Made Smarter in the North East helps manufacturers increase profits, improve efficiency and grow by investing in digital technology, people and processes.
More than 350 North East manufacturers have already taken part in the programme, including specialist battery manufacturers, Alexander Battery Technologies; GRP and metalwork specialists, Elemy Group; and growing thermoformed plastic packaging manufacturer, iPac Packaging Innovations.
Made Smarter aims to drive growth in the region’s manufacturing businesses and advance the North East economy by improving the development and adoption of emerging technologies. The programme supports the missions of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority’s Local Growth Plan.
SMEs (under 250 employees) working in the manufacturing and advanced manufacturing sectors in the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority areas.
Businesses taking part in the programme benefit from:
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Expert support to create a digital roadmap
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Workshops and training with other North East manufacturers
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Grant funding to invest in new technology and software
Fully-funded Digital Intern Placements to support with digital projects.
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.”
“For me, the real benefit of the programme has been change management, and the way the company as a whole is now embracing digitalisation. Digital adoption and Made Smarter can be the catalyst to help improve the economy.”
