A Government scheme aimed at helping SMEs adopt new technology is celebrating its fourth anniversary.
Among the latest Cumbrian businesses to secure support from Made Smarter are Kendal’s Ratio Technology, Lakes Sandwiches and Lakeland Artisan,The Ulverston Meat Company, Lake District Farmers Ltd, also based in Ulverston, Barrow’s Handmark Engineering and Workington’s McMenon Engineering Services.
Launched in 2019 to help businesses digitalise, decarbonise and drive growth, the initiative has helped 35 Cumbria-based businesses with £781,000 towards 41 technology projects, worth £2.5 million after £1.7m in private sector investment.
The manufacturers are forecasting their investments will create almost 100 new jobs, upskill 180 existing roles, and deliver an additional £22m in gross value added (GVA) for the Cumbrian economy over the next three years.
Made Smarter has helped manufacturers adopt technologies which enable them to integrate systems, capture and analyse data, and even create simulations of their plants and processes, others are now using 3D-printing, automation and robotics to solve business challenges and meet increased demand.
By adopting cutting-edge technologies, these businesses are benefiting from improved productivity and revenue, increased exports and job creation, an upskilled workforce, lower energy bills, and a reduced carbon footprint.
By supporting many of these businesses to take their first steps towards digitalisation, Made Smarter is also paving the way for more advanced technologies coming quickly down the track such as the industrial metaverse.
Ratio Technology, based in Kendal, was founded in 2018 by engineers and cycling enthusiasts Tom Simpson and Felix Barker.
With the support of Made Smarter the business was able to invest in technology to bring its production in-house.
Tom, director and co-founder, said: “Housing design and production in one location means digitising the entire workflow, from concept through prototyping to production, in the most efficient manner possible.
“We can take concepts to production far faster than we could with a subcontractor. Integration of the full production process means we can design with manufacturing in mind, making the entire process more efficient – whether that’s material consumption, tool use or fixture design.
“Made Smarter’s grant has accelerated our adoption of this vital technology by a year or more and broadened the scope of the investment. We are now looking to expand the team by creating new roles and upskilling four existing team members.
“This investment is game-changing for our business. We’re incredibly proud to be able to etch #madeinthelakes on our new components.”
Lakes Sandwiches, in Kendal, introduced new software to overcome the challenge of outdated and manual systems which were hampering growth.
Mel Walmsley, director, said: “Made Smarter looked at where we were and where we wanted to be, analysing all of our systems and looking for areas for improvement. It was fascinating to see everything from an outside perspective, with valuable advice from people who understand what solutions are available. It can be hard for businesses to venture outside of the working bubble as there is always so much to do and no time to do anything different.
“The new software is designed to streamline our sales order processing, from the initial customer order, into production of the products, right through to dispatch and invoicing, reducing manual input and the need for paper. Our customer paperwork will be digitised as well which helps us to reduce our impact on the environment.
“The whole process has been supported by Made Smarter and we now feel positive about our future and excited for the opportunities that are available to us.”
Lakeland Artisan, which produces fruit syrups, soft drinks, liqueurs and gins, has adopted an In-Line canning line to integrate with its chiller tanks and labelling machine.
The automation technology is expected to significantly increase productivity and efficiency, contributing to an increase in sales. It will also create one new job and upskill the existing workforce.
Geoff Monkman, director, said: “Made Smarter’s support and guidance has been extremely helpful. The grant has accelerated us along our digital journey and taken us to the next level.”
Across the North West, Made Smarter has supported more than 2,500 businesses.
Donna Edwards, director of the North West adoption programme, said: “When we launched the Made Smarter adoption programme four years ago our ambition was to boost growth, productivity, efficiency and create high value, well paid jobs of the future, as well as play a vital role to help accomplish the UK’s aim of reaching net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050.
“Digital adoption is still rife and robust in the SME sector. It’s been great to see that so many firms have tapped into our expertise to help them select the right approach for their business, how much to invest and which technologies will bring the greatest benefits. 2023 promises to be another busy year for Made Smarter.
“As trailblazers, we are tremendously proud of our achievements working together with the manufacturers we have supported, but now is not the time to rest on our laurels.
“More challenges lie ahead for manufacturers as they navigate a multitude of demands on their businesses, whilst also trying to keep up with the rapid pace of change.
“So, I would encourage any North West manufacturers who are wondering where to go next with technology to help manage their business more efficiently and sustainably to get in touch with the Made Smarter team.”
