Three Cumbrian manufacturers have enrolled teams of employees onto a digital leadership programme to help drive technology changes within their businesses.
Acrastyle, based in Ulverston, enrolled mechanical engineer Mike Bould and design engineer James Tyson onto the Made Smarter programme.
Pure Lakes Skincare, based near Hawkshead, enrolled production manager Jenny Morris and operations colleague Sacha Ceansu, while Ginger Bakers enrolled owner Lisa Smith alongside bakery manager Lisa Spink.
Commercial printer Firpress, based in Workington, has also developed four digital champions through the scheme.
Since 2023, the Leading Change for Digital Champions initiative has upskilled 106 employees from 73 manufacturing businesses across 12 cohorts.
Around one in three manufacturers taking part in the Government-backed programme now choose to develop more than one employee to lead change.
The initiative equips workers with practical tools through workshops, coaching and a visit to Amazon’s fulfilment centre.
Participants also join a network that meets twice a year to share experiences and connect with industry experts and Made Smarter advisers.
The scheme complements Made Smarter’s programme for senior leaders by equipping the wider workforce to put strategy into practice.
Ruth Hailwood, head of organisation and workforce development at Made Smarter North West, said: “It’s encouraging to see more manufacturers empowering people across their organisations because successful digital transformation happens when people have the confidence and skills to lead change and when you build capability across the business.
“By developing teams who can support one another, share ideas and engage colleagues, businesses are far better placed to embed new technologies and create a culture of continuous improvement.
“The programme is also creating a powerful peer network across the North West, giving manufacturers the opportunity to learn from one another, share experiences and realise that many of the challenges they face are common across the sector.”
Mr Bould said: “The programme has given us a clearer framework for turning ideas into action. It’s given me greater confidence to contribute to improvement projects and play a more active role in helping drive change across the company.”
Ms Morris said: “We’re now at the stage where we need to bring more people with us on the journey. Having colleagues on the programme means we can continue those conversations back in the business, share ideas and work together on the best way to engage the wider team and build momentum for change.”
Ms Smith said: “Attending alongside a colleague was particularly valuable because it created accountability. We both came away with a shared understanding of what we wanted to achieve and the steps needed to get there.”
The next cohort begins in September, with workshops taking place on September 22 and September 29.
