A WORCESTER company has been able to expand its range of innovative coat hangers because of a new support agency for manufacturers.

Thanks to help from the Manufacturing Advisory Service West Midlands, M2M has been able to rapidly develop, test and halve the manufacturing costs of its range of patented adjustable coat hangers.

The company received nine days of free advice and help from MAS-WM, an advisory service launched last September, that has received more than 1,000 enquiries in six months.

Nick Lewis, managing director of M2M, said support from MAS-WM had meant his company was going from strength to strength.

"The coat hanger was already causing quite a stir," said Mr Lewis, from Claines, near Worcester.

"But breaking into the global mainstream consumer and trade market was always the main goal. The design now has better functionality and we're currently expanding the range to include travel, wood and children's versions."

MAS-WM is a joint initiative between the Department of Trade and Industry and regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands.

It is part of the Government's response to developing manufacturing in the West Midlands, where an estimated 17,000 manufacturers employ about 500,000 people.

Expert consultants offer manufacturers practical advice, trouble-shooting visits and subsidised referrals to associate companies, universities and trade bodies.

For more information phone 0845 245 0845 or visit www.mas-wm.org