A Cumbrian engineering leader is helping shape the next phase of support for SMEs adopting AI, automation and digital technologies through the Government-backed Made Smarter programme.
Shiby Bernard, chief operating officer of Workington-based McMenon Engineering Services, has joined the strengthened industry steering group behind Made Smarter North West’s £2.5M technology adoption programme.
The steering group brings together manufacturing, engineering, technology and business leaders to help guide support for smaller firms navigating rapid industrial change.
Made Smarter helps manufacturers modernise operations, improve productivity and strengthen digital skills at a time when businesses face growing pressure to cut costs, tackle skills shortages and remain globally competitive.
Unlike many industry panels, several of the SME manufacturers helping shape the programme have benefited directly from Made Smarter themselves.
It gives the steering group first-hand experience of the barriers and opportunities facing smaller businesses adopting digital technologies.
Since launching in 2019, Made Smarter North West has supported more than 2,400 manufacturers, developed 550 digital roadmaps, delivered 250 leadership and digital champions training interventions, and placed 85 digital interns into businesses.
Manufacturers supported through the programme have secured more than £8.1 million in matched funding, unlocking over £28.3 million of investment in technologies ranging from AI and ERP systems to robotics, automation and additive manufacturing.
Together, these investments are helping create more than 1,900 jobs, upskill almost 3,500 roles, and contribute £287 million to the North West economy.
Shiby Bernard said: “I’ve always had an interest in new technologies and how they can be applied to improve manufacturing processes. I joined the steering group to both learn and contribute based on my experience.
“It’s a good opportunity to be involved in something that can drive practical improvements across the industry.
“One of the biggest opportunities is helping smaller companies understand and implement AI within their operations.
“Many businesses feel they need external resources to do this, but with the right training and support, a lot of these solutions can actually be implemented internally.
“Alongside this, manufacturers are also dealing with increasing operational costs like business rates, payroll, and wider pressures such as war, tariffs, Brexit, and potential tariffs on steel. These challenges are making it harder to stay competitive.
“Made Smarter can support by providing guidance, training, and funding to help businesses adopt AI in a practical way. This would not only improve efficiency but also help them compete more effectively with international companies.
“Made Smarter can help bridge this gap by supporting AI adoption, building digital skills, and enabling SMEs to modernise and remain competitive.”
The refreshed steering group is chaired by BAE Systems technology leader Iain Minton and also includes representatives from Siemens, Arden Dies, Firstplay Dietary Foods, BEP Surface Technologies, Brainboxes and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
The programme offers leadership training, digital skills development, technology advice and match-funded grants of up to £20,000 to help SMEs adopt and scale industrial digital technologies.
