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January 2010
Panaz CEO Named in New Year’s Honours
The contribution of Panaz CEO Anthony (Tony) Attard to the development of British design and commerce in the worldwide contract furnishing sector has been recognised with the award of an OBE for services to the textile industry and international trade. The official announcement of the award of Officer of the Order of the British Empire to Mr Attard was made in the New Year’s Honours List published on 31 December.
Below are our eNewsletters:
December 09
CARBON FIBRE RECYCLING AND REUSE CONFERENCE 2009 REVIEW
The first ever Carbon Fibre Recycling and Reuse Conference – organised by Intertech Pira – was held Hamburg in early November. Over 50 delegates from all over the world attended the one and a half day conference. The conference featured over a dozen presentations on subjects such as an overview of the different recycling technologies available, operational challenges, and end user perspectives.
November 09
Total Productive Maintenance.
The Japan Institute for plant Maintenance (JIPM) Model in conjunction with Industry Forum 17th December 2009, 1.00pm to 5.00pm at Partnership for Learning Halewood, Liverpool.
The object of the seminar is to give delegates an overview of the latest thinking from Japan on matters relating to TPM.
Main Speakers
Mr Yoshitaka Murasa - Mr Murasa was the former Exective Director of JIPM and is now a Senior Counsellor International TPM Award Assessor at JIPM.
Mr Arthur David - Mr David has over 35 years direct manufacturing experience in the UK, USA and Japanese automotive industry. He was appointed Director of the new formed Industry Forum in December 1996.
November 09
Textile Trade Fair
Techtextil India took place on 10th to 12th October at the Mumbai Exhibition Centre. The event was held alongside Heimtextil India and provided an interesting contract between old and new textile industry formats.
Techtil Russia, Krasnaya, Presnya, Russia 20th - 22nd April 2010 Limited space available.
5th International Trade Fair for Technical Textiles, Non Wovens and Protective Clothing.
Techtextil North America, Atlanta, Georgia, USA 18th - 20th May 2010.
Will include ATME-I/MEGAatex and SPESA Expo under the umbrella name of Textile and Sewn Products Industry Week.
Techtextil Shanghai, China 19th - 21st October 2010.
This is a precursor event to Cinte Textextil China, Asia's leading technical and Non Woven Textile Trade Fair, again in parallel with Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics.
November 09
Improve Security - Letter of Credit Training - Learn to manage the process
Course objectives:
The course will help exporters take control of the process from quote to cash so that they can:
Improve their presentations, Reduce discrepany charges, and Maintain security of payment.
Who should attend?
Personel that negotiate payment terms with their customer
Logistics people that handle shipping documents
Staff that present documents for payment and Credit personnel.
October 09
ECGD Lauches New Scheme To Help Exporters
ECGD, the UK export credit agency, today launched a letter of credit of guarantee scheme to assist UK exporters by boosting the availability of short-term export finance.
In the current econimic climate, UK exporters are looking for secure forms of payment from their overseas buyers, particularly those in emerging economies. One of the most secure payment mechanisms for foreign trade transactions is a confirmed letter of credit. Under this a bank in the UK guarantees payment to its exporting customer, provided dicuments stipulated in the letter of credit
October 09
Rich tapestry of views and opinions set to shape future of UK textile industry.
Next Generation UK India Network, part of the UK India Business Council, has hosted a key debate with some of the North West's most influential members of the textile industry on the future of the sector. "Transforming the textiles landscape: past, present and future" was held at the University of Bolton.
Speakers from University of Bolton, UKIBC, The India Entrepreneurs, NWDA and NWtexnet used seminars and presentations throughout the evening to take the audience through the past, present and future of the industry, offering an insight into innovations that are shaping the future of textiles.
Panaz Export sales hit £40 million
Through its portfolio of flame retardant fabrics, for drapes, bedding, upholstery and accessories, the award winning Panaz leads the way in fabric design and innovation, exploiting technological and aesthetic advances to meet the requirements of international contract environments.........
September 09
Science access centres opens to help businesses with R & D
New centres that offer UK based businesses flexible and affordable access to cutting-edge scientific equipment and laboratory space for high-tech research and development work have opened at STFC Daresbury Laboratory, part of the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus in Cheshire.
 September 09
Funding for Technical Textile Project Management Degree
In conjunction with Blackburn College we have successfully been awarded funding from NWDA to develop and deliver a foundation degree in Project Management for technical textiles.
 September 09
Discount opportunity to attend unique practical symposium on entering technical textiles markets.
For the first time in seven years, the well-known symposium series "How to endter Technical Textiles Markets" returns to the UK.
 July 09
Local Company News:
Aegis Engineering, the Warrington based unit of Shieldtech Plc has won a deal for body armour to be used by the UK Minstry of Defence.
Bury based luggage firm Antler are targeting growth in the US market after opening an office in Chicago.
Click on the above link to read.............
Hotter the shoe firm are aiming for a 20 percent growth in its 50th anniversary year and hopes to ope two new stores despite the econimic gloom..
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For more good news about firms in the North West click the above link to read more.............
