Practical Digital Adoption for Manufacturers in the East Midlands

Made Smarter East Midlands invites micro and SME manufacturers across the East Midlands to a free, practical technology transfer event focused on how digital technologies are being adopted in real manufacturing environments - what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid costly trial and error. 

11 March | 8:00 – 12 University of Derby Enterprise Centre 
Free to attend | Free parking | Complimentary welcome breakfast 

This practical, half-day event is designed for manufacturers who want clear, operational insight into digital adoption. The morning will showcase how businesses across the region are using digital tools to improve efficiency, reduce human error, support their workforce, and stay competitive. 

The event will begin with a networking breakfast, giving attendees the opportunity to connect informally with fellow manufacturers, Made Smarter advisers, and delivery partners before the sessions begin. 

Following a short welcome and introduction, the focus turns to real Made Smarter journeys. Three manufacturing businesses will take part in a panel-style Q&A, sharing their experiences of working with the programme, the support they accessed, and the impact digital technologies have had on their operations. 

After a short break, the morning moves into a deeper dive on delivery through digital internships. Three digital interns will be joined by their business sponsors in a head-to-head discussion, showcasing the projects they have worked on together and how fully funded support has enabled real digital change on the factory floor. 

The final session will spotlight our Industrial Digital Technologies Accelerator (IDTA) supported projects, with providers and their beneficiary manufacturers, talking through real digital projects they have delivered or are currently involved in, sharing practical lessons and transferable insight. 

The event will close with further networking, offering time to speak directly with Made Smarter advisers and delivery partners and find out more about the fully funded support available, including digital interns, grant funding, specialist advice, short courses, and HR consultancy support. 

Places are limited and booking is essential. 

Businesses that do not attend may miss out on practical insight, peer learning, and funded opportunities that are already helping manufacturers like them move faster with digital adoption. 

Agenda 

08:00 – 08:30 
Networking Breakfast 

08:30 – 08:50 
Welcome and Introduction 

08:50 – 09:35 
Made Smarter Journeys 
Panel-style Q&A with three Made Smarter beneficiary manufacturers 

09:35 – 10:00 
Coffee Break 

10:00 – 11:00 
Digital Internship Showcases 
Three interns and their business sponsors discuss their projects and outcomes 

11:00 – 11:40 
IDTA Project Showcases 
Providers (and beneficiaries where possible) share real digital projects