Made Smarter passes 250 leaders milestone as demand for digital skills surges

OVER 250 manufacturing leaders have now been equipped to lead digital transformation through Made Smarter North West’s flagship skills programmes.

The milestone reflects the growing demand among SME manufacturers to invest in people as well as technology, building the skills, confidence and strategic vision needed to accelerate change.

At the heart of this achievement are Made Smarter’s two flagship leadership programmes, Leading Digital Transformation (LDT), a three-month course for senior leaders to develop digital strategies, and Leading Change for Digital Champions (LCDC), a shorter programme equipping operational teams to deliver change on the ground.

Increasingly, businesses are taking a whole-organisation approach, using LDT to shape strategy at leadership level while deploying LCDC to empower teams to implement and sustain change day to day.

Since 2023, the LDT programme has supported 72 owners and directors from 57 businesses, helping leaders develop bespoke digital strategies and the confidence to lead transformation.

Complementing this, the LCDC programme has supported 97 people from 61 businesses, driving adoption across their organisations and creating a growing peer network of digital champions.

This builds on the 62 business leaders who developed digital skills through Made Smarter’s trailblazing leadership initiative between 2019 and 2023.

The overall milestone of 256 leaders also reflects wider skills activity delivered through the programme, including earlier pilot initiatives such as the Amazon Innovation Accelerator.

"Reaching more than 250 digital leaders is a significant milestone, but what’s most encouraging is how manufacturers are embracing a people-first approach to digital transformation," said Ruth Hailwood, head of organisation and workforce development at Made Smarter.

"Digital change works best when it’s embraced at every level of the organisation. By empowering strategic leaders and building a network of digital champions, we are creating vital links between leadership and the shopfloor, helping businesses overcome barriers, improve communication, and embed new technologies in ways that deliver lasting benefits."

The latest phase of delivery has seen 14 more businesses complete LDT, alongside two cohorts of LCDC delivered in Greater Manchester and, for the first time, in Cumbria, bringing together manufacturers from sectors including engineering, advanced materials, food and drink, electronics, construction and creative design.

They include Crossfell Campers, Firpress, Acrastyle UK and Beach Road Bakehouse in Cumbria; Fylde Electronics in Lancashire; Embossing Rollers, Visual Architects, The Rakem Group, Smith Bullough and Polish Village Bakery in Greater Manchester; CBD Ltd and Bomac Electric in the Liverpool City Region; and Vebro Polymers and Agreka Build in Cheshire.

A powerful example of this whole-business approach can be seen at Firpress, a design, print and signage manufacturer based in Workington, where participants have included roles across management, production and office functions.

"The most valuable part for me has been being here alongside members of my team, as it gives a full perspective on our digital journey," stated company director Kerri Black.

Her opinion was shared by print finisher Paul Graham: "It’s given us a better shared understanding of what we’re trying to achieve as a business," he added.

LDT is delivered in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford, combining workshops, webinars, case studies and site visits to help participants develop a bespoke digitalisation strategy for their business.

LCDC complements this with a bite-sized, blended programme focused on practical implementation, including workshops and a visit to an Amazon fulfilment centre, giving participants first-hand insight into digital technologies in action.

Graduates also join a growing Digital Champions Network, creating opportunities to share insights, collaborate and continue their digital journey.

Since its inception in 2019, Made Smarter has supported more than 2,500 manufacturers in the North West, providing access to expert digital advice, technology adoption roadmaps and workforce development opportunities.

Manufacturers interested in taking part in upcoming programmes can register their interest at: madesmarter.uk/adoption/develop-your-digital-leadership