Made Smarter has empowered a Cumbrian cake maker with the strategy and skills to pursue smarter manufacturing through innovation with its trailblazing leadership programme.
The Leading Digital Transformation programme, part of Made Smarter North West Adoption – a government-funded industry-led initiative – focuses on equipping SME manufacturers with the strategies and skills to adopt cutting-edge digital technologies.
The funded programme is delivered over three months with Manchester Metropolitan University, blending face-to-face workshops, online webinars, case studies to see technology in action, and a site visit to PrintCity, Manchester Met’s 3D additive and digital manufacturing centre.
Bakes By Gina, a manufacturer of homemade artisan cakes, based in Whitehaven, is among the latest cohort of 20 to complete LDT.
Gina Goulding, owner of Bakes By Gina, said: “My business has been on an incredible growth journey, which meant I never had time to reflect on where we are.
“The leadership programme gave me precious headspace with like-minded individuals and gave me skills to empower my staff to take the reins.”
Gina, 27, has recently taken on the former Hartley’s cafe at St Bees from the Richardson family.
Brian Holliday, co-chair of the Made Smarter Commission and MD of Siemens Digital Industries, attended the Leading Digital Transformation showcase event at Engine Rooms at Birchwood Park, Warrington.
He said: “It was an absolute privilege to meet this latest group of creators and makers to complete our trailblazing Leading Digital Transformation programme and to listen to their inspirational stories. While these businesses operate in vastly different sectors, there is a consistency in the way they recognise the importance of people, process, strategy and adoption of technology.”
Since it was launched in 2023, the Leading Digital Transformation programme has transformed 54 delegates into digitally-informed, empowered leaders armed with a bespoke digitalisation strategy. This is in addition to the 62 business leaders equipped with new digital skills through Made Smarter’s trailblazing leadership initiative run between 2019 and 2023.
Manufacturers across the North West are now encouraged to register their interest for the next series of programmes.
Ruth Hailwood, Made Smarter’s organisation and workforce development specialist adviser, said: “Made Smarter has taken a people-first approach to helping SME manufacturers adopt technology tools to take their businesses forward.
“Our Leading Digital Transformation programme is designed to be flexible for manufacturing leaders to fit around their busy schedules, allowing them to take time out of their business to reflect on the bigger picture and share ideas, experiences and opportunities with their peers in manufacturing.
“This supports leaders to take their entire organisation and people through digital transformation successfully and maximise the opportunities for their business.”
Since its launch in 2019, Made Smarter has supported over 2,500 manufacturers across the North West, helping them access expert digital advice, adoption strategies, and leadership development. Manufacturers in the region are encouraged to register for the next series of programmes to unlock new opportunities for digital transformation and growth.
