DIGITAL leaders in Cheshire are among 125 now armed with the vision, skills and drive to pursue smarter manufacturing through Made Smarter’s innovative leadership programmes.

Made Smarter, a government-funded industry-led initiative to increase technology adoption among SME manufacturers, offers funded access to its Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme and Leading Change for Digital Champions (LCDC) programmes.

Among the latest companies to graduate from the LDT programme are: The Mountain Trike Company, manufacturers of custom-built manual, electric assist and fully electric all terrain outdoor wheelchairs, based in Nantwich; and Altimex, a manufacturer of electronics, LED lighting and fibre optics solutions, based at Thornton Science Park, near Chester.

LDT, which is delivered over three months with Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met), blends face-to-face workshops, online webinars, case studies to see technology in action, and a site visit to PrintCity, Manchester Met’s 3D additive and digital manufacturing centre.

Since last year, the programme has turned 34 delegates into digitally-informed, empowered leaders, armed with a bespoke digitalisation strategy.

LCDC is delivered using a bite-size, blended approach consisting of two face-to-face workshops, online coaching, a site visit to an SME manufacturer to see the impact of digital change first-hand, as well as a chance to see the latest digital technologies at an Amazon fulfilment centre.

The programme has so far created a network of 29 advocates to guide others and support the impactful and lasting changes digital technologies will bring. 

This is in addition to the 62 business leaders equipped with new digital skills through Made Smarter’s trailblazing leadership initiative run between 2019 and 2023.

Commenting on his experience, Tim Morgan, managing director of the Mountain Trike Company, said: “The programme has been very useful to develop the company's visions, values and strategy. We have also identified an opportunity to use 3D printing technology to optimise our production.

“Key learnings from the programme were the importance of sharing your vision and plans, rather than keeping it all inside your head. Collaboration with your team is vital. I have also learned the importance of taking time away to work on professional development and on strategy for the business.”

Davinder Lotay, owner and managing director of Altimex, said: “Through the programme I was in a position to share our successes and challenges with other manufacturers, while also learning from their stories. We are on the same journey.

“This programme has made me realise that change management is complex and that a people-centric approach, which uses good communication and transparency, is very important. Demonstrating the benefits to keep your workforce on board is vital.”

Since launching in 2019 Made Smarter has supported 2,500 manufacturers in the North West to access expert, impartial technology advice, digital transformation workshops to help take that first step to transform a business, and support with technology adoption projects. It has also supported 284 businesses with skills and leadership advice and training.

Ruth Hailwood, Made Smarter's organisation and workforce development specialist adviser, said: “Made Smarter has taken a people-first approach to helping SME manufacturers adopt technology tools to take their businesses forward.

"Technology tools bring change to the way day to day work is done and this change needs to be led to make sure the people in the business are ready to use these tools to maximise the benefits for the business and realise the potential of their people."