Key points
Made Smarter North West is on a mission to create a network of Digital Manufacturing Champions, and it’s making great strides! Over 50 manufacturers from the North West have signed up for the Leading Change for Digital Champions (LCDC) programme, which is all about speeding up digital adoption and fostering a vibrant community of tech-savvy leaders in the area.
This initiative, backed by the government, is celebrating the achievements of its fast-track skills programme. It’s designed to empower manufacturers with the tools, confidence, and know-how to spearhead digital transformation right from within their own companies. Since kicking off, 84 employees from 53 different firms have successfully completed nine cohorts of the fully funded LCDC programme, helping to build a robust network of digital pioneers.
This announcement comes just in time for National Manufacturing Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the industry’s creativity, skills, and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
Empowering Manufacturers Through Practical Learning
The LCDC programme is inclusive, catering to participants at all levels—from production operatives to those eyeing management roles. It offers engaging workshops, personalized coaching, and even site visits, including a special tour of Amazon’s fulfilment centre. Graduates of the programme become part of the Digital Champions Network, which gathers twice a year for insightful exchanges, collaboration, and connections with industry experts and Made Smarter advisors.
The latest group highlighted the impressive variety within North West manufacturing, showcasing companies from the food, engineering, and technology sectors:
- Carrs Pasties (Bolton) – a well-known bakery brand
- Firstplay Dietary Foods (Stockport) – experts in nutritional products
- Camper Camper (Liverpool) – specialists in campervan manufacturing and conversion
- Hilton Docker (Littleborough) – makers of fibreglass moulds and components
- Newland Engineering (Hyde) – providers of conveyors and materials handling equipment
- Ritherdon (Darwen) – manufacturers of electrical enclosures and sheet metal products
- Fylde Electronic Laboratories (Preston) – creators of precision electronic instrumentation
- Precision Pallets (Oldham) – producers of wooden pallets and packaging
- Sidas UK (Kendal) – specialists in orthopaedic footwear and footcare
Championing People-Driven Digital Change
Ruth Hailwood, who heads Organisation and Workforce Development at Made Smarter, shared her insights:
“Digital transformation thrives when it’s embraced at all levels. Digital champions serve as the vital link between leadership and the shop floor, turning strategy into action and fostering the confidence needed to progress.
The program is already making a difference — breaking down barriers, enhancing communication, and integrating technology in ways that yield genuine, long-lasting benefits.”
Hailwood emphasized that the success of the LCDC initiative showcases “the strength of a people-first approach,” allowing manufacturers to navigate change effectively, foster continuous improvement, and fully leverage the value of digital tools.
Here’s what some industry voices had to say:
Jake Nicklin, a Design Engineer at Hilton Docker, shared his insights:
“The LCDC program equipped me with practical tools to drive change and tackle resistance. By starting with small steps—like using smartphone QR code scans—we’ve been able to show our colleagues the real benefits of digital tools. It’s all about making change feel natural and within reach.”
Brian Derbyshire, Director at Ritherdon, chimed in:
“The Amazon tour really showcased what’s achievable with the right technology. LCDC encouraged me to think about how to engage our team and implement those ideas effectively. True success begins with involving colleagues at every level.”
Driving Regional Digital Transformation
LCDC works hand-in-hand with Made Smarter’s Leading Digital Transformation program for senior leaders, empowering the entire workforce to turn strategy into action. It embodies Made Smarter’s belief that genuine digital transformation should touch every corner of a business—from the boardroom to the production floor.
Thanks to Made Smarter North West, SME manufacturers can access fully funded support, including digital transformation workshops, expert tech advice, and leadership and skills development.
The next LCDC cohort kicks off in November, with workshops set for the 18th and 25th. There are still a few spots left for North West manufacturers eager to become part of the region’s expanding network of digital champions.
If you’re interested, register here:
👉 https://www.madesmarter.uk
