BUSINESS SERVICE USE BY MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN MID-WALES

The use of business services by small and medium-sized independent manufacturing firms located in the Mid Wales region is quantified. A cross section of services which provide clients with strategic information and expertise is focused upon; for example, training, market research, and product design. The main concern is with constraints upon the use of services arising from the location. Internal and external provision of services is examined. The source of supply of external services and the use of grant-aided services and services supplied by the Development Board for Rural Wales are considered. Difficulties arising from gaps in service availability or quality are reported. The level of use of external services by matched manufacturing firms within close proximity to a regional concentration of business services in peripheral Northern Ireland is contrasted.