July 09
Need help to develop new products?
Grant for Research and Development
Overview
Grant for Research and Development (GRAND) is a national product to help businesses carry out research and development work on technologically innovative products and processes.
By offering a grant towards the costs of carrying out the research and development work, the Grant for Research and Development will encourage businesses to carry out projects that they would not necessarily undertake without the grant and lever into these projects finance from reluctant private investment sources.
There is no automatic entitlement to the grant. The grant is discretionary and project proposals are assessed against selection criteria to ensure quality and value for money..........
May 09
Are you behind with your internal Quality, Health & Safety or Environmental audits?
Get help and get up to date FREE...........
NWtexnet are offering free of charge 10 internal audits in the following standards:
BS EN ISO 9001:2008
BS OHSAS 18002:2008
BS EN ISO 14001:2008
This offer will apply to one process/procedure within your company and will consist of a half day audit with closing meeting and confidential report send back within 1 week.
Techtextil India
International Trade Fair for Technical Textiles oand Nonwovens
India, Mumbai Bombay Exhibition Centre, 10-12th October 2009.
May 2009
North West Sector Mission to Techtextil, Frankfurt 16 - 18th June 2009
UKTI's North West International Trade Team together with the North West Regional Development Agency invite North West companies to participate in a mission to Techtextil, at The Messe Frankfurt Exhibition Centre, Frankfurt, Germany.
Textexhil is the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens. This most important forum for the industry will showcase the complete global market of technical textiles.
May 2009
Trade Credit Insurance Top-up Scheme
Government Initiative:
Eligible businesses will be able to purchase 'top-up' credit insurance cover under a new scheme launched by the government. The scheme is a transitional measure to provide real help to businesses whose credit insurance cover has been reduced by their provider. Up to £5 billion of support is available under the scheme.
April 2009
NWtexnet website changes
We have made some significant improvements to our web-site, which is currently receiving an average of 122,000 hits per month, most of which visit 5 or more pages.
You could benefit from this traffic by having your webpage on our site, all you need to do to activate your personal account is register, log on and access your account which will take through to your dashboard, click on the activity you wish to access and get started.
 April 2009
Monthly Ecomomic Update - April 2009
Summary of Economic Conditions
Experian's latest forecast shows the region underperforming the UK for Q1 2009. Regional GVA is forecast to fall - 2.1%, compared to -1.8% in the UK. This was strongly influenced by construction which represents 6% of the regional economy and declined 3.9%. Manuacturing contracted 3.2% in the quarter and represents 18% of the economy.
The World Bank's prediction that world trade wil fall at its greatest rate in 80 years suggests manuacturing still has a way to fo until recovery. The EEF's forecast of a 9% fall in manufacturing output and 140,000 job losses in 2009 supports this.
 March 2009
SVHCs and REACH
Half Day Workshop
As part of the Chemical Northwest's Regional Integrated Support Programme (RISP) the REACH Centre is delivering a half day focusing on SVHC substances and REACH. The workshop is part funded through RISP and therefore represents excellent value for money.
SVCH (Substances of Very High Concern) are a diverse group of substances that have been placed in the candidate list of substances considered for Authorisation by the EHCA because of their particularly hazardous properties. Due to the specific hazards associated with these chemicals REACH imposes controls on them over and above those that apply to standard chemcials.
 March 2009
Disney Institute and "The Disney Keys to Excellence" Masterclasses, Thursday 19th March @ Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington.
Experience Disney's Strategies for Sucessess. "Experience the Business Behind the Magic" from the world-renowned Disney Institute. Their professional facilitators will share the successful business practices that have made the Disney name synonymous with leadership strategies, service excellence, and customer loyalty throughout the world.
Two unique half-day materclasses on Leadership and Quality Service will be held on 19th March which will challenge you to look at your business - whether it is an SME or a large corporation - in an entirely new light. Showcasing the powerful strategies and business models that are the cornerstones of Disney's long term success, you will learn how to apply Disney's innovative approach to your own organisation for immediate results.
Dangers of Oursourcing Health and Safety
(HSE) "You cannot outsource your responsibilities HSE warns after the prosecution of a Health and Safety Consultant.
The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) has prosecuted a Health and Safety Consultant appointed to advise a quarry company and has prompted a call for employers to take care in their selection of and use of Helath and Safety advisers.
Your Website - Much more that an On-Line Brochure.
Most trading apparel and textile companies have a website. In fact, a number of them are now on their third or fourth generation website. Few, however, have expanded the potential of these sites beyond using them as a on-line sales brochure with perhaps an enquiry option for visitors to request more information.
Your website can and should be a much more strategic marketing, sales and customer service tool.
February 09
North West Carpet Manufacturer goes Green
Bury-based Cormar Carpets, one of the UK's leading tufted carpet manufacturers, is waving the green flag for recycling. It has become one of the latest manufacturers to join the trade association. Carpet Recycling UK, whose mission is to divert carpets from landfill to obtain the best value from the valuable raw materials in them.
