Business leaders from across the South East have shared reflections on their experience of the Made Smarter Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme, highlighting the early impact of the 14-week leadership journey on their strategy, confidence and digital capability.
The 17-strong cohort represents manufacturers from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, East Sussex and West Sussex, covering sectors from precision engineering and composites to signage, heritage craft and furniture manufacturing.
While each business is at a different point in its digital journey, their reflections reveal common themes around strategic clarity, renewed confidence, fresh perspectives and the value of peer support. Below, leaders share their experiences in full.
“Running a busy SME makes it difficult to step back and take a longer-term view, especially when new technologies are creating both challenges and opportunities. The programme has given me space to pause and consider where we are heading, and how digital tools can accelerate that journey. Working through models with tutors and peers has helped to clarify our strategy and implementation plans.”
Phil Rawnson, Managing Director of MRT Castings (Andover, Hampshire)
“Taking part in the Digital Leadership Programme has been a refreshing opportunity to step out of the day-to-day rat race and spend focused time thinking about how to push the business forward.
Having a peer group to ask questions, share ideas with, and learn from has been a real highlight. I have come away with some fantastic tools that will help us put our vision and strategy clearly on paper, and it has been transformative to look at the business through a wider lens rather than being caught up in day-to-day operations.
The programme leaders have been deeply knowledgeable, engaged, and genuinely passionate, which has made the whole experience both insightful and inspiring.”
Keighley Clay, Director of Philip Clay (Wooburn Green, Buckinghamshire)
“I originally joined the programme while preparing to invest in our first robot, but the early learning has been so valuable that I have paused the funding submission to consider our wider opportunities. The tools and models we have explored are simple but powerful, and taking time away from day-to-day pressures to re-evaluate what really matters has been extremely helpful.
We have already used the ‘Plan on a Page’ to distill our strategy and priorities into a clear, one-page document that we can communicate across the business, and we plan to cascade this approach to our next level of management. We are now appraising a number of digital and automated initiatives and exploring the potential of bringing an intern into the business to support these projects.”
Ian Peers, Operations Director of Ercol (Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire)
“The programme stood out as an exceptional opportunity to access expert guidance on automation and digital technologies. The diagnostic tools have encouraged me to step back and analyse the business with a fresh perspective. The shared learning environment has strengthened my confidence and helped me explore new ways of tackling long-standing issues.”
Michael Setek, Founder of Art4Site (Ashford, Kent)
“The regular in-person and online meetings, where we can openly share the challenges we face each week, have been incredibly valuable. The issues I bring to the group are always met with practical advice from others who have faced and overcome similar problems, and that support alone makes the programme worth the time.
The visit to Middlesex University was a real eye-opener and an opportunity to learn so much in a short space of time. It has inspired me to explore a project that could help us make a key process more efficient and reduce waste.
We have already changed the way we run our weekly meetings to get more out of the team, and we are beginning to implement several other ideas that have come directly from the programme.
I have been recommending the programme to other business leaders. It is a fantastic resource for anyone who is open to new ideas and prepared to put them into practice.”
Nicholas Humphery-Smith, Managing Director of Ancestors Group (Folkestone, Kent)
“The Made Smarter programme is a fantastic initiative that helps SMEs like Brick Kiln Composites understand and exploit digital opportunities. As we look toward Industry 5.0, it is imperative that we harness advanced technologies to support every stage of the manufacturing process. From procurement to quality assurance, digital technologies can and will transform the way we work for the better, creating positive change for both employees and customers.”
Josh Tee, HR and Operations Manager at Brick Kiln Composites (Banbury, Oxfordshire)
“Cambertronics is entering an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation, supported by the Made Smarter Leadership Programme. By embracing digital transformation, we are streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and creating opportunities to deliver even greater value to our customers. This investment ensures we can respond faster, offer new services, and maintain the quality and expertise our customers trust, while building a future-ready business.”
Jasper Whitefield, Business Development Manager at Cambertronics (Cranleigh, Surrey)
Made Smarter South East is now encouraging more manufacturers to join future cohorts and be part of a growing community shaping the region’s industrial future.