Made Smarter’s pilot in the northwest is already introducing digital tools and technologies to SMES in a bid to boost productivity and growth. In the first year of the programme, around 300 SMEs in the northwest have secured support, including specialised advice and £1.6 million of funding. The pilot is being overseen by the Made Smarter Commission, a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and industry leaders.
In short, the programme aims to kick-start an industrial revolution for the manufacturing sector and turn the country into a world leader in digital technologies. These technologies can help close the productivity gap in the UK and cost-effectively boost production.
The Made Smarter team is looking to implement what it has learnt in the northwest pilot to help roll the scheme out to other areas and regions of the UK. Made Smarter is bringing this help and support to MACH 2020 on Stand 446 (Hall 6) in order to reach even more manufacturers and signpost them towards taking their first steps into Industry 4.0.
James Selka, DL, CEO of the Manufacturing Technologies Association, which organises MACH on behalf of industry, says: “MACH 2020 is the perfect platform to reach out to manufacturing and engineering firms, with a ready-made audience who are set to benefit from the advice and support that the Made Smarter programme has to offer. We know the benefits SMEs across the UK will get from adopting cutting-edge digital technology, to help them boost productivity and take manufacturing forward in this county.”
Donna Edwards, director of the Made Smarter northwest pilot, adds: “In its first year, Made Smarter has helped 300 SME manufacturers and we are keen to build on that success. Our stand at MACH will illustrate what technology has done for hundreds of manufacturing businesses already. Specialist advisers at the show can talk through business challenges, helping visitors understand the opportunities, and explain the next steps."
