Made Smarter unveils £1 million fund to digitalise North West

Dawn Taylor, process operator at Foams 4 Sports

Made Smarter, the Government-backed digital adoption programme, has launched a new £1 million funding round to support technology projects among SME manufacturers in the North West. The initiative, which has been driving digital transformation in the region’s manufacturing sector since 2018, is offering match-funded grants of up to £20,000 to help SMEs adopt advanced technologies including robotics, automation, the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and additive manufacturing (AM). The aim is to boost productivity, growth, resilience and sustainability — key priorities for manufacturers navigating a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.

Businesses that register for the programme also gain access to a suite of support including fully funded technology advice, digital roadmap development, leadership and skills training, and student placement opportunities.

Foams 4 Sports, a manufacturer of sports safety equipment based in Ashton-under-Lyne, is one of hundreds of companies to benefit from Made Smarter support. The firm, which supplies the NHS, martial arts clubs, prisons, schools, and outdoor venues, used its grant to automate a manual cutting process by investing in a digital CNC machine. The results were transformational: productivity doubled, waste was reduced, and the workforce gained valuable new skills.

Ben Michael, Foams 4 Sports general manager, said: “Digital transformation is vital for the next stage of our business growth. We need to look to technology as a solution to our challenges. This is a massive leap forward. Made Smarter has been incredible — helping us build a clear roadmap, evaluate technology options, and prepare our team for change. The future is exciting for Foams 4 Sports.”

Since 2018 Made Smarter has funded 334 technology projects. These investments are forecast to increase the region’s GVA by £242 million in the coming years, create 1,300 new jobs and upskill 2,500 existing roles.

Donna Edwards, programme director for Made Smarter North West, concluded: “We are now entering our seventh year of equipping manufacturers in the North West with the know-how and confidence to embrace the next industrial revolution. Through expert support and funding, we are enabling businesses to unlock productivity, accelerate growth, decarbonise operations, and create high-value, future-ready jobs. The industrial landscape is evolving rapidly, and digital transformation is no longer optional. We encourage any manufacturer that has not yet started their journey to take the first step.”