Made Smarter has successfully facilitated significant tech investments in North West businesses, marking a £25m milestone.
- The initiative recently supported 23 North West companies with grants to enhance digital capabilities.
- Government support enabled these businesses to invest in transformative technologies like AI and 3D printing.
- Since its inception, over 330 businesses have benefited from Made Smarter, creating thousands of jobs.
- Projected economic growth from these investments is estimated at £267m over the coming years.
Made Smarter, the effort driving digital advancement for smaller manufacturers, has reached a new height by aiding 23 businesses in the North West with grants. These grants, aimed at augmenting their technological resources, amounted to a substantial milestone of £25m in regional tech investments. Noteworthy recipients include Edinburgh Weavers, a well-regarded textile producer, and Duo UK, known for its packaging solutions.
With governmental backing, the initiative has enabled these businesses to incorporate forward-thinking technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and 3D printing, into their operations. This support for technological adoption not only increases productivity but also strengthens the competitive edge of these businesses in the global market.
Over a span of six years, Made Smarter has extended £7.1m in matching funds to over 330 businesses. This has catalysed private sector investment of £18m into 379 different projects. These projects are not merely theoretical but are expected to deliver concrete economic benefits, including the creation of over 1,700 new roles and enhancing the skills of approximately 3,200 existing employees.
The wave of investment brought about by Made Smarter is anticipated to inject £267m into the economy within the next three years, a testament to the program’s capacity to foster economic resilience and growth. Among the recent beneficiaries are various manufacturing enterprises across the region, each leveraging the funding to innovate and modernise their production capabilities.
The latest group of funded companies features J. J. Smith & Co., C-TEC, and BrickByBrick23, each engaged in different aspects of manufacturing, from life-safety systems to personalised products. This diversity highlights the broad applicability and transformative potential of the initiative, encouraging a wide range of industries to embrace digital transformation.
Made Smarter continues to play a vital role in the digital transformation of the North West’s manufacturing sector, fostering economic prosperity.
