Liverpool City Region business leaders are urging SME manufacturers to tap into local support as they face rising costs, skills pressures and tough decisions about where best to invest.
The call came at a partnership event at Glass Futures in St Helens, organised by Made Smarter North West, the government-backed programme that helps manufacturers adopt digital technology.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA), Growth Platform, InvestSefton and St Helens Council and St Helens Growth Hub were among the organisations that reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the region’s 2,500 manufacturing businesses which employ around 50,000 people and contribute £2.9bn to the regional economy.
The event also brought together organisations from the region’s business support and innovation ecosystem, including Liverpool John Moores University, Edge Hill University, RTC North, Sci-Tech Daresbury, the Science and Technology Facilities Council and Innovate UK.
Manufacturers were urged to seek advice early on production problems, technology investment and skills.
Knowsley water treatment specialist SolidTek showed what those connections can do. Managing Director Steve Crick told the event that the regional support network had helped the company grow its turnover from £600,000 to £2.1m.
He said: “I’ve never been shy about asking for help. Knowsley Chamber of Commerce helped us with some consultancy and then put us in touch with Made Smarter, which part-funded our investment in software. That opened the door to support from Innovate UK, and we’re now looking at another technology project with Made Smarter. If one organisation couldn’t help, they knew one who could.”
Janice Mears, Head of Business Growth at LCRCA, said it was important to bring manufacturers together with the region’s business support and innovation community.
“The experiences shared by businesses show how access to the right advice, expertise and funding can give manufacturers the confidence to invest, adopt new technologies and grow,” she said.
“Manufacturing is a vital part of our economy, supporting jobs and communities across all six boroughs. Through Made Smarter and Growth Platform, we’re making it easier for SMEs to access practical support, develop their skills, improve productivity and turn their ambitions into action. I’d encourage any manufacturer looking to innovate or grow to start a conversation and find out what support is available.”
Kristina Swift, Business Development Manager at InvestSefton, Sefton Council's enterprise, business growth and inward investment service, said the event demonstrated the strength of our regional network.
“Hearing how Made Smarter and other partners have helped businesses was a reminder of what manufacturers can achieve with the right support,” she said. “We want Sefton manufacturers to make full use of that expertise. From workforce development and process improvements to technology adoption, there is practical help available. Start a conversation with InvestSefton and we can help you explore the options and connect with the right people.”
Stephen Slater, Business Growth Manager at Sci-Tech Daresbury, the science park and innovation campus, said: “This event demonstrated the value of connecting manufacturers with Liverpool City Region’s wider business support and innovation community, with Made Smarter and the businesses involved showing how impartial expertise and strong relationships can help manufacturers make informed decisions and pursue growth.”
Rachael Buckley, Partnerships Officer at St Helens Council, said: “The event celebrated our partnership and showed how Made Smarter’s advice, skills support and funding are helping manufacturers move forward.
“We remain committed to helping St Helens manufacturers invest, innovate and grow. There is a wealth of practical support available locally and across the city region, and we encourage businesses to get in touch so we can help identify the right support for their next steps.”
Two other manufacturers showed how impartial advice can shape an investment. Jim Mooney, Director for Digital Innovation at Bromborough-based JPL Flavours, described the company’s first Made Smarter Digital Transformation Workshop as a “first date” in an ongoing relationship. The advice helped JPL weigh up its options and avoid costly mistakes.
Max Sheridan, Managing Director of Speke-based medical products manufacturer Algeos, said the workshop helped the company pinpoint bottlenecks and decide where technology could make the biggest difference. Algeos has since invested in software to improve stock planning.
Launched in 2018, Made Smarter North West has worked with thousands of manufacturers. Its support includes digital transformation workshops, tailored roadmaps, leadership development, Digital Champions training, internships and match-funded technology grants.
Alain Dilworth, Programme Manager for Made Smarter North West, said: “Our job is to take the pain out of adopting technology. When you’re running a factory, finding the time to work out what’s worth investing in can be hard enough. AI is widening the choices, and the pace of change makes those decisions harder.
“Start with what you want to improve in your business. We’ll help you work out what to tackle first, what skills you’ll need and where an investment could make a difference. That’s where our partners across Liverpool City Region come in. Between us, we can help businesses find the right expertise and stay with them as they put their plans into practice.”
Manufacturers in Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral and Halton can speak to their local business support team or visit www.madesmarter.uk to find out what help is available.