Over £2.2 million of grants awarded to businesses through Made Smarter West Midlands

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Over £2.2 million of grants have been awarded to businesses throughout the West Midlands over the last three years as part of Made Smarter West Midlands – and the Labour government has been urged by a leading business figure to continue growing the programme throughout the UK.

Made Smarter is a national business support programme backed by the previous government which encourages manufacturing and engineering businesses to adopt digital technology to boost their productivity.

The Conservatives had committed to expanding the Made Smarter Adoption Programme to all nine English regions in 2025-26 before launching in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland from 2026-27.

A total of 635 manufacturing and engineering businesses had registered with the programme in the West Midlands since it began in 2021 and up to April 2024.

This includes 180 from Coventry and Warwickshire, 168 from Greater Birmingham & Solihull, 104 from the Black Country, 87 from the Marches, 54 from Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, and 42 from Worcestershire.

These figures have been revealed in the SmartRegion report which contains findings from research and engagements contributed by the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council, and other local and national business support organisations.

Made Smarter West Midlands – which has been nominated for the Manufacturing Innovation Champion of the Year Award – has generated more than £158m in GVA which highlights increased productivity as SMEs have gained access to technology advice, leadership, and skills training, as well as grant funding for digital internships and technology projects.

Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub leads the Made Smarter West Midlands scheme with the Growth Hubs in Worcestershire, the Marches, and Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire, on behalf of Business Growth West Midlands, the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Department for Business and Trade, and works with strategic partners WMG, at the University of Warwick, and the MTC to introduce digital technologies in businesses.

Onur Eren, Principal Engineer for Digital Manufacturing at WMG, University of Warwick, said they have helped around 200 manufacturing and engineering SMEs kick-start and implement their digital transformation journeys.

He said: “The impact of the Made Smarter West Midlands programme cannot be understated. We have helped create hundreds of jobs and upskilled many existing roles, empowering the workforce with advanced digital competencies.

“Additionally, we have witnessed substantial improvements in operational efficiency and successfully solved critical business problems with the help of innovative digital tools.

“Made Smarter support has ensured that manufacturing businesses can leverage the full potential of digital technologies, setting a new benchmark for digital excellence to continue in our region.”

Craig Humphrey, Chief Executive at Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, said the results show that Made Smarter West Midlands has effectively become a vital part of the region’s business support ecosystem.

“The Made Smarter programme in the West Midlands has proved a runaway success in driving digital transformation amongst manufacturing and engineering SMEs across the region in recent years,” he said.

“The new Government is urged to deliver on the commitment to continue with the roll-out of Made Smarter nationally, to ensure it builds on manufacturing competitiveness, innovation, and longer-term growth.”

 

 

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,

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