A new wave of funding aims to help small and medium-sized manufacturers embrace digital transformation, as the UK government expands support for businesses looking to integrate cutting-edge technology.
Made Smarter Adoption North West, a pioneering programme designed to help SME manufacturers adopt digital tools, has secured an additional £230,000 in funding from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). The funding is expected to support at least ten more companies in implementing advanced technologies such as robotics, sensors, and 3D printing.
The move is part of a broader strategy to drive growth, improve productivity, and create high-value jobs in the manufacturing sector while supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. With the government committing £16 million to expand the programme nationwide from April 2025, the investment signals growing recognition of the importance of digitalisation in the UK’s industrial strategy.
Alain Dilworth, Programme Manager at Made Smarter, said the additional funding would help SMEs that might otherwise struggle to access digital transformation opportunities. “The majority will go towards supporting our strong pipeline of companies to adopt new digital tools and accelerate their digital transformation,” he said. “The opportunity to support more manufacturing and engineering SMEs is something we relish, and we urge those companies who have yet to make contact with us to do so.”
The Made Smarter initiative was created to address a long-standing challenge in the UK’s manufacturing industry—how to equip smaller firms with the skills, knowledge, and resources to adopt digital solutions. Many SMEs lack the in-house expertise to integrate technologies that could improve efficiency, reduce waste, and open up new market opportunities. The programme offers companies access to technology advice, leadership and skills training, and funding support for digital internships and technology projects.
Since its launch seven years ago, the North West Adoption Programme has engaged with 2,500 companies and provided direct technology advice to more than 500. Of those, 330 businesses have secured over £7 million in grants to invest in nearly 400 technology projects, supported by £18 million of their own funds. The resulting £25 million investment is expected to create over 1,700 jobs, upskill 3,200 existing roles, and generate an additional £267 million in gross value added (GVA) over the next three years.
One of the programme’s key successes has been its focus on workforce development. Over 200 businesses have incorporated new digital skills into their operations through leadership training, internships, and other initiatives. Of the 75 digital internships placed so far, half have led to permanent employment.
The impact of Made Smarter North West has extended beyond its region. Its model has been used as a blueprint for similar programmes in the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the Midlands. With its expansion into further regions in 2025, the initiative is set to play an even bigger role in shaping the UK’s manufacturing landscape.
Donna Edwards, Director of the North West Adoption Programme, said the additional funding is a testament to the programme’s success. “Our programme has been designed specifically for manufacturers, offering specialist advice to help them select the right approach, level of investment, and tools to grow and build resilience,” she said. “As we enter our seventh year, we are more determined than ever to reach more SME manufacturers across the sector to talk to them about the benefits of introducing new technologies and new digital skills.”
As the UK continues its push towards greater industrial digitalisation, schemes like Made Smarter are proving critical in ensuring that smaller manufacturers are not left behind. With increasing pressures to improve efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness, the latest funding boost represents another step towards a more technologically advanced and resilient manufacturing sector.
