A Rawtenstall business is celebrating after winning at the Made Smarter Awards, which celebrate excellence in manufacturing.

The scheme has been launched to mark the fourth anniversary of the Made Smarter adoption programme, a government-funded initiative helping SME manufacturers digitalise, decarbonise and drive growth.

IoT Horizon, a manufacturer of Internet of Things solutions, is among the first 19 ‘gold’ award winners. 

A further 21 achieved ‘silver’ and 118 got ‘bronze’ for their committed approach to digital transformation.

IoT Horizon worked with Made Smarter to develop a sensor that utilises state of the art security protocols to secure sensor data, and a platform to support multiple sensors to manage the energy and environment of buildings. 

The business has doubled turnover and recruited four new members of staff.

Managing director, Deyrick Allen said: "We were one of the first companies to get involved in the North West programme when it was launched four years ago and we continue to be vocal advocates of the multitude of benefits digital transformation offers the manufacturing industry.

"Made Smarter helped our own manufacturing processes which in turn has helped other companies develop their solutions up and down the country. We are absolutely delighted with this award."

To date, the North West programme has provided specialised support to over 2,500 businesses. Its advisors have imparted expert, impartial technology advice and digital transformation workshops to help create a digital roadmap, skills support and leadership training, and grants towards technology projects.

Director of Made Smarter’s North West adoption programme, Donna Edwards said: “The Made Smarter adoption programme is a huge success story for UK manufacturing. It has inspired leadership and evoked change in hundreds of businesses through technology and new skills. 

“Digital transformation can be hard, particularly in the current climate and given the challenges the sector has faced in recent years, so it is right we recognise the hard work, dedication and forward-thinking nature of these businesses and their employees.

"They have embraced digitalisation to become a leading example of UK manufacturing excellence. 

“We are delighted to launch our first Made Smarter Awards and hope that recipients will wear them like a badge of honour to inspire others around them.”