Manufacturing Leaders in Southern England Invited to Accelerate Digital Transformation Through Made Smarter

Manufacturing leaders in Southern England are being invited to jump on board with Made Smarter, a UK Government-backed initiative aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) harness digital technologies to fuel their growth.

Registration is now open for SMEs located in London, the East of England, South East, and South West, just in time for the programme’s launch on April 1st. Participants will benefit from fully funded expert advice, leadership development opportunities, student internships, and grants of up to £20,000 to boost their growth, productivity, and sustainability efforts.

The Made Smarter Adoption programme plays a crucial role in the Government’s strategy to enhance productivity and support the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector. After successful implementations in regions like the North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, and East Midlands, this initiative has already shown how digital technology and skills can truly transform manufacturing businesses.

With a £16 million investment to broaden the initiative, manufacturers in Southern England will soon have exciting new chances to thrive in the digital economy.

Brian Holliday, Co-Chair of the Made Smarter Commission and Managing Director of Siemens Digital Industries, shared his thoughts:

“Made Smarter is a powerful catalyst for digital transformation in the UK’s SME manufacturing sector. Over the past six years, the programme has enabled businesses to innovate, compete, and grow. This expansion reflects the Government’s ongoing dedication to the sector, enhancing competitiveness, sustainability, and productivity for a robust industrial future.”

The programme is open to manufacturing and engineering SMEs with up to 250 employees and an annual turnover of no more than £50 million. It aims to help businesses tackle common challenges like productivity, decarbonisation, and global competition by adopting advanced technologies.

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East of England: This area is served by Norfolk County Council, covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Cambridgeshire. Cllr Fabian Eagle, the Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, shared his thoughts:

“The launch of the Made Smarter Adoption programme in the East of England is a game-changer for our manufacturing sector. It’s not just about bringing in new technologies; it’s about ensuring our businesses are ready for the future, boosting productivity, and nurturing a culture of innovation. This initiative will empower local companies to compete on a global scale while building a sustainable and skilled workforce for what lies ahead.”

London: This region is supported by London & Partners on behalf of the Greater London Authority, which includes all 32 boroughs and the City of London. Vanesa Perez Sanchez, the Director of Small Business Service at London & Partners, expressed her enthusiasm:

“We’re thrilled to assist London’s manufacturing SMEs in embracing digital transformation and achieving long-term growth through the Made Smarter UK programme. By offering tailored support, businesses will gain valuable insights into strategy, leadership, and upskilling, along with access to cutting-edge technologies that will enhance productivity, spark innovation, and create high-value jobs, ensuring they stay competitive in an increasingly digital landscape.”

South East: This initiative is delivered in collaboration with several councils, including Surrey, Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, Brighton & Hove City Council, Berkshire LEP, Buckinghamshire LEP, Medway Council, Oxfordshire LEP, and Solent LEP (which represents Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council, and Southampton City Council). Paul Jones, Managing Director of Hampshire-based Morgan Furniture and a member of Made Smarter South East’s Steering Group, shared his excitement:

The launch of Made Smarter is fantastic news for small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses in the South East. With more than 18,000 manufacturing companies involved, there's a huge chance to boost the local economy. This program connects SMEs with technology experts who can help them enhance productivity and stay competitive by embracing advanced and automated technologies.

In the South West, a variety of partners, including the University of the West of England (UWE) and the National Composites Centre (NCC), are working together to support businesses in Bristol, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire.

Spaces are limited, so manufacturing leaders should register quickly to secure their spot at madesmarter.uk.