A programme helping manufacturers boost productivity and growth using digital tools has reached a major milestone, having now backed its 200th technology project. Launched in 2019, the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West has now supported 161 businesses with £3.9 million matched funding for 201 projects, leveraging £10.5 million of private sector investment.

Some manufacturers are developing projects using emerging technologies which enable them to integrate systems, capture and analyse data, and even create simulations of their plants and processes. Others are using 3-D printing, automation, and robotics to solve business challenges and meet increased demand.

This transformative technology adoption is forecast to create 990 new jobs, upskill 1,845 existing roles, and deliver an additional £162.4 million in gross value added (GVA) for the North West economy.

Among the latest businesses to secure support from the Government-funded and industry-led programme is Briggs Automotive Company (BAC), a supercar manufacturer based in Liverpool which is adopting technology to drive data and systems integration throughout the company.

Neill Briggs, co-founder of BAC, said: “In a world where remote working is becoming more and more prominent, being connected across the business is becoming more and more important and we are looking forward to tackling this challenge head on and evolving off the back of it. This investment will accelerate our business goals to grow and create new jobs and upskill our current workforce."

Donna Edwards, Made Smarter Adoption programme director in the North West, said: “Surpassing the milestone of 200 funded technology projects is a significant achievement for the Made Smarter adoption programme in the North West - and there is much more to come.

Significant improvements
“Industry 4.0 is the future of manufacturing. Through it, the entire sector can reap endless rewards that will ultimately lead to considerable – and sustainable – growth. But upgrading to new technologies can seem like a complex and daunting task, and SMEs can miss out on significant improvements to their operations.

“Over the last two and half years we have developed a programme of wide-ranging support which cuts through the jargon to provide honest, impartial advice to help businesses identify the most effective digital tools, innovation and skills needed to make an everyday difference to their operations.

“I am delighted that so many manufacturing and engineering businesses of all sizes, from across all sectors, have realised the benefits of digital technology and would encourage other SMEs in the region to start their own conversation with us.”

Since 2019 Made Smarter has engaged with 1,266 businesses in the region to help them introduce digital tools and technologies to help boost productivity and growth and navigate the impact of Covid-19.

The programme has so far helped 618 manufacturers to receive intensive support with expert, impartial technology advice, digital transformation workshops to help them take their first steps to transform their businesses, a leadership programme, and funded digital technology internships.

Over 80% of SMEs working with Made Smarter to adopt cutting-edge technologies have seen a boost in productivity, and more than 25% have reduced their carbon emissions. Businesses will also benefit from increased revenue, profits and exports, and lower energy bills.