Lancashire’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector are set to undergo a digital evolution, thanks to an expanded partnership between Made Smarter and two prominent universities. The continuation of the Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme, now featuring the University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University as delivery partners, aims to equip business leaders with the essential skills and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of digitalisation.
This government-funded initiative is designed to accelerate digital adoption within the North West’s manufacturing landscape, helping to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern technological advancements. With newly secured funding, the programme will support an additional 40 SME manufacturers over the next year, many of which are expected to be from Lancashire, an area rich in industrial heritage and innovation.
The LDT programme targets business owners and senior managers, offering a tailored approach to instilling a culture of digital transformation. According to Ruth Hailwood, Made Smarter’s lead organisation and workforce development specialist, the initiative has already proven successful, having helped over 100 leaders from various sectors—including aerospace, food, and precision engineering—develop bespoke strategies for tech integration. She remarked, “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.”
Participants can expect a comprehensive learning experience over three months, including workshops, webinars, and site visits to cutting-edge facilities such as the University of Salford’s North of England Robotics Innovation Centre, which specialises in automation and digital infrastructure, and PrintCity at Manchester Metropolitan University, a hub for additive and digital manufacturing. This blend of theoretical training and practical application aims to foster an environment where innovation can thrive and be translated into tangible benefits for businesses.
In recent times, Made Smarter has seen extraordinary outcomes from its initiatives. An investment of £7.6 million in technology by Lancashire’s SME manufacturers, bolstered by matched funding from the programme, has resulted in the creation of over 520 jobs and a significant economic uplift projected at around £80 million. The ability to access advanced technologies, including robotics and artificial intelligence, has transformed operational capabilities across sectors.
Additionally, the programme not only fosters financial growth but also recognises excellence in manufacturing. Recently, Lancashire businesses Logs Direct and IoT Horizon received gold awards for their innovative contributions. Logs Direct’s investment in a real-time kiln monitoring system has led to a 15% growth forecast, while IoT Horizon’s advancements in energy management have resulted in a doubling of turnover.
Since its inception in 2019, Made Smarter has collectively supported over 2,500 manufacturers throughout the North West, generating an impressive £242 million boost to the regional economy. With its targeted approach towards digital transformation, the initiative continues to empower Lancashire’s manufacturing base, ensuring that both established companies and emerging SMEs can flourish in an increasingly digital world.
As registration for the latest cohort of the LDT programme is now open, there is a clear indication that the drive for technological enhancement in Lancashire’s manufacturing sector is gaining momentum. The collaboration between Made Smarter and educational institutions underscores a commitment to fostering a skilled workforce equipped to meet future challenges head-on.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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