Manufacturers to benefit from digital strategies partnership
The University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University will help offer a programme to help companies develop vital digital strategies.
The initiative, titled 'Leading Digital Transformation' (LDT), is part of a larger government-driven plan to boost digital adoption across the North West's manufacturing sector.
The programme is fully funded and will support 40 additional SME manufacturers in the coming year, many of them based in Cumbria.
Made Smarter has provided support to over 100 participants over the past six years, helping them adopt and implement advanced technologies across fields such as aerospace, food, and precision engineering.
The success and positive impact of the initiative has motivated its expansion, enabling it to benefit even more manufacturers.
Ruth Hailwood, Made Smarter's Lead Organisation and Workforce Development Specialist, said: "The Leading Digital Transformation programme has been a major success, equipping over 100 regional leaders with the tools and insight needed to accelerate the adoption of advanced digital technologies in their businesses.
"This programme gives manufacturers the space to step back, reflect, and develop a digital strategy tailored to their needs.
"By placing people at the heart of digital transformation, we're enabling meaningful change and long-term success."
The fast-track programme equips business owners and senior managers with the knowledge needed to instigate digital change within their establishments.
They will learn about developing bespoke digital strategies and implementing advanced technologies within their operations.
It also teaches participants about the cultural shift required for successful transformation.
This requires team engagement and stakeholder alignment around innovation goals.
The three-month delivery will take place through a blended learning method.
This includes face-to-face workshops, online webinars, case studies, and visits to technology demonstrators at both of the collaborating universities.
Participants are set to explore the University of Salford's NERIC (North of England Robotics Innovation Centre), a specialist robotics and automation facility.
They will also tour Manchester Met's PrintCity, a 3D additive and digital manufacturing centre, and the newly launched Robotics Living Lab.
The initiative has received praise from across the board.
Dr Ann Mulhaney, Associate Professor of Change Management at the University of Salford, and leader of their cohort, said: "Securing the rollout of this innovative programme further strengthens the University of Salford's reputation for delivering impactful, world-class business leadership development.
"We are proud to partner with Made Smarter and Manchester Metropolitan University to support a new wave of ambitious SMEs as they embark on their digital transformation journeys."
Manchester Metropolitan University also echoed these sentiments.
Professor Jennie Shorley, Academic Director at Manchester Metropolitan University's Centre for Enterprise, said: "Being on board for another year delivering the Made Smarter programme is fantastic news for the SME community in the region.
"Our proven strengths in enabling businesses to not just develop their innovations, but create sustainable solutions that are embedded across their organisations, means we are helping to secure the region's economic strengths for years to come.
"Partnering with our colleagues at the University of Salford means we can support even more businesses."
Since 2019, Made Smarter has assisted over 2,500 manufacturers across the North West through expert digital advice, technology adoption roadmaps, and workforce development opportunities.
Registration for the next round of the LDT programme is now open.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wall Street Journal
an hour ago
- Wall Street Journal
Stop Banking Scammers by Blocking Fake Ads
'Scam Victims Point Finger at Banks' tells the story of a couple who lost their life savings and then sued their bank (Markets & Finance, July 21). How did the scam begin? The victim responded to an online investment ad that put him in touch with a scammer. What if the criminal couldn't place the fake ad in the first place? Stopping scams at the source by blocking fake financial ads isn't fantasy. Google has squashed such ads in the U.K. since 2021 by requiring financial advertisers to be on an authorized list. Google boasts that this policy led to a 'pronounced decline in reports of ads promoting financial scams.' Google's success in the U.K. has led it to expand verification of financial services ads to 17 countries.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Exeter Airport set to be sold to investment group
Exeter Airport is set to be sold along with two other English regional airports in a multimillion-pound deal. Investment firm ICG has agreed a deal with Rigby Group to purchase the Devon airport, along with airports in Bournemouth and Norwich, the BBC understands. The deal is reported to be worth £200m, according to Sky News, and BBC sources said leading business officials in the South West had been briefed about the sale ahead of an announcement expected on Monday. ICG and Rigby Group have declined to comment after being approached by the BBC. Exeter Airport, which is in the village of Clyst Honiton, opened in 1937 and today has commercial flights to a number of UK and international destinations, including Edinburgh, Amsterdam and Lanzarote. The site was used by fighter planes during World War Two, including the Polish Air Force's 307 Squadron, who "saved the city" in May 1942 by defending Exeter during a Nazi bombing raid. The airport has grown in size, with a new arrivals building being opened by the Princess Royal in June 1999 before a £950,000 departure lounge opened four years later. More news stories for Devon Listen to the latest news for Devon In January 2007, Devon County Council sold the airport to Regional and City Airports - a specialist airport investment and development group run by Balfour Beatty - in a deal worth £60m. In June 2013, Balfour Beatty sold the airport to Rigby Group for an undisclosed sum. Airlines which operate from Exeter Airport include Ryanair, KLM, Aer Lingus and TUI. The airport also operated as a base for Flybe before the company went into administration and was liquidated in 2020. In August last year, airport bosses said the site had returned a profit for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic. Its owners said that, in the 12 months up to March 2024, the airport had a profit of just over £1m, which represented a £2m turnaround from the year before. Passenger numbers also rose, with 435,000 compared to 402,000 the previous year - an increase of 8%, an airport spokesperson added. In November, the airport said passenger numbers reported 337,993 passengers had travelled through the hub from April to October 2024 - an increase of 15,740 compared the same period the previous year. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ More on this story Trial aims to make airport operations sustainable New Amsterdam service to take off from Exeter Passenger numbers up by 5% - airport Airport slowly recovering after Covid, bosses say Exeter Airport sale: Where did all the money go? Related internet links Exeter Airport ICG Rigby Group
