Tabasum ‘Tabs’ Khojani joins Made Smarter as a Technology Adoption Specialist, bringing 20 years of experience working within Greater Manchester's innovation and business support ecosystem and helping businesses explore the opportunities offered by digital technology.
Her career has spanned sales, business development, and project and programme management, with her early experience in sales developing skills in resilience, communication and relationship-building. Over the last two decades, she has increasingly focused on innovation and digital technology-led programmes, working with businesses open to embracing change and exploring new ways to grow.
I've always been energised by businesses that are open to innovation and change, especially through digital technology, because for me this is where real transformational leadership and growth happens.
Most recently, Tabs worked at the Northern Engineering and Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC) at the University of Salford. She joined before the centre had opened its doors and helped mobilise and deliver an £18 million government-funded programme connecting manufacturers with robotics, automation and digital technologies.
“It was incredibly rewarding to see the centre grow and go on to secure further investment and support even more businesses across Greater Manchester,” she said.
Alongside her professional career, Tabs completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Senior Leadership and Management, strengthening her expertise in leadership, strategic thinking and organisational development.
For Tabs, joining Made Smarter feels like a natural next step, bringing together many of the things she has enjoyed throughout her career: working directly with manufacturers, building long-term relationships and helping businesses use technology to address real challenges.
“The thing that drew me most to the role was the privilege and opportunity to work directly with manufacturing leaders and be their critical friend and adviser throughout their digital transformation journey,” she said.
“I get to understand where their pain points lie and then provide the right expertise, connections and support to help them embrace technology in a practical way that brings real value to their people and their business.”
Having previously collaborated with Made Smarter, Tabs had also seen the programme from the outside before deciding to join the team.
“I'd already seen first-hand the passion, knowledge and genuinely supportive culture within Made Smarter. It was clear that everyone was focused on making a real difference for manufacturers, and that really appealed to me.”
Tabs brings a combination of commercial, technical and programme management experience to her new role.
My approach is always practical and collaborative. I enjoy breaking down complex technologies into clear, achievable steps so businesses can make informed decisions with confidence.
Ultimately, it's about helping manufacturers identify the right opportunities, not simply adopting technology for technology's sake, but using it to solve genuine business challenges and create lasting value.
Central to Tabs' approach is taking the time to understand each manufacturer rather than arriving with assumptions about what it needs.
“My approach is to listen first and never assume that any two manufacturers are the same,” she said. “Understanding the business is so important.
“Every relationship is built on trust. It's natural to find technology overwhelming and sometimes a bit ‘alien’, so helping businesses see where the practical applications fit into their day-to-day operations is a big part of my role.
“Businesses can expect someone who is easy to work with, honest and who genuinely cares about them, their people and their success. My goal is always to make their experience as valuable and easy as possible, whether that's through an introduction to new technology, developing partnerships or helping them access funding.”
Looking ahead, Tabs has a clear idea of what she wants to have achieved through Made Smarter.
“Success would mean building strong relationships with businesses across the region and knowing that I've helped them make unquestionable progress through digital transformation.”
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