Made Smarter West Midlands awarded £2.3m of funding to continue work

The success of a major scheme to help West Midlands manufacturers boost productivity by adopting digital technology has seen it awarded £2.3m of funding to continue its work.

Since launching in 2021, Made Smarter West Midlands has advised more than 300 businesses across the region around which digital technology is most suitable for them, with more than 70 accessing grant money to help them pay for the improvements.

Now, Made Smarter will be able to continue this work thanks to an extra £2.3m of funding awarded to the scheme by the Department for Business & Trade – the third such pot of funding given to the scheme.

The programme has been led by Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub with fellow support organisations, Business Growth West Midlands and Worcestershire, The Marches, and Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hubs on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Department for Business and Trade.

The Growth Hubs work alongside strategic partners WMG, at the University of Warwick, and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry to provide expert advice to businesses and improve their productivity.

Craig Humphrey, CEO of the CW Growth Hub said: “It’s fantastic that Made Smarter West Midlands has been given a third round of funding to help even more businesses in our region get the support they need to adopt game-changing digital technology.

“We are finding that a lot of SMEs realise they have hit bottlenecks or that investment is needed for them to grow, but do not have the time or resources to actively pursue a solution.

“Made Smarter’s work is key to helping these businesses take the next step forward – our help comes at no cost to the business. And we have already helped dozens across a wide range of sectors access the funding they need to grow.

“It is a real vote of confidence that the scheme has been renewed once again and we are looking forward to talking to even more businesses and finding the best technology for them.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “Small and medium sized businesses are the backbone of the West Midlands economy, employing tens of thousands of local people. It’s therefore absolutely essential they have the expert support they need to take advantage of fast changing digital technology so they can use it to adapt to new and smarter ways of working.

“Our Made Smarter programme allows businesses to do exactly that, and so I’m delighted further funding has been awarded to keep the scheme going.”

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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Client testimonials

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,