Made Smarter has achieved a significant milestone by facilitating investments of £25 million in advanced technologies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the North West of England. This initiative, which is government-backed and industry-supported, aims to enhance the digital capabilities of manufacturers, thereby driving growth and productivity.
Overview of Made Smarter
Launched following an industry review, Made Smarter focuses on helping UK manufacturers navigate the complexities of digital transformation.
The program consists of two main components:
- Made Smarter Adoption, which provides practical support and funding for technology implementation
- Made Smarter Innovation, which addresses future challenges in digitalization through research and development initiatives.
Funding and Impact
Over the past six years, more than 300 businesses have benefited from £7.1 million in matched funding, enabling them to adopt a variety of technologies including robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), sensors, and 3D printing. These investments have generated approximately £18 million in private sector contributions toward 379 technology projects, projected to create over 1,700 new jobs and upskill around 3,200 existing roles. Collectively, these initiatives are expected to contribute an additional £267 million to the economy over the next three years.
The funding panel for Made Smarter is composed of experts from business, government, and academia, offering grants of up to £20,000 to support new technology and digital tools. This financial backing is crucial for SMEs looking to modernize their operations without incurring significant debt.
Recent Grant Awards
Among the latest recipients of Made Smarter grants are:
- Edinburgh Weavers, the world-renowned textile manufacturer, based in Bolton;
- Duo UK, a manufacturer of packaging products, based in Manchester;
- Trekk Vans, a campervan conversion specialist, based in Carlisle;
- J. J. Smith & Co. (Woodworking Machinery) Limited, an original equipment manufacturer, based in Liverpool;
- C-TEC, a manufacturer of life-safety electronic systems, based in Wigan;
- BrickByBrick23, a manufacturer of personalised photo blocks using LEGO® Bricks, based in Glossop;
- Gardner Engineering, a manufacturer of CCTV brackets, based in Preston;
- System Hydraulics, a manufacturer of hydraulic components, based in Carlisle;
- Esspee Fabrications, a manufacturer of electrical and high temperature insulation materials, based in St Helens;
- Cupcakes By Sophia, a manufacturer of cupcakes, based in Blackburn;
- James Labels & Supplies, a manufacturer of self-adhesive labels and swing tickets, based in Bacup;
- Arc Elevators, a manufacturer of lifts, based in Nelson.
C-TEC’s Manufacturing Operations Director highlighted the efficiency gains achieved through digitization, stating that it has significantly improved productivity and positioned the company for growth.
Broader Support Initiatives
In addition to grant funding, Made Smarter provides SMEs with access to various support services aimed at enhancing digital transformation. These include:
- Digital transformation workshops: Helping businesses create tailored digital roadmaps.
- Impartial technology advice: Guiding companies on selecting appropriate technologies.
- Leadership and skills training: Preparing employees for a digitally-driven future.
Donna Edwards, Director of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, emphasized the transformative impact these projects will have on businesses and society at large. She noted that they not only enhance productivity but also promote sustainable manufacturing practices.
Sources
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