South East manufacturers have taken their first big step into the future after joining Made Smarter’s new leadership programme designed to fast-track digital skills, strategy and innovation.
Business leaders from 17 firms across the region came together for the latest session of the Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme, meeting at Middlesex University.
The group toured cutting-edge robotics and mechatronics labs, explored emerging technologies and got a first look at how digital tools could boost productivity, cut waste and unlock new opportunities.
The cohort includes firms from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey and West Sussex, representing everything from electronics and engineering to heritage craft, signage, cycling and composites.
Businesses taking part include Philip Clay, Lacaze London, Lanoguard, R B Industrial, MRT Castings, Stewart Signs, Bradbury Tracks, The Rider Firm, Art4Site, Ancestors, Brick Kiln Composites, Penta Precision, Ercol, Kava Surfaces, Cambertronics, Addlux and Nordell.
The 14-week programme, delivered by the University of Salford in partnership with Made Smarter South East, the government backed technology initiative, gives leaders the tools and confidence to take on digital transformation and plan for long-term growth. Participants will learn how to build strategy, improve communication, lead change and introduce new technologies in a way that strengthens their business and their workforce.
Phil Rawnson, Managing Director of MRT Castings in Andover, said: “Running a busy SME makes it difficult to step back and take a longer-term view, especially when new technologies are creating both challenges and opportunities. The programme has given me space to pause and consider where we are heading, and how digital tools can accelerate that journey. Working through models with tutors and peers has helped to clarify our strategy and implementation plans.”
Keighley Clay, Director of Philip Clay in Wooburn Green, Buckinghamshire, said: “Taking part in the Digital Leadership Programme has been a refreshing opportunity to step out of the day-to-day rat race and spend focused time thinking about how to push the business forward.
"Having a peer group to ask questions, share ideas with, and learn from has been a real highlight. I have come away with some fantastic tools that will help us put our vision and strategy clearly on paper, and it has been transformative to look at the business through a wider lens rather than being caught up in day-to-day operations.
"The programme leaders have been deeply knowledgeable, engaged, and genuinely passionate, which has made the whole experience both insightful and inspiring.”
Michael Setek, Founder of Art4Site in Ashford, said: “The programme stood out as an exceptional opportunity to access expert guidance on automation and digital technologies. The diagnostic tools have encouraged me to step back and analyse the business with a fresh perspective. The shared learning environment has strengthened my confidence and helped me explore new ways of tackling long-standing issues.”
Participants will now move through a mix of workshops and online sessions that help them build a clear digital strategy and take their teams with them. The LDT programme is built to fit around the daily pressures of running a busy business and give leaders a high-impact learning experience.
It is part of a wider push from Made Smarter South East, which is already helping hundreds of SME manufacturers improve their performance through expert advice, match-funded tech grants, leadership training and funded internships.
Chitra Cherodian, Organisation & Workforce Development Advisor for Made Smarter South East, said: “This first cohort has set the bar high. These are ambitious leaders who want to strengthen their strategic thinking, build future-ready skills and accelerate their digital adoption. The energy and enthusiasm they have brought to the programme have created a powerful foundation for the future.”
Dr Ann Mulhaney, Associate Professor of Change Management at the University of Salford, said: “Supporting the first South East cohort marks an important milestone in our work to help SME manufacturers lead meaningful and sustained digital transformation. The programme gives leaders the time, structure and confidence to think differently about their organisations, and to understand how people, processes and technology must align for change to succeed.”
Made Smarter South East is now encouraging other manufacturers to register their interest for future cohorts and join the growing community shaping the future of UK industry.
To find out more or register your interest, visit madesmarter.uk.