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Made Smarter Trains 100+ Digital Champions

North West programme reaches milestone as one in three firms train multiple employees to accelerate digital transformation

Phil Black - PII Editor 41 minutes ago

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The North West program hits a significant milestone as one in three companies train multiple employees to boost digital transformation

Small and medium-sized manufacturers are stepping up their game by building teams dedicated to accelerating digital transformation. Made Smarter North West is thrilled to announce that it has successfully trained more than 100 Digital Champions.

Recent data from this Government-backed initiative reveals that about one in three manufacturers participating in the Leading Change for Digital Champions (LCDC) skills program have trained more than one employee. This trend underscores a growing dedication among manufacturers to weave digital skills and capabilities into the fabric of their organizations.

Since the start of 2023, the program has enhanced the skills of 106 employees from 73 manufacturing firms across 12 cohorts. The participants have included everyone from production operatives and engineers to aspiring managers, creating a vibrant network of digital change-makers throughout the North West.

Manufacturers Commit to Building Digital Transformation Teams

Many manufacturers are viewing the development of Digital Champions as a long-term investment.

Firpress, a commercial printer based in Cumbria, has successfully cultivated four Digital Champions. Similarly, Rakem Group, a chemical manufacturer from Bury, and N & J Aluminium Linings, an aluminium fabricator from Clitheroe, have each nurtured three.

The latest cohort of the LCDC program continues this positive trend. Acrastyle, a manufacturer in Ulverston specializing in high-voltage substation protection and control equipment, has enrolled its second employee.

On another note, Pure Lakes Skincare, a natural skincare manufacturer from Cumbria, and Ginger Bakers, an artisan bakery from the Lake District, have both invested in developing two colleagues together, fostering a sense of shared ownership of digital transformation within their businesses.

Practical Skills to Lead Digital Change

LCDC is all about equipping employees with hands-on tools through engaging workshops, personalized coaching, and even a visit to Amazon’s fulfilment centre.

Once they graduate, participants become part of a vibrant Digital Champions Network, which gathers twice a year. This is a fantastic opportunity to share experiences, learn from fellow manufacturers, and connect with industry experts and Made Smarter advisers.

Ruth Hailwood, Head of Organisation and Workforce Development at Made Smarter North West, shared her thoughts: “It’s truly inspiring to see more manufacturers empowering their teams. Successful digital transformation thrives when people feel confident and skilled enough to lead change, and when capability is built throughout the organization.

“By nurturing teams that support each other, exchange ideas, and engage their colleagues, businesses are in a much stronger position to integrate new technologies and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

“This program is also forging a strong peer network across the North West, allowing manufacturers to learn from each other, share their experiences, and recognize that many challenges they face are shared across the industry.”

Digital Champions Build Confidence and Momentum

Participants from the latest cohort have expressed how this initiative has instilled the confidence, structure, and shared understanding necessary to spearhead digital transformation, highlighting the importance of developing Digital Champions alongside their peers.

Mike Bould, a Mechanical Engineer at Acrastyle, remarked: “The program has provided us with a clearer framework for turning our ideas into action. It’s boosted my confidence to contribute to improvement projects and take a more active role in driving change within the company.”

Jenny Morris, Production Manager at Pure Lakes Skincare, added: “We’re at a point where we need to bring more people along on this journey. Having colleagues involved in the program allows us to keep those conversations going back at the business, share ideas, and collaborate on the best ways to engage the wider team and build momentum for change.”

Lisa Smith, the owner of Ginger Bakers, shared her thoughts: “Going with a colleague was especially beneficial because it held us accountable. We both left with a clear understanding of our goals and the steps we needed to take to achieve them.” Supporting Digital Transformation Across the Workforce The LCDC program enhances Made Smarter’s Leading Digital Transformation initiative for senior leaders by empowering the entire workforce with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement digital strategies effectively. This approach embodies the program’s belief that true digital transformation should permeate the entire organization, rather than being confined to the upper echelons of leadership. The next cohort for LCDC kicks off in September, with workshops set for the 22nd and 29th. Manufacturers interested in participating or wanting to explore the full range of support offered by Made Smarter North West, including grants and Digital Internships, can visit www.madesmarter.uk for more information.