Lancashire manufacturers set to gain from expanded Made Smarter digital leadership programme

By Antao Greer Communications

08 May 2025

Claire Pattison from Manchester Metropolitan University, Ruth Hailwood from Made Smarter and Dr Ann Mulhaney from The University Of Salford

Lancashire’s SME manufacturers are being offered a major opportunity to embed the strategies and skills needed to thrive in the digital age, thanks to a new partnership between Made Smarter and two leading universities.

The University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University have been named as delivery partners for Made Smarter’s Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme - a government-funded, industry-led initiative aimed at accelerating digital adoption across the North West’s manufacturing sector.

With additional funding now secured, the programme is set to support 40 more SME manufacturers over the next year, including a significant number from Lancashire.

Tailored specifically for business owners and senior managers, the fast-track programme equips participants with the knowledge and tools to lead digital change, develop bespoke digital strategies, and implement advanced technologies within their operations.

It also addresses the cultural shift needed for successful transformation, focusing on engaging teams and aligning stakeholders around innovation goals.

Over the last six years, Made Smarter has helped more than 100 participants - from sectors such as aerospace, food, and precision engineering - to develop the skills required to adopt and implement cutting-edge technologies.

Ruth Hailwood, Made Smarter’s lead organisation and workforce development specialist, said: “The Leading Digital Transformation programme has been a major success, equipping over 100 regional leaders with the tools and insight needed to accelerate the adoption of advanced digital technologies in their businesses.

“This programme gives manufacturers the space to step back, reflect, and develop a digital strategy tailored to their needs. By placing people at the heart of digital transformation, we’re enabling meaningful change and long-term success.”

Delivered over three months, each LDT cohort offers a blended learning experience, including face-to-face workshops, online webinars, real-life case studies, and visits to technology demonstrators at both universities.

Participants will explore the University of Salford’s NERIC (North of England Robotics Innovation Centre), a facility specialising in robotics and automation, including intelligent infrastructure, digital automation, and supply chain improvement.

They will also visit Manchester Met’s PrintCity - a 3D additive and digital manufacturing centre that brings together manufacturing experts, designers, engineers, and students - and the newly launched Robotics Living Lab.

Dr Ann Mulhaney, associate professor of change management at the University of Salford, said: “Securing the rollout of this innovative programme further strengthens the University of Salford’s reputation for delivering impactful, world-class business leadership development.

“We are proud to partner with Made Smarter and Manchester Metropolitan University to support a new wave of ambitious SMEs as they embark on their digital transformation journeys.”

Professor Jennie Shorley, academic director at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Centre for Enterprise, said: “Being on board for another year delivering the Made Smarter programme is fantastic news for the SME community in the region.

"Our proven strengths in enabling businesses to not just develop their innovations, but create sustainable solutions that are embedded across their organisations, means we are helping to secure the region’s economic strengths for years to come. Partnering with our colleagues at the University of Salford means we can support even more businesses.”

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

Registration for the next LDT programme is now open. For more information or to apply for your place visit madesmarter.uk

Latest news

1

Partner promotions at WNJ Stuart Mercer, left, and Matthew Johnson

Partner promotions at WNJ

21 May 2025

2

Accrington-made Vita Advanced Mattress wins prestigious 'Best of the Best' Award at Interzum 2025 Dr. Emily Schweissinger - Evonik, Dr. Roland Hubel - Evonik, Dr Mike Murray - The Vita Group, Natalie Watson - The Vita Group, Chris Hupfeld - Coverstro, Dr. Annegret Terheiden - Evonik and Dennis Wagner - Covestro

Accrington-made Vita Advanced Mattress wins prestigious 'Best of the Best' Award at Interzum 2025

21 May 2025

3

Napthens advises Calico Homes on land acquisition for £23m Dovestone Gardens extra care facility in Burnley Paul Hardy

Napthens advises Calico Homes on land acquisition for £23m Dovestone Gardens extra care facility in Burnley

21 May 2025

4

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway Alan McBride Muse Will Town Defence Infrastructure Organisation Jennifer Chard Defence Business Services Cllr Lynn Williams Blackpool Council Garry Bowker Vinci

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway

20 May 2025

5

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities Skiddle cheque presentation to Alder Hey Hospital

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities

20 May 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200pxtrident 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May
Freelancer Meet-Up May.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May

society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar
LBV Hub Seminars
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar

Cottons Hotel & Spa , Knutsford, WA16 0SU

16:00 - 18:00

Liverpool Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-881365363-4862066883-1-original.20241023-085714.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
23 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

Liverpool Business Expo 2025

Aintree Racecourse , Liverpool , L9 5AS

09:00 - 15:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29
Artboard 15.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
29 May 2025 - 29 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

Business Bike Club – June
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
03 Jun 2025 - 03 Jun 2025

Business Bike Club – June

Various, Lancaster, LA

08:00 - 09:30

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 LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin