Made Smarter is celebrating a new generation of Cumbrian manufacturing leaders who are learning together to drive digital transformation across the North West.
The latest cohort of its Leading Digital Transformation programme brought together 12 SME manufacturers, including two from Cumbria, who have each gained the confidence, strategy and skills to lead their businesses into the digital age.
They included Lovingly Artisan, a sourdough bakery based at Plumgarths, Kendal; and The Toffee Shop, a manufacturer of handmade fudge and toffee, based in Penrith.
Delivered in partnership with the University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), the LDT programme blends face-to-face and online learning over 14 weeks, giving manufacturing leaders a flexible, high-impact experience that fits around their day-to-day demands.
The programme, part of Made Smarter North West, the government-funded, industry-led technology adoption initiative, also provides first-hand exposure to advanced technologies and creates valuable peer learning networks that extend beyond the classroom.
Kathryn Graves, owner, and Allison Thompson, operations from the Toffee Shop, said: “At the start of the programme, we saw this as our opportunity to showcase how a traditional business can embrace digital transformation while retaining its heritage.
“The tools and support encouraged us to step back from the day-to-day, look closely at the business, and recognise that everything is possible in small stages. It has given us a better understanding of technology and how to make it work for us without losing the values at the heart of what we do.
“One of the most powerful learnings has been about our people. We now know we have to talk to our team more, involve everyone in the role they play, and make sure they feel part of our journey.
“The faculty and our peers on the programme have been a huge source of support and reassurance, reminding us that we are not alone in this journey.
“By combining what we’ve learned with our own vision, we can plan confidently for growth, explore new efficiencies, and at the same time protect the heritage that makes The Toffee Shop so special.”
Since its launch in 2023, the LDT programme has established 65 digital leaders as informed and empowered change-makers, each equipped with a bespoke digital strategy. This includes seven from Cumbria. This follows the success of Made Smarter’s earlier leadership initiative, which supported 62 business leaders between 2019 and 2023.
Simon Keogh, general manager of Factory Automation at Siemens UK and Ireland, and a member of Made Smarter North West’s Steering Board, attended the recent graduation showcase event.
He said: “Digital transformation is not a single project but a continual process of improvement. Many SMEs recognise the significant productivity improvements that can be gained from the use of new technologies, from AI to digital modelling and simulation.
“Made Smarter’s leadership programme is empowering manufacturers with the tools and confidence to embed that mindset and bring their people with them.”
Rosie Parkinson, business development and Niall Monks, mill manager, at Lovingly Artisan, said: “The programme gave us the space to step back and analyse our business, highlighting the value of a clear strategy and achievable goals everyone can align with.
“A major learning was the importance of communication and engaging staff through change. The experience has helped us strengthen dialogue across the business and build a culture where everyone understands and supports our goals for growth and improvement.”
Ruth Hailwood, Made Smarter’s lead organisation and workforce development specialist, said: “What makes this programme special is that it brings manufacturing leaders together to share ideas, challenges and experiences in a space designed for their sector.
“They quickly realise they are not alone on their digital journey.
“By learning with and from their peers, participants build lasting networks of support that extend far beyond the course itself. That community of shared learning and collaboration is what drives the wider culture of digital leadership we are building through Made Smarter.
“Our people-first approach helps SME manufacturers adopt technology in a way that fits their business. The programme gives leaders the time and space to step back, reflect and share ideas with peers, so they can take their whole organisation through digital transformation with confidence.”
