Manufacturers urged to tap into digital funding

North East manufacturers are being encouraged to access funding and expert support through the newly expanded Made Smarter programme.

The initiative, which received additional funding in last year’s Autumn Budget, is available to manufacturing businesses across the North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority areas, helping SMEs invest in digital technology to boost productivity and growth.

More than 150 North East manufacturers have already benefited, including Stockton-based The Expanded Metal Company, which used grant funding to invest in a cobot welding machine, improving efficiency and reducing downtime.

Ryan Pinder, Exmesh operations manager & head of continuous improvement at The Expanded Metal Company, said: “Everyone in the business is fully on board with our future plans because they can see the positive impact. 

“The Made Smarter programme has really benefitted the business.

“One of the great things about the cobot is that it’s able to do the things people didn’t enjoy doing, meaning we can move staff onto doing more bespoke jobs, which helps with retention. 

“It also means we can expand the business to take on more of those jobs too.”

Eligible businesses (under 250 employees) in the manufacturing and advanced manufacturing sectors can receive up to £23,500 in grants to support the purchase of new technology, alongside tailored advice, training and networking opportunities. 

Julia Austin, programme manager for Made Smarter in the North East, added: “The North East region is leading the way when it comes to innovations in the advanced manufacturing sector. 

“To support smaller manufacturing businesses to embrace digital technology and adopt new, smarter ways of working, the Made Smarter programme has been expanded across the North East.

“Technology moves fast, which is why it’s so important for manufacturing businesses to develop digital roadmaps and invest in the talent, skills and equipment they need to remain competitive. 

“Through the Made Smarter programme, we’re able to educate manufacturers about the technology available to them and support them to purchase new equipment or software that can make them more productive and more profitable.”

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