Industrial digitalisation programme offers backing to SMEs
Manufacturing businesses across Hull and East Yorkshire can now benefit from £1.5m worth of Government funding towards industrial digitalisation under the Made Smarter programme.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy programme is designed to improve digital adoption amongst SMEs. It includes intensive one-to-one advice and support delivered through the Growth Hub network and specialist Made Smarter advisors.
Funding for the project was announced by the Government in February, and manufacturers in the Hull and East Yorkshire (HEY) region are now able to take full advantage of these services.
Small or medium-sized manufacturers based in the region can access:
- Impartial advice and guidance from digital technology specialists
- A digital transformation roadmap for their business
- Advice on how to ensure their people, culture and organisation are ready for digital transformation
- Match funded grants of up to £20,000 for the purchase of hardware and software
- A digital leadership development programme
- A funded digital intern to help with their technology strategy or implementation.
The Government hopes that by supporting adoption of industrial digital technology, such as robotics and automation, the programme can help level up regions by enabling manufacturers to increase their productivity, create high-skilled well-paid jobs and reduce their emissions.
The Made Smarter programme will sit alongside the current suite of support already provided by the HEY Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) Growth Hub, including its #GrowMySME Programme, the ScaleUp Programme, and the Digital Catalyst Programme.
The LEP’s Humber Local Digital Skills Partnership will provide strategic input into the delivery of Made Smarter in the region.
Phil Glover, business development manager at HEY LEP, said: “Many companies have already benefitted from the Made Smarter pilot programme which launched in the North West.
“Following the success of the pilot we’re really excited to be launching the programme in our region.
“This initiative will help keep our businesses at the forefront of productive manufacturing.
“It’s a simple process to enrol, businesses just need to visit the website at their earliest convenience and complete the online registration.”
Business can register for a fully-funded assessment here: https://www.madesmarter.uk/start-your-digital-manufacturing-journey
And they can learn more about the Made Smarter adoption support offer in Yorkshire and the Humber here: https://www.madesmarter.uk/adoption/in-my-region/yorkshire-the-humber/
