Made Smarter South East is making it easier for makers, creators and manufacturers in the South East to innovate, upskill and grow their business by adopting industrial digital technologies.

Our fully funded package of support for eligible SMEs includes the opportunity to work with a team of experts to unlock the support you need to grow.

We’ll help you create a detailed action plan to digitally transform your business.

You could also access training programmes to increase your workforce’s digital skills, match-funded grants to purchase hardware or software, and leadership development support.  

The programme is being delivered from April 2025 and has been extended until the end of March 2027. Please see the eligibility criteria below. 

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Made Smarter adoption in the South East
Who is delivering the Made Smarter adoption programme in the South East

Made Smarter South East includes Berkshire, Brighton & Hove, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Medway, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Solent, Surrey and West Sussex, with Surrey County Council acting as lead body for delivery.

Localised advice and support

Our Digital Transformation Specialists will assess each business that registers with the programme to ensure they are given the specialist support they need.

We will then help you to develop an action plan for adopting digital technology. This roadmap may include a leadership development programme, being offered a digital internship placement, or receiving a match funded grant.

Localised digital transformation workshops

We aim to connect makers to the digital tools that will help to transform the way they work. The programme will grow eligible SMEs through emerging digital technology and help them to cut costs, go to market faster, improve efficiency and reduce downtime.

A detailed diagnostic and assessment process will help firms to develop a strategic action plan towards Industrial Digital Technologies (IDT) Adoption. This includes investment recommendations within the business case.

Localised leadership development

The South East Adoption Leadership programme is delivered in partnership with the University of Salford. It offers online learning sessions, supported by collaborative events dependent on the requirements of the business.

Localised funding support

  • Up to 50% match funding (Maximum of £20,000) is available for equipment (hardware or software)

  • Guidance on creating an effective digital roadmap to ensure the technology is taking your business in the right direction.

Eligibility criteria for SME manufacturers, makers and creators:

  • Fewer than 250 employees

  • Annual turnover below £44m

  • Received under £315k in State aid in last 3 years

  • Include UK based manufacturing / production processes within business

  • Not part of a larger group or owned by Private Equity. 

Case Studies - Our impact as told by our clients
General Engine Management Systems Limited
Motorsport electronics specialist accelerates digital transformation for growth

General Engine Management Systems Limited (GEMS), based in Egham, has secured a Made Smarter South East grant towards an £18,000 investment in an automated testing platform that will boost production capacity, improve product reliability and free engineers from repetitive manual testing to focus on innovation. Alongside the investment, the business has also completed the Leading Digital Transformation programme. 

Case Study - General Engine Management Systems Limited
Cocoba Chocolate
Cocoba sweetens growth plans through digital transformation

Cocoba Chocolate is increasing production capacity and laying the foundations for future growth after investing in new production technology with Made Smarter South East. 

The project will significantly increase production capacity, improve efficiency and enable the business to expand its product range while maintaining the premium quality its customers expect.

Case Study - Cocoba Chocolate
Mackenzie Thorpe
Internationally renowned artist's manufacturing business sculpts a digital future

The Hove manufacturer behind internationally renowned artist Mackenzie Thorpe's prints and sculptures is embracing digital transformation to support its global growth. 

The business turns Mackenzie's original artwork into limited-edition pieces and sculptures for galleries and customers around the world, while his collectors include famous names such as the late Queen Elizabeth II, JK Rowling and Tom Hardy. 

Managing an international production and distribution operation involving specialist foundries in the UK, US and Thailand, the business is working with Made Smarter South East to build the leadership, skills and digital strategy needed for its next phase of growth. 

Case Study - Mackenzie Thorpe