Made Smarter East Midlands is a UK government initiative promoting digital technology adoption in manufacturing.

Are you a small or medium-sized manufacturer looking to grow, streamline operations, or future-proof your business?

Digital technology is helping micro and SME manufacturers work smarter, grow faster, and stay competitive. Here’s how it can benefit your business:

  • Boost productivity by automating tasks and reducing downtime
  • Cut costs by using fewer resources and minimising waste
  • Make better decisions with real-time data and clearer insights
  • Empower your team with tools that support their skills and boost performance

What support is available?

The programme offers fully funded, expert advice tailored to your business, with support available across key areas including: additive manufacturing (3D printing), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), big data and analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data and systems integration, industrial cyber security, the Internet of Things and cyber-physical systems (e.g. sensors, barcodes, RFID, NFC), mobile and wearable devices, and robotics, process control, and automation.

Learn more about Made Smarter
How Made Smarter East Midlands can help
  • Expert guidance to create a clear digital roadmap tailored to your business
  • Up to £20,000 match funding to invest in the right technology
  • Funded Digital interns to bring fresh skills and support to your workforce
  • Leadership training to build confidence and digital know-how at every level
  • Practical technical training sessions to upskill your team and support implementation
  • Expert HR consultancy support to manage change and prepare your workforce for the future.
Made Smarter East Midlands can help if you:
  • Make a physical product
  • Are based in Greater Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire or Nottinghamshire
  • Are a Micro, Small or Medium Manufacturer with 1 – 249 employees
  • An annual turnover not exceeding £50 million
Speak with a Made Smarter advisor
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Hear how Made Smarter has supported manufacturers
Rutland Plastics
Accelerates Their Digital Journey through Made Smarter East Midlands

Rutland Plastics has always been recognised for its technical expertise in injection moulding.

Their consistent drive for improvement has helped the family-run company, and major local employer, grow steadily over the past 70 years whilst facing various economic crises.

Rutland Plastics has a long history of working with customers, both domestic and international, helping them with design for manufacture, manufacture of mould tools and production of injection moulded plastic parts. Rutland Plastics manufactures a wide variety of plastic parts from everyday household items for small and major brands through to medical parts and even large-scale infrastructure components weighing up to 45 kilograms.

Case Study - Rutland Plastics
Label Apeel
Leading the Way in Digital Transformation

Label Apeel has a long history of excellence in delivering high-quality label printing and decoration services. 

Founded in the early 1980s, the company has grown from a small garage operation into a leading UK print manufacturer, serving various industries, including beers, wines, spirits, cosmetics, beauty, luxury food, and sports nutrition.
As a family-owned business, Label Apeel prides itself on maintaining world-class levels of customer satisfaction.
Recently, they started on a digital transformation journey with the support of Made Smarter East Midlands to enhance their operational efficiency and customer service

Case Study - Label Apeel
Skipper’s Pet Products Ltd
Driving Growth with Digital Innovation

Founded in 2013 by former fish merchant Steve Moore and based in Grimsby, UK, Skipper’s Pet Products Ltd specialises in manufacturing and retailing high-quality, natural pet treats made from sustainably sourced fish.

With a strong commitment to pet health and nutrition, the company has developed a loyal customer base.

While they have successfully integrated digital technology into its e-commerce operations, its largely manual production processes created inefficiencies that limited growth potential.

Case Study: Skipper’s Pet Products Ltd
Tom Pearson & Sons Ltd
Tradition Meets Innovation

Tom Pearson & Sons Ltd is a fourth-generation family business based in Holmesfield, established in 1908.

Initially, the company focussed on maintaining farms and homes in the local area, working with properties and families they have served since their inception. Today, the company specialises in the manufacture and installation of bespoke joinery products, tailored to clients’ specifications in a well-equipped workshop.

Case Study - Tom Pearson & Sons Ltd
Heat Seal Trade Windows
From Tradition to Technology

How Heat Seal Trade Windows Embraced Digital Innovation

Founded in 2003, Heat Seal Trade Windows (trading as HS Trade) has established itself as a leader in manufacturing high-quality uPVC windows and doors for trade customers across the UK. With a commitment to exceptional quality, competitive pricing, and unrivalled customer service, HS Trade has built a strong reputation among installers nationwide. 

Case Study - Heat Seal Trade Windows