Latest news with #MadeSmarter
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New £1.55 million tech programme to boost firms in the south east
A new government-funded technology programme has registered 200 companies since its launch in April. Made Smarter South East, a £1.55 million initiative, aims to help small and medium-sized manufacturing and engineering enterprises in Hampshire and the surrounding areas adopt advanced technologies. The programme is being delivered by Surrey County Council in partnership with 11 local authorities and local enterprise partnerships across the South East. It will provide expert advice, leadership and skills training, student placements, and match-funded technology grants of up to £20,000 to help improve productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability. Made Smarter South East Steering Board (L to R) Cris Hiche (MGI Engineering), Paul Jones (Morgan Furniture), Louise Butt (Space South Central Enterprise Network), Jim Davison (Make UK) (Image: Antao Greer Communications) A specialist delivery team and regional steering group have been appointed to lead the programme. Bryan Vint, programme manager, said: "More than 200 businesses have now registered for the programme, showing a clear appetite for the benefits that Made Smarter South East brings to manufacturers. "We've assembled a team with deep expertise in technology, leadership, and workforce development to help businesses turn ambition into action - and ideas into impact." The steering group, which provides strategic oversight, includes leaders from industry, the public sector, and the Department for Business and Trade. Made Smarter South East (Top L to R) Chitra Cherodian, Bryan Vint, Brune Torrente - Bottom LtoR - Jez Heys, William Wilsnagh, Keith Russell (Image: Antao Greer Communications) Paul Jones, managing director of Morgan Furniture, chairs the group. He said: "The SME sector makes up over 99 per cent of all UK businesses and plays a vital role in our economy. "At Morgan Furniture, we've seen how digitalisation, automation, and data-led decisions improve productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness. "With over 25 years in manufacturing, I'm delighted to join the steering group and contribute both strategic insight and hands-on experience to support this vital mission." The programme is open to manufacturing and engineering SMEs with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of under £44 million. Registration is now open via Jim Davison, national membership director at Make UK, said: "Make UK has long championed the national roll-out of Made Smarter because we've seen firsthand how digital adoption can supercharge productivity, boost competitiveness, and create high-value jobs. "This partnership will be instrumental in supporting the sector's growth and resilience for years to come."
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Manufacturers to benefit from digital strategies partnership
Cumbria's small and medium-sized manufacturers are set to benefit from a new partnership between Made Smarter and two leading universities. 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.
