Businesses across East Lancashire have been accelerating their digital transformation after securing backing from Made Smarter.
Cupcakes By Sophia, a manufacturer of cupcakes, and Dobson and Beaumont, a specialist precision engineering company, both based in Blackburn, will use grants from the North West adoption programme to invest in new digital tools.
James Labels & Supplies, a Bacup manufacturer of self-adhesive labels and swing tickets, Arc Elevators, a manufacturer of lifts based in Nelson, and FDM Digital Solutions, an additive manufacturing specialist based in Burnley, will also access the grants.
The companies are part of 23 manufacturers to have recently received funding from the government-funded initiative. It now means Made Smarter has reached a major milestone, backing North West companies to invest £25m in new technologies.
Across the region, 330 businesses have now secured £7.1m over the last six years, adopting technologies as diverse as sensors, robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence (AI).
These companies have put £18m of private sector investment towards 379 technology projects which are forecast to create more than 1,700 new jobs – an average of five each – and upskill 3,200 existing roles – almost 10 per business.
In Lancashire, these include 115 companies that have invested almost £9.4m into 124 projects, creating 600 new jobs and upskilling 1,279 roles, while boosting the county’s economy by £92m.
Dobson and Beaumont have invested in a high-resolution, high-accuracy machine for the rapid measurement of small cylindrical parts.
Richard Guest, managing director, said: “Maintaining our strong reputation for quality products and staying competitive in our sector requires a strategy of investment in our people and technologies.
“Our new machine has rapidly increased inspection times and efficiency, improved operator confidence and opened up further growth opportunities.
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“Made Smarter’s backing has accelerated this area of our ongoing digital transformation and given the business a massive boost.”
Arc Elevators has invested in a new field service management system.
Becky Lang, operations manager, said: "Arc Elevators has greatly benefited from our experience with the Made Smarter programme. Through their support, we have been able to implement the ‘BigChange’ job management software, which has completely transformed our operations.
“Previously, we relied on paper-based processes, but now, with digitalisation and automation, we’ve streamlined our workflows across the entire business. This has significantly improved our efficiency, productivity, and customer service, while also boosting profits.
“The technology has not only reduced the margin for error but also allowed us to operate more effectively, making a positive impact on our bottom line. We’re excited about the continued benefits this will bring to Arc Elevators as we grow."
Donna Edwards, director of the Made Smarter adoption programme in the North West, said the projects will have a “tremendous impact on individuals, businesses, the sector, and society”.
She said: “I welcome these companies into the Made Smarter family. Alongside the hundreds who have already reaped the rewards of the adoption programme, we have now invested over £25m into the digital transformation of the sector.”
As well as grants, Made Smarter offers SME manufacturers access to funded support including digital transformation workshops to create a digital roadmap, impartial and expert technology advice, and leadership and skills training.
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