Made Smarter, a programme helping SME manufacturers access technology and digital skills, is to be rolled out nationally. The Government has committed to expanding the Made Smarter Adoption Programme to all nine English regions in 2025-26 before working with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland from 2026-27. The announcement by HM Treasury, on Friday November 17, means hundreds of thousands more SME manufacturers will get access to technology advice, leadership, and skills training, as well as grant funding for digital internships and technology projects. The commitment, alongside plans for £4.5 billion in funding for British manufacturing, will also boost productivity, growth, and decarbonisation for SME manufacturers across the country. Launched in the North West in 2019, the Made Smarter has engaged with 2,500 manufacturers and funded 334 technology projects, which are forecast to create 1,550 jobs, upskill 2,772 existing roles, and increase North West GVA by £242m. The successful blueprint has since inspired Made Smarter adoption programmes in the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands, East Midlands, and West of England. The announcement coincides with the publication of a new report by Made Smarter. ‘ Delivering Impact: How Made Smarter Inspires Digital Transformation ’ outlines the impact […]
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