Made Smarter North West has refreshed the steering group behind its £2.5m technology adoption programme, bringing in manufacturing and technology leaders to guide support for SME manufacturers.
Iain Minton of BAE Systems will chair the group, with Dawn Huntrod of Make UK and Shiby Bernard of McMenon Engineering Services joining as new members. They sit alongside representatives from Siemens, Accenture, regional authorities, and SME manufacturers that have already used Made Smarter support.
The programme helps smaller manufacturers adopt digital technologies including AI, robotics, automation, ERP systems, and additive manufacturing. Support includes leadership training, digital skills development, technology advice, and match-funded grants of up to £20,000.
Since launching in 2019, Made Smarter North West has supported more than 2,400 manufacturers, developed 550 digital roadmaps, delivered 250 leadership and digital champion training interventions, and placed 85 digital interns into businesses. Supported manufacturers have secured more than £8.1m in matched funding, unlocking over £28.3m in technology investment.
Those investments are linked to more than 1,900 jobs, almost 3,500 upskilled roles, and a reported £287m contribution to the North West economy. The refreshed steering group will shape the next phase of support as manufacturers balance skills shortages, cost pressures, automation investment, and global competition.
Iain Minton, who has spent more than 30 years in aerospace engineering and now leads technology programmes at BAE Systems Air, said: “The North West has a strong manufacturing heritage, a real spirit of innovation and many outstanding companies that consistently punch above their weight.”
SME manufacturers represented in the group include BEP Surface Technologies, Arden Dies, Brainboxes, Sustainable Smart Technologies, Firstplay Dietary Foods, and Qualkem. Their involvement gives the programme direct input from companies that have already worked through digital adoption projects, from initial roadmapping through to investment and implementation.
Further details are available from Made Smarter.
