1. Supporting Manufacturing in the Heart of the South West 14 November 2011

2. Heritage 2004-2011 - Diversification1997-2004 – HMT launched1981-1996 – The beginning  Supacat Ltd established on ATMP and Glider winch programmes  UK MoD business channelled through Primes (Fairey, Alvis)  Utility vehicle ‘Capability Gap’ recognised – HMT concept  RNLI relationship established based on trailer products  First HMT4x4 order (UK MoD) for 65 won in 2001 with Supacat as Prime Contractor  Wider markets identified and exports achieved – USA, Denmark, Australia  HMT 4x4 taken into UK Regular Army  First Renewable Energy contract  15 Staff  £2m Turnover  60 Staff  £10m Turnover  100 Staff  £20m Turnover

3. Our Challenges Planning for an uncertain future, very lumpy sales (UK and export), resource levels, property requirements Competing with large corporates with deeper pockets High cost of product development Staying up to date with H&S, Environmental, Bribery & Corruption, Export, ITAR Recruiting good engineers Current Banking environment Feeling as though non one really cares as much High cost of trade events

4. Reflections on UK Government support Positive Good work of Business Link More recent good export support Good tax relief to support development investment “Could be improved” Clarity of UK industrial support especially in relation to competing for export orders Better visibility and relevance of grants Export compliance process

5. What can the LEP do to help?  Listen – are your experiences the same?  Provide feedback to BIS on areas for national policy improvements  Seek to initiate local responses (Beacon, Skills and training)  Work with local finance to signpost to appropriate finance

6.  Supacat is committed to providing engineering excellence in the region  Supacat wishes to work with partners in achieving its goals  The LEP is the right mechanism to have the voice of the regional manufacturing businesses heard in Westminster Summary