Marvin OnumonuThe University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University have joined forces with Made Smarter to deliver a fast-track digital leadership programme for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) manufacturers in the North West.
The universities are now delivery partners for Made Smarter’s Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme.
The Government-funded initiative has already supported 54 participants from sectors like aerospace, food, and precision engineering.
The programme is designed to help business owners and managers develop tailored digital strategies for their firms.
An earlier version of the scheme helped 62 business leaders between 2019 and 2023.
With new funding in place, the universities aim to support another 40 companies across two cohorts over the next year in Cheshire and Warrington, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and the Liverpool City Region.
The programme includes face-to-face workshops, webinars, case studies, and visits to facilities such as the University of Salford’s north of England robotics innovation centre and Manchester Met’s printcity and robotics living lab.
Dr Ann Mulhaney, associate professor of change management at the University of Salford, said: “Securing the rollout of this innovative programme further strengthens the University of Salford’s reputation for delivering impactful, world-class business leadership development.
“We are proud to partner with Made Smarter and Manchester Metropolitan University to support a new wave of ambitious SMEs as they embark on their digital transformation journeys.”
Professor Jennie Shorley, academic director at the Centre for Enterprise, said: “Being on board for another year delivering on the Made Smarter programme is fantastic news for the SME community in the region.
“Our proven strengths in enabling businesses to not just develop their innovations, but create sustainable solutions that are embedded across the organisations means that we are helping to ensure the region’s economic strengths for years to come.
“Partnering with our colleagues at the University of Salford means that we are able to support even more businesses.”
Ruth Hailwood, lead organisation and workforce development specialist at Made Smarter, said: “The leading digital transformation programme has been a major success, equipping over 100 regional leaders with the tools and insight needed to accelerate the adoption of advanced digital technologies in their businesses.
“This programme gives manufacturers the space to step back, reflect, and develop a digital strategy tailored to their needs.
“By placing people at the heart of digital transformation, we’re enabling meaningful change and long-term success.”
