Made Smarter Adoption North East helps manufacturers in the region increase profits, improve efficiency and grow by investing in digital technology, people and processes.
More than 150 North East manufacturers have already taken part in the programme, including specialist battery manufacturer, Alexander Battery Technologies; expanded metal mesh manufacturer, The Expanded Metal Company; and growing thermoformed plastic packaging manufacturer, iPac Packaging Innovations.
Made Smarter Adoption North East aims to drive growth amongst the region’s manufacturing businesses and advance the UK economy by improving the development and adoption of emerging technologies.
SMEs (under 250 employees) working in the manufacturing and advanced manufacturing sectors in the North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority areas.
Businesses taking part in the programme benefit from:
Grants of up to £20k to support the journey to become a smart factory (up to 50% of the overall cost).
Grants of up to £3.5k to access expert technical advice to support digital roadmap development.
Grants to fund a Digital Intern to bring new skills into your business
Training to understand what technology is available, and how and where it can be implemented.
Support to develop a bespoke digital roadmap.
Workshops and networking opportunities with other manufacturers.
Our three-stage process includes:
An initial one-to-one digital health check, helping you identify where improvements can be made in your business using digital technology.
Intensive workshops looking at the solutions available, how the technology works in practice and how to successfully implement these changes within your business
One-to-one support from an industrial digital technologies (IDT) specialist to move towards the implementation phase.
Unlock expert support on your digital journey with a fully funded digital internship from Made Smarter. Access up to 12 weeks of support from a student or recent graduate to help shape your digital strategy and integrate new technologies into your operations.
Tap into the fresh ideas and emerging digital skills - from robotics and logistics software to data analysis and AI. Your business will employ the intern for the duration of the internship, and payment of the funding is made in arrears after each payroll period.
“Engaging with Made Smarter helped open our eyes to the benefits of digital technology in the organisation.”
“As a result of working with Made Smarter we’ve been able create processes and systems that are scalable.”
“Everyone in the business is fully on board with our future plans because they can see the positive impact. The Made Smarter programme has really benefitted the business.”
“The pressure’s on in the world, and businesses need to adapt – they have to develop. The Made Smarter programme helps businesses take on those challenges.”
