The Made Smarter Adoption programme is set to revolutionize the manufacturing landscape for SMEs and makers in the South East of England.
After operating successfully in the North West since 2019, and further expanding to cover the North East, Humber and the West Midlands, it is now rolling-out to the South East from April 2025.
This initiative is targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have a manufacturing element to their business. It aims to provide them with the tools and support they need to embrace digital technologies so they can improve productivity, boost their bottom line and achieve long term sustainable growth.
The Made Smarter Adoption programme โ backed by world-renowned businesses and funded by UK government, is focused on digital transformation delivered by specialist advisors.
Applicants can get access to a range of personalised support to help them make everyday improvements to their operations and improve their competitiveness.
Businesses can register their interest now, in readiness for the April launch.
Advice, skills and workforce support, plus funding
Made Smarter can support businesses in a number of ways, including:
- Funding: up to 50% match funding available to help business implement new technologies
- Skills: training and development opportunities for those working in the sector. This includes workshops, mentoring and expert advice
- Sustainability: promotion and adoption of energy-efficient technologies to reduce environmental impact and enhance reputation with customers.
Coverage in the South East
The South East programme covers a wide area, with Surrey County Council acting as the lead and coordinator. The regions included are Berkshire, Brighton & Hove, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Medway, Oxfordshire, Solent, and Surrey.
Manufacturing SMEs and makers within the South East area of coverage are encouraged to register their interest now in preparation for when the programme launches in April 2025. Once the programme is live, the Made Smarter team will contact registered businesses to start the process with a free, personalised assessment carried out by a Technology Adoption Specialist advisor.
By leveraging the support and resources offered by the Made Smarter Adoption programme, SME manufacturers and makers can boost their productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability, securing their future in the digital age.
Register your interest now: Digital transformation support in the South East | Made Smarter
Other support to boost your manufacturing SME
Business Surrey is Surrey County Councilโs service providing free and accessible support for all businesses across Surrey.
Whatever your business, our experts are here to help you succeed by providing access to quality resources, expert local knowledge and professional insight. Our offer incudes:
- An easy-to-useย support directoryย with more than 120 national and regional schemes.
- One-to-one support by getting in touch with the team viaย our business support form.
- list of events across Surrey to support networking and shared learning
You can also register to receive our regular newsletter, packed with the latest news on funding, events, free training and support for all Surrey businesses. We’ll be including regular Made Smarter updates in the newsletter and on this website.