"Recycling is very important to us" said Robert Barker, finance director of Cormar Carpets. "Being part of Carpet Recycling UK will help to get recycling moving faster as well as providing Cormar with the opportunity to help further drive down our waste."
Turkish Delegation comes to the North West in March
February 09
£350m Support for Small Business Announced.......
Skills Secretary John Denhan announced that small businesses will be the focus of £350 million of Government funds to help them train their staff.
The Government's approach will be reshaped and money will be available to deliver a new package of support to help small businesses get through the tougher economic climate by building the skills and expertise of their workers.
February 2009
Free Help For Manufacturers To Meet Tough Challenges Ahead.
To help North West Manufacturers through recession the Northwest Development Agency, Business Link Northwest, the Manufacturing Advisory Service North West and The Manufacturing Institute have joined together to launch the Manufacturers Survival Series.
Thoughout March at three convenient locations across the region are staging a series of FREE hard hitting breakfast workshops.
 January 2009
Got a new idea that needs finance?
Innovation vouchers
Innovations vouchers are designed to help businesses, owners, entrepeneiu#urs and social enterprises to purchase an accademics's expertise to develop innovation and enahce business.
It provides a voucher up to £3,000.00 to new and growing businesses and social enterprises. It was set uo tp encourage and make it easier for more people to engage with the knowledge base and in particular universities and further education colleges
December 08
Support For Northwest Businesses
As a business led organisation, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is committed to working closely with businesses to deliver real transformational change across the region. One of the NWDA's most important roles is to support the region's businesses and in the current difficult economic climate, the Agency is leading on a number of initiatives to the support the region's Technical Textile Businesses to help them through these challenging times.
November 08
Improve productivity in your offices, as well as your shop floor. THe lean business techniques that have accelerated performance in car manufacturing and other factories can turbo charge the office too and a new course from the Manufacturing Institute will show North West white collar workers how.....
November 08
Opportunities to develop links with European trading Partners
Enterprise Europe Network
Who we are
The Enterprise Europe NEtwork in the North West exists as parts of the wider Enterprise Europe Netowrk, the European Commission's largest business support Netowrk, to support and advise SME's on business information and innovation.
What we do
 November 2008 Three Year Skills plan to World-Class Workforce in Fashion and Textile Sector.
A new £24.5 million three year agreement between Government and the Fashion and Textiles Industries, to help beat skills shortages, and build a world class workforce, has been announced by Skills Minister Lord Young.
 October 2008
North West placing itself at the forecourt of atmospheric plasma development.
Following on from earlier work conducted by Connautech, NWtexnet are to commission........
Are you a garage Innovator witha science technology, medicine or engineering background, passionate to British athletes, succeed in the world stage?.............
 September 2008 Do you need cost effective access to bright talent for your organisation... Overview of the Turkish Technical Textile Sector... Download here
 September 2008NWtexnet are pleased to announce the following
NWDA funds a major skills project for North West Textiles Sector.
Investment in skills within the Northwest's Advanced Flexible Materials Sector has been given a boost with almost £400k from the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA)...
 August 2008
REACH...
Pre-registration has begun REACH establishes a new system for registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals.
Pre-registration is the first step in all an 11 year process.
Re more click the link below to download....
 July 2008
North West Technical Textile Sector - Growing Steadily........ Leading Innovation Inspiring Creativity Event 30th September 2008 (9am - 1pm) Venue: Holdiay Inn @ Haydock Please click the link below to download....
 June 2008 Details of plasma dissemination event organised by NWtexnet June 2008
 June 2008 EURATEX review of EU textile and clothing sector 2007. Download here
 May 2008
BAMBOO:
The worlds GREENEST raw material which is also STRONGER that steel. Bamboo although a common building material in many tropical countries, is still considered by many as "poor mans timber"... Download here April 2008
Plasma Treatments for Textiles separating fact from fiction. Tje potential of using plasma treatments in textiles is starting to come to the attention of manufacturers and customers looking for ways to reduce costs............
 April 2008 Outstanding success of "Meet the Buyer Event". We have not received the interim survey on the outcome of the event we organised in May 2007... Download here
 March 2008 Celebrating 90 years. Occasionally a samller company appears which has fallen under our radar. Such a company is Lantex
 March 2008 In its luxurious new 'Passion' collection of flame retardant contract fabrics, Panaz has created a unique union of shimmering satin, printed flock and chenille embellishments for the international hospitality sector... Download here
 February 2008 Manchester Textiles Goes Nanofibre! Textiles and Paper at The University of Manchester, with the support of The Clothworkers' Foundation, are investing in a new nanofibre production facility to create the "technology pipeline"... Download here
 February 2008 Sigmatex, a world leader in carbon fibre textile manufacture makes another major step forward in installing new, revolutionary machine technology for the manufacture on Non Crimp, Multiaxial Carbon Fibre Fabrics... Download here
 January 2008
Welcome to our new e-newsletter. 2007 was a very busy year for the technical textile sector in the North West of the UK, our position as the largest industrial cluster, for technical textiles in the world, was reinforced with a number of key events held during 2007... Download here
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