Tech grants available for North West SME manufacturers

Made Smarter is offering match-funded grants of up to £20,000 to help SMEs adopt advanced technologies including robotics, automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and additive manufacturing.

Businesses that register for the £1m programme also gain access to a suite of support, including fully funded technology advice, digital roadmap development, leadership and skills training, and student placement opportunities.

One company to benefit from Made Smarter support is Foams 4 Sports, a manufacturer of sports safety equipment based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester. The company, which supplies the NHS, martial arts clubs, prisons, schools, and outdoor venues, used its grant to automate a manual cutting process by investing in a digital CNC machine. Consequently, productivity is said to have doubled, waste was reduced, and the workforce gained new skills.

MORE FROM POLICY & BUSINESS

In a statement, Ben Michael, general manager at Foams 4 Sports, said: “Digital transformation is vital for the next stage of our business growth. “We need to look to technology as a solution to our challenges. This is a massive leap forward.”

Since 2018 Made Smarter has funded 334 technology projects. These investments are forecast to increase the region’s GVA by £242m in the coming years, create 1,300 new jobs and upskill 2,500 existing roles.

Donna Edwards, programme director for Made Smarter North West, said: “We are now entering our seventh year of equipping North West manufacturers with the know-how and confidence to embrace the next industrial revolution. Through expert support and funding, we’re enabling businesses to unlock productivity, accelerate growth, decarbonise operations, and create high-value, future-ready jobs.

“The industrial landscape is evolving rapidly, and digital transformation is no longer optional. We encourage any manufacturer that hasn’t yet started their journey to take the first step.”