Strategic planning

With pressure from low-cost economies continuing to grow,

manufacturers are looking for every advantage to remain competitive in today's increasingly competitive global market.

And chief among their arsenal is the ability to outsource — whether within the

or abroad — some or all of their design, engineering and manufacturing.

Outsourcing and offshoring are fundamental strategies for manufacturing companies as they strive to maintain a competitive edge. Many have taken that first tentative step, but without the experience to navigate the many pitfalls, such as maintaining quality, protecting IP and managing what can become an extended supply chain, it can be a painful experience.

At next month's

(NEC, hall 3A, 16-18 May) there will be an ideal opportunity to learn from firms who have successfully adopted this strategy.

Folllowing the popularity of last year's free seminars the organisers are again hosting a specially-commissioned programme. The sessions aim to provide high-powered insights into sourcing that will give delegates valuable practical knowledge they can apply to their own businesses.