Made Smarter’s funding program targets digital transformation for SMEs in Northwest England.
Small and medium manufacturers in Northwest England have a new opportunity to fund their digital transformation. The Made Smarter initiative has launched a £1 million grant program to help businesses adopt advanced technologies including 3D printing, robotics, and AI.
The match-funded scheme offers up to £20,000 per company to implement digital solutions that improve productivity and competitiveness. Programme Director Donna Edwards cited the example of Foams 4 Sports, a previous beneficiary that automated its foam cutting process to double output while reducing material waste.
“This isn’t about technology for technology’s sake,” Edwards emphasized. We’re helping manufacturers identify practical solutions to real production challenges.” The program includes expert guidance to select appropriate technologies and implement them effectively.
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Manufacturers from Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside can now apply. The scheme is based on the successful Made Smarter pilot, which assisted more than 200 businesses to generate 1,250 new jobs and an average 25% increase in productivity.
