There is good news for small and medium-sized enterprises in the manufacturing industry - it has been announced that this sector will receive an £8million boost help these businesses go digital, modernise, and create new jobs.
This funding is part of the government’s Made Smarter Adoption programme. It is intended to support 1,000 SME manufacturers in the North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the West Midlands. The aim is for these businesses to modernise and adopt digital technology.
This programme was tested on a small scale in the North West (January 2019) which proved to be successful and has led to a roll-out across England. It saw direct support to over 500 businesses in using digital technology to overcome challenges and access opportunities to grow their business.
Lord Grimestone, Minister for Investment stated:
“The proof is in the pudding and for the companies that have adopted the latest digital technology they are already reaping the rewards.
To help level up the country, we want to ensure businesses have the right tools for the job so that they can build back better and greener from the pandemic.”
The programme can help businesses across these regions by enabling them to increase their productivity and create high-skilled jobs whilst also becoming greener. This is possible through the adoption of industrial digital technology such as robotics and automation, additive manufacturing, and support with the Internet of Things to name a few.
Commissioner of Made Smarter and Chairman of ICW in Wakefield, Margaret Wood, said:
“The rollout of Made Smarter Adoption support is a much needed booster in these changing times. I am happy to see that the government is making this investment to enable a new era in manufacturing and to develop the possibilities for a new, digitalised industrial landscape.
By rolling out support … will help increase regional productivity and innovation, helping to unleash countless possibilities”.
The Made Smarter programme is focused on three central pillars, more ambitious leadership, innovation and development of new technologies, and faster implementation of these strategies. With the aim to boost digital skills in this industry, improve the relationship between business and research to develop new technology, and efficient adoption of these tools to make the UK a leader in digital technology.
This adoption programme provides receive free impartial advice, digital internships, specialised leadership and management training, and matched funding for digital transformation projects.
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