Figures reveal impact of Made Smarter West Midlands

The extension of a major programme which improves digital skills and access to technology in manufacturing and engineering businesses has been welcomed after new figures revealed its impact in the West Midlands.

Made Smarter is to be rolled out nationally after the Government committed to expanding the Made Smarter Adoption Programme to all nine English regions in 2025-26 before working with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland from 2026-27.

Made Smarter West Midlands was introduced in 2021 as part of a one-year pilot programme to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing and engineering sector access match-funded grant funding and digital experts to take the next step forward to drive growth.

Coventry and Warwickshire (CW) Growth Hub has led the Made Smarter West Midlands scheme alongside the Growth Hubs in Worcestershire, The Marches, and Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire, and on behalf of Business Growth West Midlands, the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Department for Business and Trade.

CW Growth Hub also works closely with strategic partners WMG, at the University of Warwick, and the MTC, to tap into the expertise of their digital manufacturing specialists.

New figures released by Made Smarter West Midlands show there were 560 registrations between April 2021 and November 2023 with 115 grants being awarded from April 2021 to this October valued at £1.94 million.

Of the 115 grants, 27 were awarded in the Black Country, 30 in Coventry and Warwickshire, 18 in Greater Birmingham and Solihull, 13 in The Marches, 16 in Stoke and Staffordshire, and 11 in Worcestershire.

This has resulted in increasing the Gross Value Added across the West Midlands so far since April 2021 to £128.1 million.

The GVA breaks down in each area to: Black Country (£34.1 million), Coventry and Warwickshire (£29.8 million), Greater Birmingham and Solihull (£15.1 million), The Marches (£21.1 million), Stoke and Staffordshire (£15.9 million) and Worcestershire (£12.1 million).

Craig Humphrey, Chief Executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, said Made Smarter West Midlands has been an undeniable success throughout the region and he was delighted it was being extended nationally.

“The whole purpose of Made Smarter is to equip SMEs in the manufacturing and engineering industry with the digital skills and technology to grow and take their businesses to the next level,” he said.

“Not only has this helped to upskill staff but it has benefited our local economy enormously, as the figures reflect.

“The response has been staggering and we have been oversubscribed which is why we are so pleased the programme has been extended because it gives our digital transformation specialists the opportunity to visit and help even more companies.

“Made Smarter has underlined the need for this kind of support for manufacturing and engineering companies because it is vital digital technology is embraced to improve productivity and skills.

“SMEs have always been the bedrock of our economy and the Made Smarter programme, delivered by my team across the West Midlands, has highlighted the impact of digital technology in manufacturing and engineering and we are delighted that this is now being rolled out across the country and extended until 2030.”

Made Smarter WM

Made Smarter is a national movement to drive growth amongst UK makers and advance the UK economy. Backed by world renowned businesses and the UK government, it will improve the development and adoption of emerging technologies. Making a real, everyday difference to people from the boardroom to the factory floor.

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Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans.

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information. It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers. We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events. When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,