Manufacturers drive digital leadership as Made Smarter milestone passes 250

Manufacturers across Lancashire are playing a key role in the North West’s digital transformation, with 61 leaders now equipped to drive change through Made Smarter’s flagship skills programmes.

The contribution forms part of a wider milestone which has seen more than 250 manufacturing leaders supported across the region.

At the heart of this achievement are government-backed Made Smarter’s two flagship leadership programmes, Leading Digital Transformation (LDT), a three-month course for senior leaders to develop digital strategies, and Leading Change for Digital Champions (LCDC), a shorter programme equipping operational teams to deliver change on the ground.

Increasingly, businesses are taking a whole-organisation approach, using LDT to shape strategy at leadership level while deploying LCDC to empower teams to implement and sustain change day to day.

Charlotte Crossley is ISO Manager at Fylde Electronics, a Preston-based manufacturer of signal conditioning, test and measurement equipment.

Through LDT she has been developing a project focused on introducing an ERP system, improving internal communication and capturing critical engineering knowledge within the long-established family business.

Charlotte said: “One of the biggest drivers for us is protecting the legacy of the last 62 years and making sure knowledge is not lost as the business evolves. The programme has helped me focus on how we bring that information together through an ERP system, while also improving communication across the business. 

“A big learning for me has been that change is much more successful when people are involved at the beginning and understand why it is happening.

The tools we were given were really useful because they help you think beyond the day-to-day and look at the bigger picture, what you are trying to achieve and why.”

Ruth Hailwood, head of organisation and workforce development at Made Smarter, said: “Reaching more than 250 digital leaders is a significant milestone, but what’s most encouraging is how manufacturers are embracing a people-first approach to digital transformation.

“Digital change works best when it’s embraced at every level of the organisation. By empowering strategic leaders and building a network of digital champions, we are creating vital links between leadership and the shopfloor, helping businesses overcome barriers, improve communication, and embed new technologies in ways that deliver lasting benefits.”

LDT is delivered in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford, combining workshops, webinars, case studies and site visits to help participants develop a bespoke digitalisation strategy for their business.

LCDC complements this with a bite-sized, blended programme focused on practical implementation, including workshops and a visit to an Amazon fulfilment centre, giving participants first-hand insight into digital technologies in action.

Graduates also join a growing Digital Champions Network, creating opportunities to share insights, collaborate and continue their digital journey.

Since its inception in 2019, Made Smarter has supported more than 2,500 manufacturers in the North West, providing access to expert digital advice, technology adoption roadmaps and workforce development opportunities.

Manufacturers interested in taking part in upcoming programmes can register their interest at: madesmarter.uk/adoption/develop-your-digital-leadership