There was a £5m digital boost for businesses in the North West today, with confirmation that the Made Smarter programme for digital transformation is to receive new funding across the North West and Yorkshire from April.
Yorkshire is to receive £2.4m worth of new funding under the extension, while the North West will receive £2.5m, giving access to expert technology advice, leadership training, digital skills development and match-funded grants to boost productivity, drive innovation, create high-value jobs and cut carbon.
The continuation of Made Smarter North West builds on seven years of digital assistance across the region, with the programme helping over 2,400 manufacturers to date.
Over that time, manufacturers have secured more than £8.1M in matched funding, unlocking over £28.3M of investment in technologies ranging from AI and ERP systems to robotics, automation and additive manufacturing. Together, these investments are driving the creation of more than 1,900 jobs, upskilling almost 3,500 roles, and contributing £287M to the North West economy.
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In Yorkshire, the scheme launched in 2021, and has engaged with more than 1,250 manufacturers, helping them take practical steps towards digital adoption. This includes the creation of over 715 digital roadmaps, giving businesses a clear plan for transformation.
More than 200 Yorkshire businesses have received intensive technical support, alongside over 100 capital grants worth £1.4 million, to invest in technologies such as automation, robotics, AI, additive manufacturing and data-driven systems. This has unlocked a further £2 million in private sector investment, delivering a combined £3.4 million boost to the region’s manufacturing base.
Jessica Armitage, programme manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire and Humber (pictured), said: “This new wave of funding is a significant boost for Yorkshire’s manufacturing community. Over the past four years, we have demonstrated what is possible when SMEs are given the right combination of advice, skills and technology support.
“The continuation of the programme gives businesses the confidence to plan ahead, invest in their future and scale with purpose. We are excited to support the next wave of manufacturers to unlock productivity, build resilience and drive long-term growth across the region.”
Donna Edwards, director of Made Smarter’s North West adoption programme, added: “Made Smarter has already helped transform how SME manufacturers across the North West approach technology, skills and growth, showing that with the right advice, tools and confidence, businesses can take practical steps to modernise, improve productivity and build resilience.
“This new funding is a strong vote of confidence in the programme and its impact. It means we can reach even more manufacturers, helping them to plan ahead, invest in the right technologies and develop the skills they need to grow, unlock new opportunities and build long-term, sustainable competitiveness.”
