Lancashire firms guiding £2.5m Made Smarter programme

Manufacturing leaders from Lancashire are helping steer a £2.5m programme supporting North West SMEs to adopt AI, automation and digital technologies.

Iain Minton, technology capability delivery director at BAE Systems, and Deyrick Allen of Sustainable Smart Technologies, have joined the strengthened industry steering group behind Made Smarter North West’s £2.5m technology adoption programme.

The group brings together manufacturing, engineering, technology and business leaders to help guide support for smaller firms navigating rapid industrial change.

Since launching in 2019, Made Smarter North West has supported more than 2,400 manufacturers, delivered 250 leadership and digital champions training interventions, and placed 85 digital interns into businesses.

Manufacturers supported through the programme have secured more than £8.1m in matched funding, unlocking over £28.3m of investment in different technologies.

These investments are helping create more than 1,900 jobs, upskill almost 3,500 roles, and contribute £287m to the North West economy.

Iain Minton, who has spent more than 30 years in aerospace engineering and now leads technology programmes at BAE Systems Air, said: “The North West has a strong manufacturing heritage, a real spirit of innovation and many outstanding companies that consistently punch above their weight.

“I’m proud to chair a group of industry leaders who share the same ambition to help strengthen the region’s manufacturing base.

“We are trying to ensure more businesses are aware of the support and opportunities available through Made Smarter so they can better understand and adopt technologies such as automation, robotics and AI in ways that genuinely make a difference to their business.”

Deyrick Allen, commercial director for Rawtenstall manufacturer Sustainable Smart Technologies, said: “I joined the steering group because Made Smarter is one of the few programmes that understands the real barriers facing SME manufacturers.

“Many firms know digital technology matters, but need trusted, practical support to turn ambition into action on the factory floor.

“The biggest opportunity is using data, sensors, automation and connectivity to make factories more productive, energy efficient and resilient.

“Across the North West, manufacturers are under pressure on cost, carbon and skills. Made Smarter can help by making adoption less daunting, more practical and linked to clear business outcomes.”