Made Smarter East Midlands, part of the national Made Smarter Adoption Programme, and supported by D2N2 LEP, is playing a pivotal role in the transformation journey of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region. With a £3 million digital adoption push across the region, the programme is empowering East Midlands manufacturing businesses to embrace industrial digital technologies, fostering growth and enhancing productivity.
The Chancellor’s recent Autumn Statement confirmed the Made Smarter Adoption Programme will now be extended until 2026 across all regions of England with further expansion UK wide through to 2027.
Jeremy Hunt also confirmed that the Government will make £4.5 billion of support available from 2025 over a five-year period to attract investment into strategic manufacturing sectors.
The funding allocation includes £960 million earmarked for clean energy, supporting the transition to a sustainable and environmentally conscious manufacturing landscape. Over £2 billion is designated for the automotive industry, with an additional £975 million for aerospace. These investments are aimed at bolstering the manufacturing and supply chain and also driving innovation in zero-emission vehicles and energy-efficient aircraft equipment.
Over the coming years, the Made Smarter East Midlands team anticipates working with hundreds of SME manufacturing businesses across the region to provide fully-funded digital technology advice and grant funding to boost productivity, competitiveness, and economic growth across the region. This investment aligns with the UK’s trajectory towards a net-zero economy, reinforcing the region’s position at the forefront of the global transition to sustainability.
Will Morlidge – Chief Executive, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said:
“Manufacturing is the largest sector in our region, and this confirmation of continued support for manufacturers to invest in new technologies will help business owners to plan for their long-term future and develop their productivity, profitability and help them to invest in the skills development of their workforce.”
Dr Chris Owen, Programme Director of Made Smarter East Midlands, said:
“We are delighted with this latest Government announcement, providing longevity of support for our region’s SME manufacturers. This substantial funding is a game-changer for East Midlands manufacturing, driving sustainability, innovation and growth within our region. The digital adoption push under Made Smarter East Midlands empowers our SME Manufacturers, creating a resilient and dynamic manufacturing sector, contributing to job creation and economic prosperity in the East Midlands.”
Further information on Made Smarter East Midlands and digital adoption
For media enquiries, contact:
Nicola Swaney
Head of External Affairs, D2N2 LEP
nicola.swaney@d2n2lep.org
