Future Retirement Success
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Investing
  • Stocks
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Investing
  • Stocks

Future Retirement Success

Business

Made Smarter launches £1M fund to drive digital adoption in North West manufacturing

by April 23, 2025
April 23, 2025
Made Smarter launches £1M fund to drive digital adoption in North West manufacturing

Made Smarter, the Government-backed programme helping manufacturers embrace digital technologies, has launched a new £1 million funding round aimed at accelerating digital transformation across the North West’s manufacturing sector.

The initiative, now in its seventh year, is offering match-funded grants of up to £20,000 to help small and medium-sized manufacturers adopt cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and additive manufacturing.

Alongside the financial support, eligible businesses gain access to fully funded technology consultancy, strategic digital roadmapping, leadership and skills training, and student placement opportunities—tools designed to help companies boost productivity, resilience, growth and sustainability.

One business already reaping the benefits is Ashton-under-Lyne-based Foams 4 Sports, a manufacturer of safety equipment for clients including the NHS, schools, and martial arts clubs. With support from Made Smarter, the firm invested in a digital CNC machine to automate its manual cutting process—doubling productivity, cutting waste, and equipping its workforce with new skills.

“Digital transformation is vital for the next stage of our business growth,” said Ben Michael, General Manager at Foams 4 Sports. “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 its inception in 2018, Made Smarter has supported 334 technology projects across the region. These investments are forecast to boost the North West’s gross value added (GVA) by £242 million, create 1,300 new jobs, and upskill 2,500 existing roles.

Alain Dilworth, Programme Manager (pictured), said: “I am delighted that DBT have allocated a further £230k of in-year funding to Made Smarter Adoption North West. The majority will go towards supporting our strong pipeline of companies to adopt new digital tools to accelerate their digital transformation.

“The opportunity to be able to support more manufacturing and engineering SMEs is something we relish, and we urge those companies who have yet to make contact with us to do so.”

“We are now entering our seventh year of equipping North West manufacturers with the know-how and confidence to embrace the next industrial revolution,” she said. “Through expert support and funding, we’re 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 hasn’t yet started their journey to take the first step.”

Applications for the new funding round are now open to eligible SME manufacturers in the North West.

Read more:
Made Smarter launches £1M fund to drive digital adoption in North West manufacturing

0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
Supreme Court likely to side with parents in letting them opt out of LGBTQ storybooks, expert says
next post
CBI launches Defence & Economic Growth Taskforce to align investment with national prosperity

You may also like

7 Ways to make passive income from rental...

May 2, 2023

UK extends seasonal farm worker scheme for five...

February 26, 2025

UK ditches company working time rules in further...

November 8, 2023

AI’s Use in Modern Websites to Aid Content...

March 7, 2023

University Joins £3m Campaign to Drive Midlands Economic...

May 22, 2024

We must make Britain the best place to...

June 12, 2025

Five months of travel chaos loom as Avanti...

January 3, 2025

The cost of living survival handbook for businesses

November 22, 2022

UK reaches key milestone with one million electric...

February 5, 2024

Vodafone faces £120 million franchisee legal battle over...

December 10, 2024

    Get free access to all of the retirement secrets and income strategies from our experts! or Join The Exclusive Subscription Today And Get the Premium Articles Acess for Free

    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Rachel Reeves urged to apply VAT to private healthcare in bid to fund NHS

      August 4, 2025
    • Trump accuses Senate Democrats of using nominee confirmations as leverage for funding deals

      August 4, 2025
    • UK high street banks lose £100bn in savings as customers chase better rates online

      August 4, 2025
    • Green energy tariffs fall to five-year low as UK households prioritise cost

      August 4, 2025
    • UK business leaders call on Labour to introduce skills tax relief for training Neets

      August 4, 2025
    • Millions of UK drivers could receive £950 each in car finance compensation scheme

      August 4, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (8,657)
    • Investing (2,168)
    • Politics (16,293)
    • Stocks (3,228)
    • About us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: futureretirementsuccess.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2025 futureretirementsuccess.com | All Rights Reserved