The programme focuses on equipping SME manufacturers with the strategies and skills to adopt cutting-edge digital technologies.
Participants in the latest cohort included business leaders from three food and drink businesses – Whitehaven-based Bakes By Gina, Manchester-based Bubble Panda and Stockport-based Firstplay Dietary Foods.
Gina Goulding, owner of Bakes By Gina, said: “My business has been on an incredible growth journey, which meant I never had time to reflect on where we are. The leadership programme gave me precious headspace with like-minded individuals and gave me skills to empower my staff to take the reins.”
Three-month programme
The funded programme is delivered over three months with Manchester Metropolitan University, blending face-to-face workshops, online webinars, case studies to see technology in action and a site visit to PrintCity, Manchester Met’s 3D additive and digital manufacturing centre.
Brian Holliday, co-chair of the Made Smarter Commission and MD of Siemens Digital Industries added: “It was an absolute privilege to meet this latest group of creators and makers to complete our trailblazing Leading Digital Transformation programme and to listen to their inspirational stories.
“While these businesses operate in vastly different sectors, there is a consistency in the way they recognise the importance of people, process, strategy and adoption of technology.”
‘Digitally informed’
Since its launch in 2023, the LDT programme has transformed 54 delegates into ‘digitally informed’ leaders armed with a bespoke digitalisation strategy.
Made Smarter’s organisation and workforce development specialist adviser Ruth Hailwood said: “Our Leading Digital Transformation programme is designed to be flexible for manufacturing leaders to fit around their busy schedules, allowing them to take time out of their business to reflect on the bigger picture and share ideas, experiences and opportunities with their peers in manufacturing.
“This supports leaders to take their entire organisation and people through digital transformation successfully and maximise the opportunities for their business.”
Meanwhile, small and medium sized businesses are hesitant to embrace digital transformation due to a lack of confidence in technology and digital skills, the head of Made Smarter has warned.
