Lancashire digital leaders graduate from Made Smarter programme

By Antao Greer Communications

09 Aug 2023

Two manufacturing leaders from Lancashire are among a new generation now armed with new digital skills and tools after graduating from a trailblazing North West programme.

Greer Manufacturing of Blackpool and Logs Direct of Lancaster completed the Leading Digital Transformation programme, designed by Made Smarter, the government-funded industry-led initiative to increase technology adoption among SME manufacturers, and Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met).

Delivered through a blend of face-to-face workshops, online webinars, case studies to see technology in action, and a site visit to PrintCity, Manchester Met’s 3D additive and digital manufacturing centre, the funded programme empowers participants to create a bespoke digitalisation strategy for their business.

It also provides them with a set of practical tools to make the most of opportunities that digital transformation can offer and access further support from Made Smarter, including funding for new technology and specialist advisers.

Seventy-five digital leaders have been supported over the past four years through the inaugural Made Smarter leadership programme and more recently, Leading Digital Transformation, which is now recruiting for its next cohort of businesses. Manufacturers across the North West are now being encouraged to register their interest for the next intake, starting in early September 2023.

Commenting on the experience, Liz Foulds, finance director of Logs Direct, a manufacturer of fuel products, said: “We are on a journey to digitalise and decarbonise. To make the right decisions at the right time we have needed a digital strategy and roadmap. This leadership programme and other support from Made Smarter has helped accelerate us forwards.”

Reflecting on the success of the programme, Donna Edwards, director of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, said: “Technology and digital strategy have proved a great benefit to manufacturers over the last few years as they have navigated a multitude of crises. They will be even more important to navigate future challenges and opportunities. But it’s clear that leadership and digital skills are needed to ensure businesses, especially SMEs, are properly equipped to deal with what lies ahead.

“Our mission is to develop a generation of digital leaders. I am delighted to celebrate the graduation of this latest cohort who have seen the value of taking time out of their businesses to share ideas and experiences and return with new ideas and a digital strategy to create sustainable growth.”

Dr Ann Mulhaney from the Centre for Enterprise at Manchester Met, said: “We're thrilled by the feedback of our first cohort, helping these business leaders at such a critical time for the industry. 

“We look forward to working with the next group of participants as we collaborate on Made Smarter’s vision to create digitally-empowered SME manufacturers.”

Ruth Hailwood, Made Smarter's organisation and workforce development specialist adviser, said: “This programme is designed to be flexible for manufacturing leaders to fit around their busy schedules, allowing them to take time out of their business to reflect on the bigger picture and share ideas, experiences and opportunities with their peers in manufacturing.

“It focuses on strategy and how to identify critical priorities for taking a business forward, as well as highlighting where digital tools can help.”

Since launching in 2019 Made Smarter has supported 2,500 manufacturers in the North West to access expert, impartial technology advice, digital transformation workshops to help take that first step to transform a business, and support with technology adoption projects.

The programme is available by application to leaders from North West-based SME manufacturing businesses with fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than £50m or a balance sheet total of less than £43m. 

Latest news

1

Historic Blackpool building to house business growth hub Blackpool Stanley Buildings

Historic Blackpool building to house business growth hub

05 Dec 2023

2

Plans approved for 800,000 sq ft Preston industrial scheme Aptus visuals

Plans approved for 800,000 sq ft Preston industrial scheme

04 Dec 2023

3

Cruise firm doubles turnover to hit £20m Panache Cruises team

Cruise firm doubles turnover to hit £20m

06 Dec 2023

4

Angela Kershaw named head of business growth at Blackpool Council Angela Kershaw.jpg.jpg

Angela Kershaw named head of business growth at Blackpool Council

06 Dec 2023

5

Youth Zone appoints new chair as Straw steps down Wayne Wild

Youth Zone appoints new chair as Straw steps down

06 Dec 2023

Fob Advert 980x120
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Reach 50,000 members of the Lancashire business community

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Company profile
Social reach
Magazine coverage
Sign-up
Events
Help to Grow Management Course
Collaboration v3.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
31 Oct 2023 - 14 Feb 2024

Help to Grow Management Course

University of Central Lancashire, School, Online and face-to-face , UCLan, PR1 2HE

09:30 - 11:30

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Diamond
EVENT LISTING BNI Diamond.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
06 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Diamond

Norman Jepson (Beefeater), Bluebell Way, Preston, PR2 5PZ

07:15 - 09:00

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network
Eden Business Network.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
06 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network

The Borough, 3 Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

18:30 - 20:30

Twas the night before ransomware
Event Graphic 3.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
07 Dec 2023 - 07 Dec 2023

Twas the night before ransomware

The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ

14:00 - 17:00

Business Networking in Burnley - BNI Kudos
EVENT LISTING BNI Kudos.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
07 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Burnley - BNI Kudos

Prairie Sports Village, Windemere Avenue, Burnley, BB10 2FU

06:45 - 08:30

Discover the power of BNI - Business Networking in Preston
Preston.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
07 Dec 2023

Discover the power of BNI - Business Networking in Preston

Samlesbury Preston Hotel, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, PR5 0UL

09:30 - 11:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
07 Dec 2023

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:30

Business Networking in Lancaster - BNI Castle
EVENT LISTING BNI Castle.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
07 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Lancaster - BNI Castle

Vale of Lune RUFC, Powder House Lane, Lancaster, LA1 2TT

06:45 - 08:30

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Brunch
EVENT LISTING SIZING Brunch .png.png
LBV Hub Networking
08 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Brunch

Samlesbury Hotel, Preston, PR5 0UL

09:30 - 11:00

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Infinity
EVENT LISTING BNI Infinity.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
08 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Infinity

Hampton by Hilton, 2 Frontier Ave, Blackburn, BB1 3AL

06:30 - 08:30

Business Networking in Chorley - BNI Endeavour
EVENT LISTING SIZING Endeavour.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
12 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Chorley - BNI Endeavour

Oak Royal, Bury Lane, Withnell, Chorley, PR6 8SW

06:30 - 08:30

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Vista
EVENT LISTING SIZING Vista.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
12 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Vista

Hampton by Hilton, 2 Frontier Ave, Blackburn, BB1 3AL

06:45 - 08:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV Advertising Visual NovDec
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin