Hundreds of manufacturers across the South East are set for a major digital upgrade after the Government confirmed fresh funding for the Made Smarter programme from April.
The £3.1 million investment will give SME manufacturers across the region access to expert technology advice, leadership training, digital skills development and match-funded grants to help boost productivity, drive innovation, create high-value jobs and cut carbon.
Made Smarter South East is a government-backed, industry-led programme delivered by Surrey County Council in partnership with 11 local authorities and Local Enterprise Partnerships across the region.
Since launching in April 2025, the programme has supported 273 manufacturers, participated in 137 diagnostic workshops, developed 93 digital roadmaps, delivered 41 leadership and digital champions training interventions, placed 6 digital interns, and approved grants for 20 technology projects.
Over the last year, manufacturers have secured over £307,000 in matched funding to enable over £1 million of investment in technologies ranging from ERP systems and 3D printing to robotics and automation.
Bryan Vint, Programme Manager for Made Smarter South East, said: “This new wave of funding is a huge boost for manufacturers across the South East. In our first year we have already shown what the region can achieve when SMEs have access to the right advice, skills and technology.
“The continuation of the programme gives businesses the confidence to plan ahead, invest in digital tools and build the skills they need to grow. We are excited to help hundreds more manufacturers unlock productivity, resilience and long-term growth.”
Across the South East, manufacturers are already seeing the impact of Made Smarter support, from investing in advanced equipment and digital systems to building the skills needed to drive long-term change.
Businesses such as Cocoba in Medway and BWB Technologies in Berkshire have used grant funding to boost capacity, improve efficiency and support growth, while companies including Cambertronics in Surrey, Brick Kiln Composites in Oxfordshire and Ercol Furniture in Buckinghamshire have focused on strengthening digital strategy and leadership capability.
Others, including Art4site in Kent and Mackenzie Thorpe in Brighton & Hove, are streamlining operations through digital tools, while manufacturers such as Ashley and James Coachbuilding and Penta Precision in Hampshire are combining traditional expertise with new technologies. In sectors ranging from food to advanced engineering, Mamoosh in East Sussex, International Dance Shoes in Milton Keynes and Cocoba in Medway are using Made Smarter support to improve productivity and accelerate development.
Hunt Bike Wheels, based in West Sussex, took part in Leadership training and secured a technology grant to strengthen its product development capability.
Rob Fields, Head of Engineering and Product, said: “Made Smarter has helped us explore how digital tools can support innovation in our product development which will strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the business.”
Made Smarter is designed to give manufacturers a fast and practical route into digital transformation. Businesses begin with an expert digital assessment to identify their technology and skills priorities, followed by a tailored roadmap to guide future investment.
Leadership development programmes, workforce training and digital internships help companies build the capabilities needed to adopt new technologies and embed change across their organisations.
To support technology adoption, businesses can also access match funding of up to 50 percent, with grants of up to £20,000 available for capital technology projects.
To learn more, visit madesmarter.uk/adoption/in-my-region/south-east