Manufacturing leaders across Southern England are being urged to sign up to Made Smarter, the UK Government programme helping SMEs embrace digital technologies for growth.
Registration is now open to access fully funded expert advice, leadership training, student interns and up to £20,000 technology grants to help them drive growth, productivity and sustainability.
The Made Smarter Adoption programme is an essential part of the UK Government’s commitment to improving productivity and driving the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector.
With the successful launch in other English regions – including the North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands and East Midlands – Made Smarter has already demonstrated how technology and digital skills can revolutionise manufacturing businesses.
From April 1, following the Government’s £16 million investment into the expansion of the programme, manufacturers in the South East, South West, East of England and London will be able to thrive in the digital age.
Brian Holliday, Co-Chair of the Made Smarter Commission and Managing Director of Siemens Digital Industries, commented: “Made Smarter is a driving force for digital transformation in UK’s SME manufacturing. In the last six years the programme has empowered businesses to innovate, compete, and scale. This expansion clearly signals the Government’s commitment to the sector, driving competitiveness, sustainability, and productivity improvements for a robust industrial future.”
The programme is open to manufacturing and engineering SMEs with 250 employees or fewer and an annual turnover of £50 million or less, who are looking to overcome common challenges like productivity, decarbonisation and competition through the adoption of digital technologies.
Made Smarter East of England will be delivered across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. The programme is being delivered by the Norfolk County Council.
Cllr Fabian Eagle, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, said: “The launch of the Made Smarter Adoption programme in the East of England marks a key moment for our manufacturing sector. It goes beyond simply adopting new technologies – it’s about future–proofing businesses, enhancing productivity, and fostering a culture of innovation.
“This initiative will empower companies in our region and sector to compete globally while developing a sustainable, skilled workforce for the future.”
Made Smarter London will be delivered by London & Partners – on behalf of the Greater London Authority – across all 32 boroughs and the City of London.
Vanesa Perez Sanchez, Director Small Business Service, London & Partners: “We’re excited to help London’s manufacturing SMEs embrace digital transformation and drive long-term growth through the Made Smarter UK programme.
“By providing tailored support, businesses will gain valuable insights into strategy, leadership, and upskilling, as well as access to cutting-edge technologies that will enable them to boost productivity, innovate, and create high-value jobs, helping them stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.”
Made Smarter South East will be delivered across: Berkshire, Brighton & Hove, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Medway, Oxfordshire, Solent, Surrey and West Sussex in partnership with: Surrey County Council, Hampshire County Council; West Sussex County Council; East Sussex County Council; Kent County Council; Brighton & Hove City Council; Berkshire LEP; Buckinghamshire LEP; Medway Council; Oxfordshire LEP; and Solent LEP (representing Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City and Southampton City).
Paul Jones, Managing Director of Hampshire-based Morgan Furniture and a member of the Made Smarter South East’s Steering Group, said: “The roll-out of Made Smarter is exciting news for South East manufacturing SMEs. With over 18,000 manufacturing businesses in the South East covered by Made Smarter, the opportunity to grow the regional economy is huge. The programme offers eligible SMEs access to advice from specialist technology experts so they can boost productivity and increase competitiveness by switching to advanced and automated technologies.”
Made Smarter South West will be delivered by a variety of partners including the University of the West of England (UWE) and the National Composites Centre (NCC) across Bristol, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire.
Spaces are limited, so manufacturing leaders are being encouraged to register today to secure their spot via madesmarter.uk.
