Made Smarter is celebrating a new generation of manufacturing leaders who are learning together to drive digital transformation across the North West.
The latest cohort of its Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme brought together 12 SME manufacturers, including three from Greater Manchester, who have each gained the confidence, strategy and skills to lead their businesses into the digital age.
Delivered in partnership with the University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), the LDT programme blends face-to-face and online learning over 14 weeks, giving manufacturing leaders a flexible, high-impact experience that fits around their day-to-day demands.
The programme, part of Made Smarter North West, the government-funded, industry-led technology adoption initiative, also provides first-hand exposure to advanced technologies and creates valuable peer learning networks that extend beyond the classroom.
Since its launch in 2023, the LDT programme has established 65 digital leaders as informed and empowered change-makers, each equipped with a bespoke digital strategy. This includes 28 from Greater Manchester.
This follows the success of Made Smarter’s earlier leadership initiative, which supported 62 business leaders between 2019 and 2023.
The latest cohort includes: JM Heaford, a global supplier of high-quality mounting and proofing machines and auxiliary equipment, based in Altrincham; Lasercomb Dies, part of die manufacturer Arden Group, based in Marple; and WAWWA Clothing, a sustainable clothing manufacturer based in Ancoats, Manchester.
Simon Keogh, General Manager of Factory Automation at Siemens UK and Ireland, and a member of Made Smarter North West’s Steering Board, attended the recent graduation showcase event.
He said: “Digital transformation is not a single project but a continual process of improvement. Many SMEs recognise the significant productivity improvements that can be gained from the use of new technologies, from AI to digital modelling and simulation. Made Smarter’s leadership programme is empowering manufacturers with the tools and confidence to embed that mindset and bring their people with them.”
Participants say the programme has helped them build confidence, strategy and momentum.
Alex Parry, Operations Coordinator at WAWWA, said: “As someone new to the textiles industry, the programme has been a real eye-opener. The strategic tools, such as SWOT analysis, helped me see the bigger picture and approach transformation in a structured way.
“It also reinforced how important mindset and communication are in shaping culture. The peer learning element was invaluable, giving me practical ideas to take back into WAWWA and the confidence to drive change with people at the heart of it.”
Andy Lomas, Operations Manager at JM Heaford, said: “I’ve always been confident in planning and delivering projects, but I hadn’t recognised the point where people begin to struggle with change. Now I have the tools to approach that stage differently, supporting colleagues in the right way and preparing for the challenges that come with it.
“Seeing the results achieved by other manufacturers gave me new insights into how change can create smoother processes without adding more people. Sharing experiences with other leaders was highly rewarding and has given me a new perspective on how to bring ideas back into the business.”
Alex Oliver, Production Manager at Lasercomb, part of Arden Group, said: “What has really stood out is the value of collaboration. Sharing experiences with peers and learning from other businesses reminded me that we aren’t alone in facing these challenges. I now feel better equipped to bring departments and sites together, strengthen communication, and make sure that any changes we put in place deliver the right impact across the whole business.”
Manufacturers across the North West are now invited to register for the next Leading Digital Transformation programme and join Made Smarter’s growing ecosystem of digital leaders shaping the future of UK manufacturing.
Ruth Hailwood, Made Smarter’s Lead Organisation and Workforce Development Specialist, said: “What makes this programme special is that it brings manufacturing leaders together to share ideas, challenges and experiences in a space designed for their sector. They quickly realise they are not alone on their digital journey.
“By learning with and from their peers, participants build lasting networks of support that extend far beyond the course itself. That community of shared learning and collaboration is what drives the wider culture of digital leadership we are building through Made Smarter.
“Our people-first approach helps SME manufacturers adopt technology in a way that fits their business. The programme gives leaders the time and space to step back, reflect and share ideas with peers, so they can take their whole organisation through digital transformation with confidence.”
Dr Ann Mulhaney, Associate Professor of Change Management at the University of Salford, said: “This partnership between academia and industry is helping to shape a new generation of leaders who can guide manufacturing through the opportunities and complexities of digital transformation.”
To find out more or register your interest, visit madesmarter.uk.
