MADE Smarter, a pioneering programme helping SME manufacturers in Cheshire access technology and digital skills, will continue as part of Government plans to roll out the initiative nationally.
Launched in 2019, Made Smarter has engaged with 2,500 manufacturers and funded 334 technology projects, which are forecast to create 1,550 jobs, upskill 2,772 existing roles, and increase North West GVA by £242m.
This includes supporting 250 manufacturers in Cheshire and match funding 30 technology projects which are forecast to create 85 jobs, upskill more than 200 roles and boost the sub-regional economy by £15m.
This success has inspired the Government to expand the programme to cover all nine English regions in 2025-26 before working with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland from 2026-27.
The announcement by HM Treasury, on Friday November 17, means hundreds of thousands more SME manufacturers will get access to technology advice, leadership, and skills training, as well as grant funding for digital internships and technology projects.
The commitment, alongside plans for £4.5 billion in funding for British manufacturing, will also boost productivity, growth, and decarbonisation for SME manufacturers across the country.
The announcement coincides with the publication of a new report by Made Smarter. ‘Delivering Impact: How Made Smarter Inspires Digital Transformation’ outlines the impact of the adoption model and proposes ways to make it even better.
Brian Holliday, Co-Chair of the Made Smarter Commission and MD of Siemens Digital Industries, said: “This announcement by the Treasury clearly demonstrates that UK manufacturing matters. It represents a tremendous investment boost for our makers that will enable the confidence to invest in innovation, productivity, and sustainability.”
Donna Edwards, Director of Made Smarter’s North West adoption programme, said: “I am delighted that the Government has recognised the extraordinary impact that Made Smarter’s adoption programme is having on digitalisation of SME businesses.
“Over the last four years we have worked tirelessly to help North West makers to start their digital journey by providing them with specialist advice to help them select the right approach, level of investment and tools for their business. The programme has proven the value technology and digital skills can bring to the manufacturing sector.
“While we await further details on the funding package, the commitment to a national roll-out is a huge vote of confidence in the contribution SMEs make to UK manufacturing. It will undoubtedly turbo charge the digital transformation of the sector.”
Paul McLaren, Chair of Made Smarter North West’s Steering Group and Production Director for BAE Systems, said: “Made Smarter has demonstrated that targeted support can be a catalyst for growth and a real enabler for change.
“UK manufacturing is moving into a phase where resilience is as important as it has ever been. Made Smarter is helping SMEs create robust plans to deliver impactful results.”
Juergen Maier, Industrialist and author of the Made Smarter Review, added: “I am delighted that the Made Smarter programme, kicked off by the manufacturing review I had the privilege to lead in 2017, is now being expanded England-wide and with promised continuity to 2030.
“It is exactly this sort of policy continuity that our manufacturing sector is looking for and I know it will stimulate investment and productivity.”
Among those businesses who have already benefited from the North West programme are Precision Card Services (PCS) based in Macclesfield and Qualkem in Crewe.
Adam Unsworth, Managing Director of PCS, said: “Quite simply, without funding through Made Smarter for the new equipment, PCS would not have been able to win a vital contract. The increase in turnover is huge for us. It’s a game changer for our company.”
Ivan Anketell-Clifford, Director of Qualkem, said: “Introducing the automatic tube labelling and filling machinery will see the start of our commitment to digitalisation.
“Not only will it allow us to offer another packaging regime to our existing customer base, but it will also allow us to actively market to new sectors, for example the cosmetics sector.
“Moreover, this digitalisation project will allow us, and our customers, to do our bit for society and the environment, and place more sustainably packaged products on the marketplace.”
