Made Smarter Ignites £1m Tech Initiative for NW SMEs
Deal News | Apr 24, 2025 | Business Cloud
Made Smarter, a government-supported initiative, announced a £1 million funding round targeted at SME manufacturers in the North West of England to facilitate digital adoption. Initiated in 2018, this programme offers match-funded grants up to £20,000 for integrating advanced technologies such as robotics and AI into manufacturing processes. Participating businesses not only receive financial assistance but also benefit from comprehensive support packages including technology advice, skills training, and leadership development. One of the beneficiaries, Foams 4 Sports, enhanced productivity and sustainability by automating a manual process. Donna Edwards, the programme director, stressed the importance of digital transformation in maintaining competitiveness and achieving industrial growth objectives. Overall, Made Smarter aims to inject £242m into the region’s economy and create over a thousand new jobs.
Sectors
- Manufacturing
- Technology
Geography
- United Kingdom – The initiative is specifically targeting SME manufacturers located in the North West of England, UK.
- North West England – This region is the primary focus of the Made Smarter programme where the technological funding and support efforts are concentrated.
Industry
- Manufacturing – The focus is on enabling manufacturing SMEs to adopt new digital technologies to enhance productivity and sustainability.
- Technology – The article discusses funding for the adoption of advanced technologies, like AI and robotics, in manufacturing.
Financials
- £1,000,000 – Total funding available for SME manufacturers under the Made Smarter programme.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Made Smarter | Funding and Support Provider | Government | A government-backed programme offering financial and advisory support for digital adoption in manufacturing. |
| Foams 4 Sports | Beneficiary | Company | A manufacturer of sports safety equipment in Ashton-under-Lyne, benefiting from the grant for technology integration. |
| Donna Edwards | Programme Director | People | Director of Made Smarter North West, overseeing the programme's implementation and progress. |
| Ben Michael | General Manager | People | General Manager at Foams 4 Sports, a company that benefited from the Made Smarter initiative. |