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
Historic Scotch Whisky Distillery Launches Cask Investment Programme
Bunnahabhain Distillery, founded in 1881, on the rugged shores of Islay. The distillery has just launched a rare cask ownership programme for whisky fans worldwide. CVH Spirits For the first time whisky fans can now buy a cask of new make whisky direct from the 144 year old Islay distillery Bunnahabhain. Islay is a hugely popular whisky region with fans of peated single malt and owning a whole cask is the dream of some whisky connoisseurs. Casks of Caol Ila and Bunnahabhain's peated spirit Staoisha casks have sometimes been available through brokers, but it has been more than a decade since an established Islay distillery offered casks direct to the public. The announcement comes at an interesting time for the whisky industry, and so Bunnahabhain's move might just be the first of many, as more distilleries explore cask investment programmes to generate revenue in an increasingly complex global economy. The launch of Bunnahabhain's cask programme marks a notable moment in the whisky market. Selling casks direct to the public is a practice that was relatively common in the 1990s and 2000s and has remained common with newer distilleries. But as far as I am aware this is the first time an already established distillery has started offering a cask purchase programme in decades. Buyers can choose to mature their cask at Bunnahabhain's Islay warehouse or on the mainland, with each location offering distinct influences on the whisky's character. CVH Spirits In the early to mid-2000s when the Bruichladdich distillery reopened under the ownership of Mark Reynier they sold casks direct to the public. Springbank distillery also offered whole casks of whisky direct to their fans in the 1990s after they reopened. Both programmes provided important cash flow for the distilleries without having to wait the three plus years for their casks to mature and become whisky. The context therefore makes Bunnahabhain's timing significant. There is a pronounced slowdown in the whisky market—Diageo, Pernod Ricard, and Rémy Cointreau have experienced approximately 45% declines from their 2022 peaks, while Glenfiddich owners Glen Grant & Sons recently reported a 30% drop in profits in 2024. Against this background, the new offering from Bunnahabhain could be strategic. As the whisky industry navigates market downturns, history suggests that more distilleries may seek direct investment from private individuals as a means to bolster financial stability. The Joys Of Cask Ownership 'A single cask programme has been in our sights for some time, and we wanted to make sure that we had a special offering for whisky lovers worldwide,' explained Master Blender Julieann Fernandez in the official press release. Traditionally, Bunnahabhain is celebrated for its unpeated single malts, so the opportunity to own a cask of Bunnahabhain or Staoisha new-make spirit is really quite rare.' Staoisha is a secondary name for Bunnahabhain that they use for their peated single malt islay expressions. They are also clear that ownership of casks bought through Bunnahabhain are sold with a delivery order, giving purchasers full ownership and long term security. Set against dramatic coastal views, Bunnahabhain is one of Islay's most picturesque distilleries, where sea air, solitude, and tradition shape every cask of spirit. CVH Spirits It is important to mention that it is still possible to buy new make and young casks through other dealers and on the secondary market. But buying direct with a distillery gives a different level of experience that can be ideal for passionate whisky fans. For example, you are unlikely to be able to choose the type of climate where your cask will mature if you buy through anyone else. Bunahabhain however will give you the opportunity to choose between maturing on Islay or the mainland and will also take the time to explain the differences that choice will make to the whisky maturation process. 'By purchasing directly from the distillery, you also have the opportunity to be part of the journey, whether that's through visiting us and spending time in our warehouses or by receiving regular samples and tasting the spirit as it matures. This is a unique chance for whisky lovers to own a piece of Bunnahabhain history – from its very first moment of maturation to the last part of the story when it's bottled into your perfect dram.' A Whisky Cask Investment? In my experience if you want a scotch whisky cask as an investment and you're buying new make then you need to be aiming for a 15 to 20+ year hold. The information provided by Bunnahabhain states a minimum hold period of five years and no maximum hold period, although storage costs are only included for the first five years—they estimate these at £75 per year after that, although often storage costs are higher for larger cask types. Bunnahabhain's FAQs make it clear that you are able to bottle or resell this cask to a third party if you wish to. However, if you are looking at this as a potential investment you should contact Bunnahabhain to make sure that your and their expectations align and ensure you check the contract meets your needs and expectations. As per the Scotch Whisky Association guidance, a delivery order, paid invoice and contract of sale are the three key documents you need to ensure you get when buying a cask of scotch. If you do decide you want to bottle the cask, partially or in full, you should also familiarise yourself with the costs of bottling. As well as the costs of dry goods you also have tax and duty to pay on bottling and it is important to understand these when assessing costs and suitability. What Does A Bunnahabain Cask Cost? You can buy a 200L first fill ex-bourbon barrel direct from Bunnahabhain for $7,549 (£5,650), a 250L refill hogshead (presumed bourbon) is just over $9,000 (£6,750), or a 500L first fill Oloroso Sherry Butt is $18,500 (£13,850). Note that these prices include five years storage and many additional extras that are exclusive to buying through Bunnahabhain. Ultimately however, whether that is expensive depends on what you want from the experience and ownership. Can a tradesperson get it cheaper? Yes, of course. That is the case in every industry; I don't walk into the supermarket and baulk that they've marked up the price from wholesale for the convenience and experience of doing all my shopping in one place. Equally, I don't think a tradesperson is approaching Bunnhabhain through its private cask programme channels expecting a 15% discount in the distillery visitor centre. Can you get these casks cheaper by shopping around, potentially, and again, that's the same in every industry. Whether these casks are right for an individual is down to each person and the experience they want from cask ownership. For me, the most important aspect of any cask offering to the public is whether it offers clear information on the risks and joys of owning a cask alongside transparent ownership and proper documentation. This allows customers to make an informed decision on what they are buying. From an industry standpoint, it will be interesting to see whether more direct cask offerings will appear. As that could indicate a significant turning point for the market.
