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

House prices dip amid post-budget disappointment as market...

November 18, 2024

Big Issue Invest offers loan programme to charities...

October 24, 2022

Dr. Joseph Mercola: Unleashing the Power of Ageless...

September 25, 2024

Sharp rise in companies collapsing as costs soar

July 17, 2023

Mike Lynch obituary: Pioneering tech entrepreneur and Cameron...

August 23, 2024

Ex-Tory MP defects to Reform UK as poll...

January 4, 2025

Can Explainer Videos Help Remove Client Confusion?

April 15, 2024

Network Rail warned over ‘unacceptable’ overcrowding at London...

October 18, 2023

Next warns of potential store closures following £30m...

September 20, 2024

Bensons for Beds buys Eve Sleep out of...

October 18, 2022

    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

    • Good Riddance to the Penny

      June 5, 2025
    • Oracle Fusion Testing: The UK Leader’s Playbook for Automation

      June 5, 2025
    • Blue state Republicans threaten rebellion if Senate changes key provision in Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’

      June 5, 2025
    • Ricketts, Fetterman team up for crackdown on China’s attempts to purchase US farmland

      June 5, 2025
    • Hamas working to ‘sabotage’ Trump-backed aid group with ‘fake news’: Israeli official

      June 5, 2025
    • Longtime Trump loyalist flips on GOP’s ‘big, beautiful bill’

      June 5, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (8,148)
    • Investing (2,009)
    • Politics (15,529)
    • Stocks (3,128)
    • 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