The Made Smarter pilot scheme to support manufacturing SMEs in the North-west has secured additional funding following on from its successes in the region.
The pilot scheme launched in the North-west two years ago with the aim of supporting manufacturing SMEs in the region to improve productivity through the adoption of new digital technologies. The scheme has so far worked with 1,165 businesses in the region. The government has now announced the scheme is to receive a further £8 million in funding, allowing more of the region’s businesses to access support, as well as expanding roll-out to the North-east, Yorkshire & The Humber and the West Midlands.
Made Smarter’s North West Adoption Director, Donna Edwards, said:
I am delighted that the Government has continued to support the North West Adoption programme.
“Over the last two years we have worked tirelessly to drive digital technology usage among SME makers across the North West with significant success.
“The programme has proven the value technology can bring to the manufacturing sector. We have helped hundreds of North West makers start their digital journey by providing them with specialist advice to help them select the right approach, level of investment and tools for their business
“With the additional funding, we are able to continue reaching out to the region’s SME manufacturers to connect them to the tools that will make an everyday difference to their businesses.”
The support offered includes advice from industry leaders, one-to-one support, digital roadmapping and transformation workshops and leadership and management training. Participating SMEs will get support in implementing new digital technologies such as data analytics and artificial intelligence to boost productivity and revenue of the sector.
The manufacturing innovation scheme is also hosting a digital conference to showcase how SMEs in the North-west have benefited from the Made Smarter programme. The one-day programme will be hosted virtually with events ranging from panel discussions and roundtables to interactive workshops and demonstrations of new technology. SMEs involved in showcasing their digital transformations, include Stockport-based Creative Apparel, a clothing manufacturer which is developing a state-of-the-art smart factory in the town to deliver more sustainable production.
To register for the conference, visit the Made Smarter website.
Made Smarter is a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (DBEIS) and industry leaders.
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