positive company case studies, including the design and development of a 450kW twin turbo engine for a GT3 (known technically as Cup Grand Touring Cars).
Swindon Engines supplies high performance engines and components and manages cutting edge development projects in the automotive and the motor-racing industries.
Monahans held the event in support of UTC Swindon, the new University Technical College opening in September 2014. Its vision is to be a college where engineering and innovation can flourish. UTC Swindon will cater for 600 students, aged 14 to 19, interested in pursuing a career in engineering.
Monahans works with many clients in the manufacturing sector and recognises the huge importance of manufacturing to the UK economy. As a partner of UTC Swindon, the firm is committed to developing manufacturing and engineering in the UK.
The next Monahans Quarterly Manufacturing Breakfast is set to be held on Thursday 6 February 2014. The Quarterly Manufacturing Breakfasts offer an excellent opportunity to network with fellow business people in the manufacturing sector. To secure your place for the next event, contact Clare Way at Monahans on telephone 01793 818300 or email marketing@monahans.co.uk.
For more information visit www.monahans.co.uk.
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Ends
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Monahans – Backgrounder
Monahans
With 17 partners and a total staff of around 120 across its offices inBath, Chippenham,Glastonbury,Swindonand Trowbridge, Monahans is one of the largest independent chartered accountancy groups in the west ofEngland. The firm, which also incorporates Monahans Financial Services Ltd, provides a full range of accountancy, tax, investment, insurance and human resource services to businesses and private individuals:
Accountancy Services, available to all types of organisation including limited companies, partnerships, sole traders, charities and trusts. Services include full production of accounts, tax computations, book keeping and a management accounts function.
Audit Services, providing independent confirmation of clients’ accounts, adding credibility in the eyes of third parties.
Business Recovery and Insolvency, helping both businesses and private individuals understand their options and make informed choices.
Business acquisition and disposal, maximising the value and tax efficiency of the sale of businesses and helping clients research, initiate and conclude purchasing opportunities.
Elite Payroll Service, taking the hassle out of this time-consuming, yet crucial financial function. Monahans is a BACS Approved Payroll Bureau and handles payroll procedures to the value of more than £4 million every month.
Employee Benefit Services, a range of employee benefits designed to help clients attract and retain the best people. Benefits include pensions, death in service schemes, private medical insurance and eye tests, retirement options, childcare vouchers and cycle to work schemes.
Forensic Accounting. Acting as an expert witness, expert adviser or expert determiner, Monahans offers extensive and in-depth experience in dispute processes.
HR Solutions, offering ad hoc support as and when required or acting as the client’s in-house human resources department.
IT Services, a range of business and finance-aligned IT advisory services and software solutions. Monahans provides management information systems, specialist reporting, database development and admin and management training.
Strategic Business Improvement, including strategic and financial planning and a business development consultancy.
Integrated Tax Services, helping businesses, trusts and individual clients understand the complexities of theUK and international tax systems and minimise tax liabilities within the legal framework.
Monahans encourages its staff to think creatively and, through a structured support system, has created an environment in which people can develop their skills and further their careers. As well as an ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Gold Award for the quality of training it provides its trainees, Monahans has been awarded ACCA Approved Employer – Professional Development status.
