When you think of manufacturing, you might imagine factory floors, production lines and heavy machinery. But the Made Smarter programme recognises that manufacturing happens in all sorts of spaces - from industrial units to artisan workshops, from tech labs to creative studios.
If you're making a tangible product, you're likely eligible - and some of the businesses on the programme might surprise you.
Made Smarter South East supports SME manufacturers and makers across the region, and that ‘makers’ part is crucial. Here are some examples of the businesses being supported by Made Smarter right now.
Strictly shoemaker
Milton Keynes-based International Dance Shoes, a world-renowned manufacturer of dance shoes for BBC’s Strictly and the West End, is just one business benefiting from the Made Smarter programme.
The 44-year-old family business is known for its craftsmanship, and is now focused on improving efficiency and embracing digital tools to support sustainable growth.
Justin Patel, Managing Director, said: “We’ve built our reputation on quality and personal service, but as our order volumes grow and we move into new markets, we’re feeling the limitations of manual systems.
“We’re now exploring how more intelligent and advanced machinery can help operational efficiency as well as ERP (enterprise resource planning) solutions to integrate production, sales, and inventory, along with CRM (customer relationship management) tools to improve how we manage customer interactions.
“With Made Smarter’s guidance, we’re shaping a plan that allows us to scale more efficiently while maintaining the personal touch and product quality our customers expect.”
Brownie Baker
The Homemade Brownie Co. (based in Basingstoke) is a manufacturer of award-winning brownies and gluten-free and vegan treats.
Adam Bland, owner of the baking business, said: “We have built a strong brand and product range, but there is room to improve how we manage stock, fulfil orders, and connect systems across the business.”
Made Smarter has helped him tackle those areas, and he added: “The workshop helped us map out a realistic, step-by-step approach to scaling our operations while maintaining the quality and customer experience we are known for.”
He’ll now be exploring automating packing label generation, integrating online channels and replacing business management software.
Art Prints
Wye-based Art4Site is a fine art printing firm. It produces high-quality physical prints for artists, illustrators, photographers and publishers nationwide.
Founder Michael Setek, said: “We built a strong foundation using custom tools, but we are now looking for smarter ways to streamline how we work, improve reliability and reduce waste.”
Michael said the programme has given him the direction and confidence to identify which digital upgrades would have the most impact in the business.
He added: “We are exploring options such as workflow dashboards for better visibility, AI-powered tools for image checking, and cloud storage to support collaboration. We are also looking at upgrading our production printer and adopting automated accounting software to reduce manual admin.
“Importantly, all of this aligns with our sustainability goals, from reducing paper waste to expanding the use of solar energy and eco-friendly materials.”
Campervan Conversions
Bear Hug Campers (in Hampshire), converts vehicles into bespoke camper vans. The firm is now shifting from fully custom builds to a more scalable, product-oriented model.
John Stuckey, founder, said: “We have always put creativity and connection at the heart of what we do, but we have reached a stage where we need smarter systems and manufacturing processes to help us grow without losing that personal touch.”
With support from Made Smarter, the firm is now looking at mapping out what growth looks like, building in repeatable production processes, as well as exploring bringing in a computer-aided design intern.
“Made Smarter has helped us see that digital transformation does not mean losing our identity, it means strengthening it for the next stage,” John said.
High-tech electronics
Cambertronics represents what most people picture when they hear ‘manufacturing’. The electronics manufacturer makes high-tech electronic assemblies for the automotive, marine, agritech, semiconductor test and industrial electronics sectors.
Jasper Whitefield, Business Development Manager at the Surrrey-based firm, said: “We have invested heavily in advanced manufacturing equipment over the years, but many of our systems, from tracking production to managing inventory, still rely on manual input. We wanted to explore how digital technology could help us improve traceability, streamline processes, and get better visibility across the business.”
The team took part in Made Smarter’s Digital Transformation Workshop, which Jasper said was ‘incredibly valuable’.
“It helped us identify the right areas to prioritise, including automated barcoding systems, ERP integration, leadership training and staff development,” he added. “We now have a clear plan and are already looking at the best technology and support available to take the next step.”
Is your business eligible for Made Smarter support?
Made Smarter supports a diverse range of businesses spanning different industries with one connecting thread - every business produces a physical product. It doesn't matter if you work from a small workshop, produce in batches, create bespoke items or consider yourself a ‘creative’ business first. If you're transforming materials into finished products, you're manufacturing - and you're eligible for Made Smarter support.
What Made Smarter offers
Regardless of whether you run a precision engineering firm or bake brownies, if you’re making a tangible product, you can apply for:
● Match-funding up to £20,000 (50% contribution)
● Expert guidance for your specific processes
● Bespoke digital roadmap tailored to your industry
● Leadership and workforce training
● Fully-funded student internship (up to 300 hours).
How to apply
Find out more about Made Smarter South East and how to apply at: www.madesmarter.uk/adoption/in-my-region/south-east/