This month sees the launch of new cohorts of Made Smarter Yorkshire’s Digital Manufacturing Champions and Digital Manufacturing Leadership programmes.
Delivered in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, the fully funded courses are helping SME manufacturers strengthen leadership capability, improve productivity and confidently manage digital change.
As a new group of delegates begin their journey, previous participants share just how powerful the impact can be, not just on systems and processes, but on people.
Making Digital Change Manageable
For many manufacturing leaders, digital transformation can feel complex and disruptive. One of the biggest shifts reported by previous cohorts is a change in mindset.
Jo Young, Managing Director of Additive-X, a 3D printing technology solutions provider, described how her perspective evolved during the programme:
“Transformation used to sound like one huge, overwhelming project. Now I see it as a series of manageable steps. The programme has helped me be better at my job, and it will be the most successful digital project I have implemented in my 20-plus years of running Additive-X.”
Justin Bartlett, Managing Director of hardwood furniture manufacturer Treske Furniture, said the programme helped him focus not just on what could be done, but what should be done.
“Made Smarter helped me understand, as a business owner, not just what can be done, but what we should be doing. The course brought together people facing very different challenges, but in reality we were all tackling the same issue, how you implement systems in a way that works for people.”
For Claire Pedley, Director of bespoke concrete design manufacturer The Poured Project, the shift was equally powerful.
“The biggest takeaway for me was that change isn’t scary, it’s brave and can be supported.”
Building Confidence to Lead
As manufacturing markets evolve, leadership confidence is becoming as important as technical capability.
Deepu Mathews Chirappuram, Head of Automation at GMP Manufacturing, a contract drug manufacturer working across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and healthcare, said: “Overall, the programme has strengthened my leadership capability and given me the confidence to drive meaningful digital initiatives, ensuring the business remains competitive and agile in an increasingly technology-driven industry.”
Kieran Samuels, Operations Manager at Metal Depot, a manufacturer of street furniture and metal fabrications, described leaving each session with “greater confidence, clarity, and the motivation to begin making positive changes within my work.”
Across sectors, from heavy engineering to design-led manufacturing, delegates describe renewed assurance in their ability to lead change.
Robert Steadman, Engineering Manager at The Water Hydraulics Company, which manufactures pumps, motors, valves and power packs, said: “The programme has already given me practical tools and frameworks to think strategically about technology adoption and change management. We’re starting to apply these insights in the business, and I can already see the potential for improved efficiency and growth.”
At Trust Electric Heating, manufacturer of electric radiators, Installations Manager Kostas Charalampous said the course gave him “practical tools to improve communication, decision-making and team engagement,” while Operations Manager Gia Conor said it reinforced “the importance of collaboration, continuous improvement and leading by example.”
Kevin Hart, Operations Manager at marine and agricultural paints manufacturer Teal & Mackrill, said the programme provided “a fresh perspective on how operations are carried out and the benefits digital change can deliver.”
The focus is not theoretical. It is about equipping leaders with frameworks they can use immediately.
Leading People Through Change
A consistent message from delegates is that successful digital transformation depends on people.
Dr Marshall Booth, Technical Director at Andel, manufacturer of specialist leak detection and environmental protection systems, said: “Helping people get on board with change, especially when they have been working in the same way for more than 20 years, can be the biggest challenge when making significant changes.”
Jack Margerison, Design Engineer at Point Engineering, a specialist door and hatch manufacturer, said the programme highlighted the importance of “bringing people with you, supporting employees to adapt and respond positively, while keeping them confident and engaged throughout the process.”
Digital change, in practice, is cultural change.
Learning Together, Growing Together
Another recurring benefit is peer learning.
Chloe Shields, Director at bulk material handling business Shields, said open discussions with other manufacturers provided insights “that would not otherwise be accessible,” particularly around systems and improvement approaches.
By bringing together leaders from pharmaceuticals, furniture, engineering, coatings, fabrication and advanced manufacturing, the programmes create a network of businesses learning from one another’s real-world experiences.
Strengthening Yorkshire’s Manufacturing Future
Since 2021, 88 manufacturing businesses from all four corners of the region have built digital leadership capability through Made Smarter Yorkshire.
With new cohorts launching soon, manufacturers are encouraged to register their interest via the Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber website or contact their local Business Relationship Manager directly to discuss course schedules and secure places.