Made Smarter, a pioneering programme helping SME manufacturers in Cumbria 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 the North West’s GVA by £242 million.
This includes supporting 200 manufacturers in Cumbria and match funding 50 technology projects which are forecast to create 125 jobs, upskill more than 200 roles and boost the sub-regional economy by £24m.
The Government is now expanding the programme to cover all English regions in 2025-26 and working with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland from 2026-27.
The announcement by HM Treasury on Friday 17th November, 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.
Brian Holliday, co-chair of the Made Smarter Commission and managing director 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 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.”
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.”
