Made Smarter to host first Lancashire event

A free event in Preston on February 4 will enable Lancashire manufacturers to learn more about how they can take advantage of  Made Smarter, the £20m project launched to encourage them to embrace digital technology.

Companies will learn first-hand how they can benefit from free advice and funding for the adoption of new, smarter production methods such as 3D-printing, the use of ‘big’ data and the latest design software.

Specialist digital technology advisers will be on hand to explore how delegates will be able to use Made Smarter to upgrade existing technology, or explore something new and radical.

Firms who attend will also get the chance to register for an audit of their business from a Made Smarter consultant who will visit their premises. The consultant will then prepare a diagnostic report together with recommendations regarding how new technology could potentially help the company increase productivity, cut operating costs and develop new processes and products.

Andy Walker, of Lancashire County Council, said: “Programmes like Made Smarter, together with our own Innovation Strategy, have the potential to transform the way Lancashire does business and is especially relevant for smaller firms across the county.

“Also, as this event will demonstrate, Made Smarter isn’t for just for tech companies or advanced manufacturers, it’s for any manufacturing business which is interested in finding out about new ways of working but isn’t sure where to start.” Places for the Manufacturing Made Smarter In Lancashire session are free but limited and registration is essential.