South East manufacturers kickstart digital transformation with Made Smarter leadership programme

Phil Black - PII Editor 16/12/2025

85 3 minutes read

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The first cohort has kicked off at Middlesex University, diving into how digital technology can revolutionize manufacturing businesses.

Manufacturers from across the South East are making a bold move towards digital transformation by signing up for a new Made Smarter leadership programme aimed at boosting digital skills, strategy, and innovation.

Senior leaders from 17 manufacturing companies came together at Middlesex University for the inaugural session of the Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme. This initiative is all about helping small and medium-sized manufacturers embrace digital technologies that enhance productivity, cut down on waste, and promote sustainable growth.

During the session, participants had the chance to tour cutting-edge robotics and mechatronics labs, discover the latest in manufacturing technologies, and witness firsthand how digital tools can open up exciting new business opportunities.

This cohort includes manufacturers from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and West Sussex, spanning a variety of sectors such as electronics, precision engineering, heritage crafts, signage, cycling, and advanced composites.

Among the businesses involved are Philip Clay, Lacaze London, Lanoguard, R B Industrial, MRT Castings, Stewart Signs, Bradbury Tracks, The Rider Firm, Art4Site, Ancestors, Brick Kiln Composites, Penta Precision, Ercol, Kava Surfaces, Cambertronics, Addlux, and Nordell.

The 14-week programme is being run by the University of Salford in collaboration with Made Smarter South East, a government-backed initiative focused on digital manufacturing. It aims to empower leaders with the skills and confidence needed to drive digital change and plan for sustainable business growth. Participants will work on developing digital strategies, enhancing their leadership and communication skills, managing change effectively, and introducing new technologies that benefit both their business and their teams.

Phil Rawnson, the Managing Director of MRT Castings in Andover, shared his thoughts: “Managing a busy SME often makes it tough to take a step back and think long-term, especially with new technologies bringing both challenges and opportunities. This program has given me the chance to pause and reflect on our direction and how digital tools can speed up our journey. Collaborating with tutors and peers to work through different models has really helped clarify our strategy and implementation plans.”

Keighley Clay, Director of Philip Clay in Wooburn Green, Buckinghamshire, expressed: “Participating in the Digital Leadership Programme has been a breath of fresh air, allowing me to step away from the daily grind and dedicate time to strategizing how to advance the business.

“Having a supportive peer group to bounce ideas off, ask questions, and learn from has been a standout experience. I’ve walked away with some incredible tools that will help us articulate our vision and strategy clearly, and it’s been eye-opening to view the business from a broader perspective instead of getting lost in everyday operations.

“The program leaders have been incredibly knowledgeable, engaged, and genuinely passionate, making the entire experience both enlightening and inspiring.”

Michael Setek, Founder of Art4Site in Ashford, remarked: “This program has been an outstanding opportunity to gain expert insights into automation and digital technologies. The diagnostic tools have prompted me to take a step back and evaluate the business from a new angle. The collaborative learning environment has boosted my confidence and encouraged me to explore innovative solutions to long-standing challenges.”

Participants will now move forward with a mix of in-person workshops and online sessions designed to help them develop a clear digital transformation strategy and engage their teams throughout the change process. The LDT program is tailored to accommodate the demands of running a manufacturing business while providing impactful learning experiences.

The program is part of a broader initiative from Made Smarter South East, which is already assisting hundreds of small and medium-sized manufacturers in enhancing their performance through expert advice, matched funding for technology grants, leadership training, and funded internships.

Chitra Cherodian, the Organisation & Workforce Development Advisor for Made Smarter South East, shared her thoughts: “This first group has really set a high standard. These are driven leaders eager to enhance their strategic thinking, develop skills for the future, and speed up their digital transformation. The energy and passion they’ve brought to the program have laid a strong foundation for what’s to come.”

Dr. Ann Mulhaney, an Associate Professor of Change Management at the University of Salford, commented: “Supporting the inaugural South East cohort is a significant step in our mission to help small and medium-sized manufacturers achieve meaningful and lasting digital transformation. This program provides leaders with the time, structure, and confidence to rethink their organizations and grasp how people, processes, and technology need to work together for successful change.”

Made Smarter South East is now encouraging other manufacturers to express their interest in upcoming cohorts and become part of a growing network that’s shaping the future of UK manufacturing and the digital industry.

To learn more or to register your interest, head over to madesmarter.uk.