Manufacturing leaders in London are being urged to sign up to Made Smarter, the UK Government programme helping SMEs embrace digital technologies for growth.
Registration is now open to access fully funded expert advice, leadership training, student interns and up to £20,000 technology grants to help firms drive growth, productivity and sustainability.
The Made Smarter adoption programme is an essential part of the UK Government’s commitment to improving productivity and driving the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector.
With the successful launch in other English regions – including the North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands and East Midlands – Made Smarter has already demonstrated how technology and digital skills can revolutionise manufacturing businesses.
Following the Government’s £16m investment into the expansion of the programme, manufacturers in the South East, South West, East of England and London will be able to thrive in the digital age.
Made Smarter London will be delivered across all 32 boroughs and the City of London. The programme is being delivered by London & Partners on behalf of the Greater London Authority.
During its pilot year, Made Smarter London will aim to engage with over 150 businesses, deliver more than 70 digital road mapping sessions, support 21 businesses with digital leadership training, a further 24 with organisation and workforce development, and provide up to 20 businesses with match-funded technology grants of up to £20,000.
There are over 14,000 manufacturing SMEs in London contributing to £10.1bn worth of output across the sector and supporting 123,000 jobs.
Vanesa Perez Sanchez, Director Small Business Service, London & Partners, said: “We’re excited to help London’s manufacturing SMEs embrace digital transformation and drive long-term growth through the Made Smarter UK programme.
“By providing tailored support, businesses will gain valuable insights into strategy, leadership and upskilling, as well as access to cutting-edge technologies that will enable them to boost productivity, innovate and create high-value jobs, helping them stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.”
Brian Holliday, Co-Chair of the Made Smarter Commission and Managing Director of Siemens Digital Industries, said: “Made Smarter is a driving force for digital transformation in UK’s SME manufacturing. In the last six years the programme has empowered businesses to innovate, compete and scale. This expansion clearly signals the Government’s commitment to the sector, driving competitiveness, sustainability and productivity improvements for a robust industrial future.”
The programme is open to manufacturing and engineering SMEs with 250 employees or fewer and an annual turnover of £50m or less, who are looking to overcome common challenges like productivity, decarbonisation and competition through the adoption of digital technologies.
Spaces are limited, so manufacturing leaders are being encouraged to register early to secure their spot.
More information is available via their website.
