The key to unlocking growth

Lancashire has always been a county of makers, from coal mining and cotton mills to aerospace and advanced materials.

Today, manufacturing remains the backbone of the regional economy, employing more than 80,000 people and home to giants like BAE Systems, Leyland Trucks, AGC Chemicals and Victrex.

But it’s not just the big names that matter.

A vibrant network of SME manufacturers powers this industrial engine, and they are the key to Lancashire’s future growth.

Over the past seven years, the government-backed Made Smarter adoption programme has been on a mission to help SMEs across the North West embrace the opportunities of digital transformation in a
rapidly changing industry landscape.

Digital transformation helps SME manufacturers boost productivity, cut costs and improve responsiveness.

It supports smarter decisions, faster innovation, and sustainable growth.

By adopting the right technologies, businesses can upskill teams, reduce waste and build resilience to changing market conditions, supply chain challenges and regulatory demands.

In Lancashire alone, we’ve supported 125 projects with £2.3m in matched funding, unlocking £9.4m of technology investment, from sensors and robotics to 3D printing and AI.

These investments are set to create over 610 jobs, upskill almost 1,300 workers, and inject £92.6m into the local economy.

Through expert advice, digital roadmapping workshops, leadership skills development and fully funded internships, Made Smarter is giving manufacturers the confidence and clarity to invest in the right technology, at the right time, for the right return.

What excites me most is that we’re just getting started.

With every project, Lancashire builds a smarter, stronger industrial base
which is more resilient and more sustainable.

The county’s SME manufacturers are ambitious.

But many still feel uncertain about how and where to start.

That’s where Made Smarter comes in, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape a future built on innovation, productivity and highly skilled jobs.