Think you really understand ‘digitalisation’? You probably feel like you ought to. But when you’re new to digital technologies, there’s no shame in not being 100% clued up.  

A third of manufacturers say they need advice when it comes to adopting new technology.  

There are numerous digital tools you could select, but the challenge is knowing which are right for your business needs. You need to weigh up the benefits, impacts, costs and the practicalities of implementation. You may even be questioning if your business is ready for new technology.  

Are you tech savvy but would like to access the latest digital insights, or are you feeling a little bewildered and are not sure where to start? Made Smarter can help.  

Our advisers provide impartial, specialist advice to help you identify your biggest business challenges and the digital solutions which could help you overcome them. But it doesn’t end there, we will discuss your processes, people, culture and change management to get your organisation ready for digital adoption. Plus, we can help you to develop your own digital leadership to fill a skills gap within your business.

What advice is available?

Our digital technology advisers will work with you to understand your organisation’s biggest challenges and identify growth opportunities. Our approach is to give you practical steps and technology solutions that are tailored to your particular requirements. 

We cut through all the jargon and sales to provide honest advice on what technology is most effective to overcome your operational challenges. Our impartial experts will work with you to identify where value can be added across your operations through emerging technologies.  

Localised support for adoption
  • East Midlands

    If you are a small or medium-sized manufacturer in the East Midlands, you can access: 

     

    Learn more about the Made Smarter adoption support offered in the East Midlands

    Made Smarter East Midlands is delivered by the Lincolnshire County Council on behalf of the East Midlands Cluster.

  • East Of England

    If you are a small or medium-sized manufacturer based in the East of England, we’re here to help you take the next step on your digital journey. You can access: 

    • A personalised plan for digital transformation, supported by a manufacturing expert
    • Digital consultancy, provided to help you execute your plan
    • Support for digital change management to empower you and your team 
    • Access to funding to help with the purchase of new technology and equipment 
    • A peer-to-peer network of manufacturers coming together to create best practice and state their case for additional support

    Learn more about the Made Smarter in the East of England by signing up here.

    The programme is delivered by the Norfolk County Council and supports Essex, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

  • London

    The Made Smarter adoption programme aims to empower and support London's manufacturing businesses. Delivered by London & Partners on behalf of the Greater London Authority, the programme offers bespoke digital technology advice, strategic support, and a blend of in-person and remote workshops to help businesses identify and implement effective digital solutions.

    If you are a small or medium-sized manufacturer based in London, you can access:

    • Impartial advice and guidance from digital technology specialists
    • A digital acceleration session and bespoke digital roadmap for your business
    • Advice on how to ensure your people, culture and organisation are ready for digital transformation
    • Match funded grants of up to £20K for the purchase of hardware and software
    • Leadership & Management Training programme
    • Organisational Workforce Development programme
    • A digital intern to help with your technology strategy or implementation.

    The programme is delivered by London & Partners on behalf of the Greater London Authority. 

    Learn more about the Made Smarter adoption support in London.

  • North East

    If you are a small or medium-sized manufacturer based in the North East, you can access: 

    Learn more about the Made Smarter adoption support offer in the North East

    The programme is delivered by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP) and Tees Valley Business

  • North West

    If you are a small or medium-sized manufacturer based in the North West, you can access: 

    Learn more about the Made Smarter adoption support offer in the North West

    The programme is delivered by The Growth Company in conjunction with Boost, the Business Growth Hub, Cheshire and Warrington LEP, Cumbria LEP, and The Growth Platform. 

  • West Midlands

    If you are a small or medium-sized manufacturer in the West Midlands, you can access: 

    Learn more about the Made Smarter adoption support offer in the West Midlands

    The programme is delivered by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub, in-conjunction with the Growth Hubs in Greater Birmingham and Solihull, the Black Country, Worcestershire Business Central, The Marches, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. 

  • South East

    If you are a small or medium-sized manufacturer or maker based in the South East, you can access:

    • Impartial advice and guidance from digital technology specialists
    • A diagnostic workshop and bespoke digital roadmap for your business
    • Advice on how to ensure your people, culture and organisation are ready for digital transformation
    • Match funded grants of up to £20K for the purchase of hardware
    • Digital Champions workforce development programme
    • A funded digital intern to help with your technology strategy or implementation. 

    Learn more about the Made Smarter adoption support offer in the South East

    The programme is delivered by Surrey County Council, acting as lead body across Berkshire, Brighton & Hove, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Medway, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Solent, Surrey and West Sussex.

  • South West

    If you are a small or medium-sized manufacturer based in the South West, you can access:

    • Impartial advice and guidance from digital technology specialists - Register for a fully-funded assessment
    • A fully funded digital acceleration session and bespoke digital roadmap for your business
    • Fully funded advice on how to ensure your people, culture and organisation are ready for digital transformation
    • Match funded grants of up to £20K for the purchase of hardware and software
    • Fully funded digital transformation training programme
    • A fully funded digital intern to help with your technology strategy or implementation. 

    Register here to be part of the Made Smarter South West programme

    The programme is led by The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and Cornwall Council in conjunction with The West of England Growth Hub,  The University of the West of England, SWMAS and The National Composites Centre amongst other delivery providers.

    To be eligible for support, SMEs must be registered and/or trading in the South West.

  • Yorkshire and the Humber

    If you're a small or medium-sized manufacturer based in Yorkshire, Made Smarter can help you adopt digital technology, with expert guidance, funded training, and grants of up to £20,000.

    What's on offer:

    • Impartial advice & a digital roadmap — our advisors assess your readiness and create a tailored transformation plan
    • Intensive Technical Support — consultancy-led projects with up to 50% match funding
    • Digital Technology Grants — up to £20,000 match-funded for capital investment
    • Digital Manufacturing Leadership — Equipping leaders with knowledge, strategy, and confidence to drive successful digital transformation
    • Digital Manufacturing Champions — A hands-on skills programme for operational managers and supervisors, providing a practical toolkit to lead and deliver digital adoption projects on the shopfloor
    • Fully Funded Digital Internships — up to 12 weeks / 480 hours of student talent

    Learn more about the Made Smarter adoption support offer in Yorkshire and the Humber


    The programme is delivered by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority.

  • Other regions

    An adoption programme is not currently available in your region, but there are a variety of other digital support programmes available across the UK. Please contact your local Business Growth Hub to see what else is available in your area or find out more about Made Smarter innovation programmes [link to innovation] 

Register with Made Smarter
Find out how Made Smarter can support your digital journey.
Register now