Lancashire manufacturers to benefit from new peer network

Made Smarter North West has launched a new peer-to-peer network to accelerate digital adoption among SME manufacturers in Lancashire.

The Digital Champions Network brings together businesses who have engaged with Made Smarter’s adoption programme, including graduates of its Leading Digital Transformation and Leading Change for Digital Champions programmes.

The initiative will connect those employees actively engaged in digitalisation, from the top floor to the shop floor, at different stages of technology adoption. In-person and online events will be facilitated throughout the year to enable participants to share learning and experience, forging long-lasting connections.

Commenting on the launch, Ruth Hailwood, organisation development lead for the Made Smarter North West Adoption Programme, said: “The Digital Champions Network is an opportunity to build something sustainable by harnessing what a manufacturer learns as they embark on their digital transformation journey and sharing it with their peers. This approach means every member of the network can benefit from sharing experiences and new ideas, creating a bigger impact for their own business and for the SME manufacturing community in the region. 

“Made Smarter’s activity through the Leading Digital Transformation and Leading Change for Digital Champions programmes has already created strong and impactful connections between cohort groups. Many have offered site visits to each other to demonstrate their practices and technologies, which have proved really valuable. The Digital Champions Network is looking to extend these connections across the region to all manufacturers that engage with Made Smarter.”

A launch event, at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Liverpool, attracted North West businesses from across industries, including Preston-based Gardner Engineering and Blackburn-based Beagle Orthopaedic. 

Matt Philp, managing director of Gardner Engineering, a manufacturer of CCTV hardware products, said: “I believe that for companies to grow they need support from people outside the business, who are unbiased and not competition. To have an open, confidential forum like the Digital Champions Network where you can bounce ideas off each other is fantastic.”

Zoe Philp, operations manager at Gardner Engineering, added: “It is valuable to step out of the bubble of your business from time to time to listen to other opinions. Getting that validation or feedback can create opportunities that you may never have considered.”

Lewis Holt, senior design engineer at Beagle Orthopaedic, a manufacturer of orthopaedic equipment, said: “Technology offers us an opportunity to make more of our quality products, with the aim of improving patient outcomes, creating a skilled workforce fit for the future, and driving our sustainability goals.

“Made Smarter has already helped in supporting us with a grant towards the first of our digital machines which allows the high-volume product parts to be sewn in the most efficient and consistent way possible. 

“Inviting us to join the Digital Champions Network is a valuable opportunity. Manufacturers can serve different industries and sectors, but we all face similar issues with the workforce, skills and technology adoption. Creating a forum where we can come together to share our pain points and learn from each other is fantastic.”

Launched in 2019, Made Smarter has engaged with 2,500 manufacturers, with hundreds receiving support through grant funding, impartial technology advice, leadership, and skills training to help transform their businesses.