PLANS have just been unveiled for the biggest Best Practice event for manufacturers in the region.

Manufacturing Networking 2003 will run alongside Southern Manufacturing in February and is the brainchild of the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) and Seeda.

A programme of conferences and masterclasses and a networking Best Practice "village" will create the biggest learning opportunity for manufacturing businesses ever seen in the region. The event will look at the key issues facing manufacturers in the future, offering information and advice while tackling a wide range of practical topics such as data protection and health and safety.

Mark Eaton, head of the MAS in the south-east and in London, said: "Manufacturing Networking 2003 will represent the biggest opportunity of the year for manufacturers to inform their decision-making in the future."

"The programme looks at people, processes and productivity in a way that will enable delegates to transfer vital knowledge to their own businesses. We will also be giving away a wide range of best practice and training materials."