Small and medium-sized manufacturers across the South West can now access a share of £800,000 in funding and specialist support to help reduce costs, improve productivity and accelerate digital adoption through the Made Smarter programme.
Backed by the Department for Business and Trade through the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Made Smarter is designed to help production-based businesses that manufacture physical items to identify and implement technologies that deliver measurableoperational improvements – from automation and robotics to AI, industrial Internet of Things and connected data systems.
Delivered by NCC in partnership with UWE Bristol and Oxford Innovation Advice, the programme provides practical, hands-on support for businesses looking to improve efficiency, strengthen resilience and unlock growth.
Manufacturers can access:
- Match-funded grants of up to £20,000 for digital and production technologies
- Fully funded expert digital diagnostics and advisory support
- Funded digital internships to support implementation projects
- Funded workforce training to build in-house digital capability
With funding available now and demand expected to be high, manufacturers are encouraged to register their interest via the Made Smarter application page.
This builds on strong foundations in the region. Over the past year, 112 manufacturers have already received hands-on support, with £637,000 awarded in digital project grants and a further £628,000 unlocked through private sector match funding.
Previous phases have also delivered tangible workforce impact, with ten internships providing up to 250 hours per intern of funded support per business on average. Several placements have led directly to employment, includingat Davidat Adnet, a precision engineering firm, helping manufacturers build in-house digital capability while increasing capacity to deliver digital projects.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
“The West of England has a well-earned reputation thanks to the innovation that has helped make us the country’s fastest-growing regional economy. Together we can continue to create more jobs for local people, including in key sectors like manufacturing.Made Smarter is a unique opportunity for smaller firms to get expert advice to help grow their businesses with the help of new technology and equipment.”
For many manufacturers, the challenge is not whether to adopt digital technologies, but where to start and how to prioritise investment.
Katy Riddington, Chief Portfolio Officer at NCC, said:
“For many manufacturers, the challenge isn’t whether to adopt digital technologies, but where to focus first.
“Made Smarter helps businesses cut through that complexity – combining funding with the insight needed to use data, automation and digital systems more effectively to drive productivity and reduce costs.”
UWE Bristol plays a key role in building workforce capability to support long-term transformation.
Simon Flenley, Assistant Director of Research & External Engagement (Skills) at UWE Bristol, said:
“For manufacturers, digital adoption isn’t just about investing in new equipment. It’s about having the skills, confidence and leadership capability to use technology well. Through Made Smarter, UWE Bristol is supporting small and medium-sized productionbased across the South West by delivering workforce training that helps senior leaders understand and fulfil their role as sponsors of digital change.
“This includes digital transformation skills programmes and funded internships that embed digital capability directly into businesses. It’s a practical, skills-led approach that helps these businesses realise real productivity gains while building capabilityfor the long term.”
Oxford Innovation Advice provides additional business and implementation support to help manufacturers maximise return on investment.
Paul Dickens, Managing Director of Oxford Innovation Advice, said:
“We are delighted to be collaborating across the West of England, partnering with NCC and UWE Bristol in this latest phase of Made Smarter. Building on our proven track record delivering Made Smarter digital adoption support in other regions, and an innovativedigital manufacturing programme in Cornwall, we have seen first-hand how targeted support can accelerate technology adoption, boost productivity, and unlock growth for manufacturers.
“By bringing this experience to the South West, we look forward to delivering a high-impact, transformational programme that equips businesses with the tools, confidence and capability to achieve lasting, measurable improvements.”
The impact of the programme is already being felt across the region. Participating businesses report improved efficiency, reduced costs and stronger long-term resilience, with over 90% of leaders satisfied with the support provided.
One business is Pinkmans Bakery, which has used Made Smarter support to identify where digital investment could have the greatest operational impact. Following implementation of new systems and processes, the business has been able to redeploy 45 hours of skilledlabour each week into higher-value activities, supporting the launch of a wholesale arm generating more than £100,000 in additional revenue.
Ross Gibbens, owner of Pinkmans Bakery, said:
“The Made Smarter programme has had a huge impact on our business, helping us to make significant improvements and progress far quicker than we could have managed alone. The combination of funding, expertise and hands-on support has allowed us to make better,faster decisions and unlock new opportunities for growth.”
With funding limited and demand continuing to grow, manufacturers looking to improve efficiency, reduce costs or invest in digital capability are encouraged to register their interest via the Made Smarter application page.
