Made Smarter (The Marches)

Made Smarter, as delivered through Marches Growth Hub, is a UK government and industry-backed programme aimed at helping manufacturing and engineering businesses boost productivity and growth by adopting digital technology. In the Marches area, support is available to businesses in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, including advice from a dedicated digital technology specialist, one of five such experts appointed across the West Midlands. The programme connects businesses with digital technology experts and tools intended to transform operations, following recommendations from a national review of UK manufacturing that called for more ambitious leadership, greater innovation in developing new technologies, and faster adoption of those technologies by industry. According to the page, the programme aims to boost the digital skills of industry leaders, bring businesses together with research and development, and help manufacturers adopt new digital tools, with the broader aim of positioning the UK as a leader in digital technology. Businesses can register interest or contact the Growth Hub directly, or visit the national Made Smarter website, to find out more and begin engaging with the programme.

Support is available to manufacturing and engineering businesses based in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin; the page categorises businesses by size (pre-start, start-up, SME up to 250 staff, or large over 250 staff) but does not state further formal eligibility conditions for Made Smarter specifically.