Members of Made Smarter’s North West steering group share their views on AI, leadership, productivity and the real-world challenges facing SME manufacturers as digital transformation accelerates.
Made Smarter’s North West steering group brings together manufacturers, technology providers, regional leaders and industrial experts from across the region to help shape the future direction of the programme and ensure support reflects the real challenges facing SME manufacturers.
Alongside newer members including Iain Minton, Technology Capability Delivery Director at BAE Systems, Dawn Huntrod, Regional Membership Director (North) at Make UK, and Shiby Bernard, COO of McMenon Engineering Services, several long-standing steering group members continue to provide insight and experience to help guide manufacturers through digital transformation.
Collectively, the group offers a unique perspective on the opportunities and pressures facing manufacturers across the North West, from productivity and skills challenges to AI adoption, sustainability and supply chain resilience.
A stronger voice for SMEs
For many members, involvement in the steering group is rooted in a desire to ensure SME manufacturers have a stronger voice in shaping the future of UK industry.
Luke Walsh, Managing Director at Brainboxes, said: “As an electronics manufacturer based in Liverpool, I joined the steering group to help ensure the voice of North West SMEs is heard. Crucially, it’s also a two-way street. Collaborating with and learning from peers on their own digital journeys has been invaluable in shaping Brainboxes’ strategy.”
Andrew McClusky, Managing Director at BEP Surface Technologies, added: “I got involved with Made Smarter because SMEs need a stronger collective voice in shaping the future of UK manufacturing. Across multiple sectors, they are the backbone of supply chains, yet are too often overlooked.”
Tom Fletcher, Managing Director of Firstplay Dietary Foods, said the programme had already played an important role in the company’s own growth journey.
“Made Smarter has been instrumental in the growth and success of our business, so getting involved at a more strategic level to help other SME manufacturers benefit felt like the right thing to do,” he said.
“The programme gave us invaluable support in accelerating both the transformation of our operations and our mindset as a business.
“As one of the smaller businesses represented on the steering board, it’s important that we bring the perspective of SMEs operating at that end of the spectrum and help ensure the programme continues to deliver for smaller manufacturers too.”
Turning theory into practical support
For many steering group members, one of the biggest opportunities facing manufacturers is turning growing awareness of digital technology into practical implementation on the factory floor.
Sarah Poynter, Operations Director at Arden Dies, said: “One of the biggest opportunities for manufacturers in the North West is using technology to improve productivity and drive growth. Whether that’s through smarter processes, better use of data, or targeted automation, it’s about working smarter rather than simply getting bigger.”
She added: “Made Smarter plays a really important role in making digital transformation feel accessible rather than overwhelming. For SMEs like ours, it’s about having the right guidance and confidence to take the next step.”
Deyrick Allen, Commercial Director at Sustainable Smart Technologies, believes manufacturers increasingly need practical support to translate ambition into action.
“Across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, many firms recognise the importance of digital technology, but need trusted, practical support to turn ambition into action on the factory floor,” he said.
“Made Smarter has a key role in helping SMEs move from awareness to implementation.
“One of the biggest opportunities for manufacturers is using data, sensors, automation and connectivity to create factories that are more productive, energy efficient and resilient.”
Phil Anders, Cluster Lead for Advanced Manufacturing at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said advanced manufacturing would play a major role in the future growth and resilience of the regional economy.
“One of the biggest opportunities is helping more SMEs access the technologies, skills and support needed to modernise operations, strengthen supply chains and improve competitiveness,” he said.
“Made Smarter is important because it helps bridge the gap between ambition and implementation. It gives businesses practical support to begin adopting digital technologies and build the confidence to innovate.”
A foundation for change
Several steering group members also highlighted the growing importance of leadership capability and strategic planning as manufacturers adopt more advanced digital technologies and industrial AI.
Simon Keogh, General Manager for Sales Acceleration at Siemens, said the business had been closely involved with Made Smarter since its inception through former CEO Jurgen Maier and, more recently, Brian Holliday’s role co-chairing the Made Smarter Commission.
“Digital transformation starts with developing an overarching strategy that brings all stakeholders with you,” he said.
“Made Smarter’s well-established Leading Digital Transformation programme helps business leaders better understand the technology landscape, provides valuable leadership tools, and supports the development of long-term transformation strategies.”
Graham Malley, Principal Director, Supply Chain and Engineering at Accenture, said many of the challenges facing SMEs had remained consistent, even as technology rapidly evolved.
“AI is undoubtedly the most transformational technology emerging today. However, many of the underlying barriers remain, and in some cases are increasing, particularly around understanding how to apply these technologies effectively and the foundations required for successful adoption,” he said.
“This is where Made Smarter’s independent, trusted advisory support and tailored roadmapping make a real difference.
“It has also helped simplify what can often feel like a complex support landscape for SMEs.”
The growing role of AI and industrial data
The accelerating role of AI, industrial data and connectivity was another recurring theme among steering group members, particularly around helping SMEs unlock productivity gains and remain globally competitive.
Luke Walsh said manufacturers were increasingly discovering value in existing factory equipment and operational data.
“One of the biggest opportunities for North West manufacturers is unlocking data hidden within existing legacy equipment,” he said.
“For businesses beginning their journey towards digitalisation and Industry 4.0, even simple machine monitoring can deliver significant productivity gains.”
“In manufacturing, we’ve seen first-hand how AI-powered camera quality control systems can deliver major benefits.”
Simon Keogh said industrial AI was already creating new opportunities across manufacturing operations.
“Industrial digital technology continues to evolve rapidly, with industrial AI now offering organisations deeper insight into manufacturing processes and more efficient approaches to design, engineering, quality and maintenance,” he said.
Andrew McClusky said manufacturers also faced growing pressure around sustainability, resilience and supply chain modernisation.
“For surface finishing businesses across Greater Manchester, the wider North West and beyond, the opportunity lies in modernising legacy processes without disrupting critical supply chains,” he said.
“That combination of funding, practical support and strategic guidance enables manufacturers to invest in digital technologies, strengthen skills, improve sustainability and build greater long-term resilience across the wider industrial ecosystem.”
Collectively, the steering group’s message is clear, manufacturers understand the need for digital transformation, but continued progress will depend on practical support, trusted guidance and the confidence to turn ambition into meaningful action.