Made Smarter North West, the government-backed technology adoption programme, is celebrating the impact of its fast-track skills initiative which has empowered more than 50 manufacturers to embrace digital transformation.
Since launch, nine cohorts of 84 people from 53 companies have completed the fully-funded Leading Change for Digital Champions (LCDC) programme, creating a regional peer network of champions.
The announcement comes as the UK marks National Manufacturing Day, a nationwide celebration of the sector’s innovation, skills and future.
LCDC supports a wide range of manufacturing personnel, from production operatives to aspiring managers, giving them practical tools through workshops, coaching, and a visit to Amazon’s fulfillment centre, while fostering peer-to-peer learning. Graduates also join the Digital Champions Network, which meets twice a year to share insights, collaborate, and connect with industry experts and Made Smarter advisors.
The latest cohort reflects the diversity of North West manufacturing. Food producers such as Carrs Pasties, a well-known bakery brand in Bolton, and Firstplay Dietary Foods, specialists in nutritional and dietary products in Stockport, took part alongside Camper Camper, which manufactures and converts campervans in Liverpool. Engineering firms included Hilton Docker, a Littleborough-based manufacturer of fibreglass moulds and components for commercial vehicles, Newland Engineering, which manufactures conveyors and materials handling equipment from its base in Hyde, and Ritherdon, Darwen-based producers of electrical enclosures and sheet metal products. They were joined by Fylde Electronic Laboratories, a Preston manufacturer of precision electronic instrumentation, Precision Pallets, Oldham manufacturers of wooden pallets and packaging solutions, and Sidas UK, specialists in orthopaedic footwear, insoles and footcare products, based in Kendal.
Ruth Hailwood, Made Smarter's Head of Organisation and Workforce Development, said:
“Digital change works best when it’s embraced by people at every level. Digital champions are the vital link between leadership and the shopfloor, turning strategy into action and giving businesses the confidence to move forward. Already, the programme is having a tangible impact, with manufacturers overcoming barriers, improving communication, and embedding new technologies in ways that deliver lasting benefits.”
“The success of the programme shows the power of a people-first approach. By building a peer network where champions share experiences and support one another, we’re helping manufacturers maximise the benefits of technology, manage change effectively, and embed a long-term culture of continuous improvement.”
Delegates of the latest LCDC cohort represented every level of the workforce, from senior leaders and aspiring managers to engineers, technicians, production operatives and administrative staff.
Jake Nicklin, Design Engineer from Hilton Docker said:
“Because I have a good rapport with both the workshop and the office teams, the LCDC programme gave me the tools to turn that into something practical, strategies for overcoming resistance and leading change in a way that builds confidence, not fear. The programme has confirmed the approach we are taking here at Hilton Docker. By starting small, like introducing QR code scans on smartphones, we’ve shown colleagues the benefits of digital tools. That’s exactly what LCDC is about, giving people across the workforce the confidence to embrace technology and make change feel natural.”
Brian Derbyshire, Director at Ritherdon, said:
“The Amazon tour was a reminder of what is possible with the right tools, and I’m keen to explore some of that technology further. The workshop was extremely useful in helping me think about how to apply these ideas and engage our team in the process. LCDC showed me that success comes from engaging colleagues at every level of the business.”
LCDC complements Made Smarter’s Leading Digital Transformation programme for senior leaders by equipping the wider workforce to put strategy into practice, reflecting the belief that lasting change must flow through an entire organisation.
Made Smarter North West offers SME manufacturers access to funded support including digital transformation workshops to create a digital roadmap, impartial and expert technology advice, and leadership and skills training.
The next LCDC cohort begins in November, with workshops on 18th and 25th. With a few spaces still available, manufacturers across the North West are encouraged to register their interest here: https://www.madesmarter.uk