How Digital Champions are Transforming Manufacturing Across the North West

Since its launch in 2023, nine cohorts of 84 people from 53 companies have completed the fully-funded training, which combines workshops, coaching, and a visit to Amazon’s fulfilment centre. The result is a growing peer network of digital champions who are helping their businesses overcome barriers, improve communication, and embed new technologies.

From Cheshire to Cumbria, Greater Manchester to Lancashire, and across the Liverpool City Region, businesses of all sizes and sectors are discovering the value of putting people first in digital change.

In Cumbria, participants have included Bakes by Gina (Whitehaven), an artisan bakery, Firpress Ltd (Workington), a print business, and Sidas UK (Kendal), specialists in orthopaedic footwear, insoles and footcare products.

Neil Gibbons, Operations Director, Sidas UK, said: “For me, the programme worked because it linked strategy with people. It reinforced the importance of communication and collaboration, and gave me new ways to bring our workforce with us on the digital journey.”

Nicole Rylands, Purchasing & Admin, Sidas UK, added: “The tour and workshops were engaging and supportive. What I took away most is that successful change happens when everyone understands why it matters. LCDC helped me see how I can communicate that message in our business.”

Greater Manchester has produced the largest group of participants, reflecting the depth and diversity of its manufacturing base.

In Bolton, companies such as Carrs Pasties, a well-known bakery brand, and AJAX Equipment, a leading bulk handling equipment manufacturer, took part alongside Bindatex, Halite Global, Silcoms and Velden Engineering.

Jamie Eckersley, Retail Team Manager, Carrs Pasties, said: “The Amazon tour was inspiring, but the workshop was where I saw how those ideas could be applied in our business. LCDC is about equipping people like me to lead conversations and bring colleagues along on the journey.”

In Rochdale, participants included Hilton Docker, a manufacturer of fibreglass moulds and components for commercial vehicles, as well as A & D Sports, Ace Polishing Services and Premium Fabrications.

Jake Nicklin, Design Engineer, Hilton Docker, said: “Because I have a good rapport with both the workshop and the office teams, the LCDC programme gave me the tools to turn that into something practical, strategies for overcoming resistance and leading change in a way that builds confidence, not fear.

“The programme has confirmed the approach we are taking here at Hilton Docker. By starting small, like introducing QR code scans on smartphones, we’ve shown colleagues the benefits of digital tools. That’s exactly what LCDC is about, giving people across the workforce the confidence to embrace technology and make change feel natural.”

Stockport firms included Firstplay Dietary Foods, specialists in nutritional and dietary products, alongside Arden Group and Massey & Harris. Elsewhere, Salford’s ATEC Engineering Solutions and Radcliffe’s AV Metals have taken part, alongside Manchester companies Bartell Cottage Furnishings and The Bubble Panda.

Charlie Rooms, Extrusion, Blending and VFFS Operator, Firstplay Dietary Foods, said: “LCDC gave me simple tools to understand change and explain it to others. It made me realise that digital champions don’t need to be experts, they just need to help people adapt.”

From Wigan, businesses including C-Tec, Elan Europe, Leighton Packaging and Spanjer Chemicals have participated. There has also been strong engagement from Oldham, with Precision Palletts, manufacturers of wooden pallets and packaging solutions, joining Fireroof Fire Engineering, Liversidge Windows & Doors, Promac Precision and Stream Measurement. 

Barbara Sykes, Office Manager, Precision Pallets, said: “The programme opened my eyes to the role I can play in digital transformation, even from an office-based role. It’s not just about systems, it’s about making sure people are ready and confident to use them. I really enjoyed the Amazon tour and found the workshops particularly effective. It gave me a fresh view of how digital change can make a difference in everyday roles.”

Scott Mulhall, Team Leader at Precision Pallets, said: “I found the sessions really informative. They gave me confidence in how I can play a role in driving change, even from the shopfloor. It showed me that digital adoption isn’t just a management issue, everyone has a part to play.”

Other participants include JM Heaford in Trafford, Mactapes in Stalybridge, Northpoint Group in Dukinfield, and Newland Engineering in Hyde, which produces conveyors and materials handling equipment.

Will Sowerby, Engineer at Newland Engineering, said: “The programme was clear, engaging, and practical. It showed me that leading change doesn’t need to be complicated, it’s about helping people understand the benefits. The workshops helped me understand how small changes in leadership and communication can make a big difference when introducing new technology.”

For many of these companies, LCDC has been about more than technology, it has been about people leading change.

In Lancashire, the mix of participants shows how LCDC can support both heritage manufacturers and cutting-edge businesses.

In Darwen, electrical enclosure and sheet metal producer Ritherdon took part alongside Darwen Terracotta, specialists in traditional architectural ceramics. 

Brian Derbyshire, Director, Ritherdon, said: “The Amazon tour was a reminder of what is possible with the right tools, and I’m keen to explore some of that technology further. The workshop was extremely useful in helping me think about how to apply these ideas and engage our team in the process. LCDC showed me that success comes from engaging colleagues at every level of the business.”

In Preston, companies included Fylde Electronic Laboratories, a manufacturer of precision electronic instrumentation, as well as Gardner Engineering, Jonesco and Sona Shades.

Charlotte Crossley, ISO Manager, Fylde Electronic Laboratories, said: “I valued being in a relaxed environment where I could learn from other companies. It showed me that every business faces challenges with change, but by sharing experiences and supporting each other, we can make adoption easier and more effective.”

Burnley was represented by Arc Elevators and Rapid IT, while Burscough’s Additive Manufacturing Solutions and Lancaster’s Advanced Bacterial Sciences highlight the county’s strengths in new technologies. Meanwhile, Walker Engineering (NW) Ltd, based in Pimbo, also completed the training.

In the Liverpool City Region, the programme has supported a wide mix of companies including CNC Robotics, pioneers in advanced robotic machining, Happy Drinks Group, a soft drinks manufacturer, and Camper Camper, which converts and manufactures campervans.

Kevin Kewley, Ecommerce and Marketing Manager, Camper Camper, reflected: “The workshop was well presented and gave me practical insights into how to lead change. What stood out was learning that digital transformation isn’t just about technology, it’s about getting people on board and creating a culture that embraces new ways of working.”

In Cheshire, businesses included The Mountain Trike Co (Nantwich), which manufactures all-terrain wheelchairs, Altimex (Chester), specialists in electronics and LED technology, XL Engineering Trading Ltd (Sandbach), The Eclectic Lifestyle Company (Cheshire West), and Somerford Equipment Ltd (Sandbach).

Their diversity shows the breadth of LCDC’s impact, from mobility solutions and electronics to heavy engineering and consumer lifestyle goods. By equipping delegates from the shopfloor to office staff, these companies are building confidence and new skills to take digital steps forward.

By creating a peer network that connects companies across sub-regions and sectors, LCDC is showing that digital transformation is not just about systems or software – it’s about people. Delegates are proving that by building confidence, sharing ideas, and supporting one another, change can be embedded smoothly and sustainably.

The next LCDC cohort begins in November, with workshops on the 18th and 25th. North West manufacturers are encouraged to register their interest here: https://www.madesmarter.uk