SME manufacturers are increasingly building teams to accelerate digital transformation, as Made Smarter North West celebrates training more than 100 Digital Champions.
New figures from the Government-backed programme show around one in three manufacturers completing its Leading Change for Digital Champions (LCDC) skills initiative have trained more than one employee, highlighting a growing commitment to embed digital capability across their organisations.
Since 2023, the programme has upskilled 106 employees from 73 manufacturing businesses across 12 cohorts. Participants have ranged from production operatives and engineers to aspiring managers, creating a growing network of digital change-makers across the region.
Some manufacturers have made digital transformation a long-term investment. Firpress, the Cumbria commercial printer, has developed four Digital Champions, while Rakem Group, the Bury chemical manufacturer, and N & J Aluminium Linings, the Clitheroe aluminium fabricator, have each developed three.
The latest LCDC cohort has continued that trend. Acrastyle, the Ulverston manufacturer of high-voltage substation protection and control equipment, enrolled its second employee, while Pure Lakes Skincare, the Cumbria natural skincare manufacturer, and Ginger Bakers, the Lake District artisan bakery, each invested in developing two colleagues together, helping create shared ownership of digital transformation across their businesses.
LCDC equips people with practical tools through workshops, coaching and a visit to Amazon’s fulfilment centre. Graduates also become part of a growing Digital Champions Network, meeting twice a year to share experiences, learn from fellow manufacturers and connect with industry experts and Made Smarter advisers.
Ruth Hailwood, Head of Organisation and Workforce Development at Made Smarter North West, said: “It’s encouraging to see more manufacturers empowering people across their organisations because successful digital transformation happens when people have the confidence and skills to lead change and when you build capability across the business.
“By developing teams who can support one another, share ideas and engage colleagues, businesses are far better placed to embed new technologies and create a culture of continuous improvement.
“The programme is also creating a powerful peer network across the North West, giving manufacturers the opportunity to learn from one another, share experiences and realise that many of the challenges they face are common across the sector.”
Manufacturers from the latest cohort say the initiative has given them the confidence, structure and shared understanding to lead digital transformation, demonstrating the value of developing Digital Champions alongside colleagues.
Mike Bould, Mechanical Engineer at Acrastyle, said: “The programme has given us a clearer framework for turning ideas into action. It’s given me greater confidence to contribute to improvement projects and play a more active role in helping drive change across the company.”
Jenny Morris, Production Manager at Pure Lakes Skincare, said: “We’re now at the stage where we need to bring more people with us on the journey. Having colleagues on the programme means we can continue those conversations back in the business, share ideas and work together on the best way to engage the wider team and build momentum for change.”
Lisa Smith, Owner of Ginger Bakers, said: “Attending alongside a colleague was particularly valuable because it created accountability. We both came away with a shared understanding of what we wanted to achieve and the steps needed to get there.”
LCDC complements Made Smarter’s Leading Digital Transformation programme for senior leaders by equipping the wider workforce to put strategy into practice, reflecting the belief that lasting change must flow through an entire organisation.
The next LCDC cohort begins in September, with workshops taking place on the 22nd and 29th. To register your interest, or to find out more about the full range of support available through Made Smarter North West, including grants and Digital Internships, visit www.madesmarter.uk
