Meet the Made Smarter North West Team

Mike began his career at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North West (AMRC NW), initially working as a project engineer in additive manufacturing, with a particular focus on novel metal technologies. Part of his role involved delivering technical assistance to Lancashire-based SMEs, primarily manufacturers, giving him an early insight into both the opportunities offered by emerging technologies and the practical challenges smaller businesses can face when adopting them.

After relocating to Manchester, Mike joined the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC) as a Technology Consultant, shifting his technical focus towards robotics and automation. His work involved supporting SMEs across Greater Manchester to introduce novel technologies, improve processes and develop their workforces.

It was through these roles that Mike became increasingly familiar with Made Smarter.

“I got to hear directly from clients just how impactful Made Smarter could be,” Mike said. “I have seen first-hand how Made Smarter funding can transform an investment which didn't have an acceptable return into a genuine opportunity for a manufacturer. That feels like a good thing to be part of.

Mike believes the breadth of businesses and technologies he has encountered will be particularly valuable in his new role.

“I've worked across additive manufacturing, robotics and automation, so I've got a good overview of a lot of advanced manufacturing technologies. But I've also worked with a lot of different companies.

“Chances are, if a manufacturer is facing a particular problem, I'll have seen another business facing something similar and have some understanding of how they went about solving it.”

While artificial intelligence represents an obvious opportunity for manufacturers, Mike believes the challenge is moving beyond its use by senior leadership teams and finding practical applications throughout businesses, including on the shop floor.

“Used correctly, AI can democratise knowledge, save time on technical and non-technical tasks, and help businesses understand and make better use of their data,” he said.

“Like more traditional automation, it's about using technology to allow people to concentrate on the work they're best at.

“I'd also love to see sustainability and employee wellbeing become bigger drivers for change. Technology can help with both, and I hope we're increasingly seeing manufacturers recognise that valuing people and planet isn't simply a cost, but can be a competitive advantage.”

That people-centred philosophy also shapes Mike's approach to working with manufacturers. Rather than arriving with predetermined answers, he believes the starting point should always be the knowledge that already exists within the business.

“No one knows a business and its processes better than the people working in it,” he said.

“I see my job as helping manufacturers access insight, contacts and practical guidance that sit beyond their day-to-day operations, while drawing out the knowledge they already have.

“That could mean introducing them to a machine supplier, sense-checking a job specification, or simply asking the obvious questions that challenge ‘the way we've always done it’.

“Ideally, I want to give businesses enough information to reach a confident decision themselves. I'm also happy to say when there are more informed people to talk to, and my network means I can usually point them in the right direction.”

For Mike, the measure of success in his new role is ultimately straightforward.