Plan Ahead for Fully Funded Digital Support with Made Smarter East Midlands
10th February 2026
Running a manufacturing business today means juggling rising costs, skills shortages, tighter customer demands - and the expectation that your operations should be “digital.”
For most manufacturers, the question isn’t whether technology matters, but where to start, what will genuinely deliver value, and how to invest without disrupting production or tying up capital in the wrong solution. Digital adoption can feel risky when your team is already stretched.
That’s exactly the gap Made Smarter East Midlands was created to fill. This fully funded programme supports manufacturers to adopt the right digital tools, from introducing automation and streamlining processes to implementing data-driven decision-making. The focus is practical, impartial support that works for your business, not technology for technology’s sake.
Over 400 regional manufacturers have already used the programme to improve efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness. Funding for the current financial year has now been fully spent, and all other areas of support - such as HR guidance, fully funded digital interns, and other specialised services - are also fully allocated. With competitors already taking action, businesses are urged to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) now to access the next round of support in the 2026–27 programme, ensuring they are not left behind as customer expectations shift and future market pressures intensify.
“Made Smarter has been transformative for us. I wholeheartedly recommend their support to any manufacturer looking to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.”
- Emily Smith, Operations and Finance Director,
Michael Smith Switchgear Ltd
Made Smarter gives your business hands-on guidance to identify the right digital tools, implement change, and build confidence across your workforce. Businesses can also access up to £20,000 in match-funding to accelerate projects, alongside fully funded courses in automation and process improvement.
“Made Smarter provided invaluable guidance, helping us identify our strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. Their expertise and network of resources made a huge difference in our digital transformation journey.”
- Marius Muraska, Operations & Marketing Director,
Skipper’s Pet Products Ltd
Why manufacturers are applying now
Submitting an EOI gives businesses clarity before commitment. It helps pinpoint where digital tools will have the greatest impact before investing, while reducing risk by understanding processes first rather than guessing.
Manufacturers can improve productivity, visibility and operational efficiency, introduce automation gradually and with confidence, and build internal capability in data, technology and change.
“We applied to Made Smarter because we wanted to modernise our manufacturing processes. Thanks to digital innovation, we have significantly boosted our capacity and productivity.”
- Brian Athey, Managing Director, JIG UK Ltd
Getting started is simple
Completing an Expression of Interest, takes just 5 minutes and could unlock fully funded support through the Made Smarter East Midlands programme.
Once submitted, a Digital Transformation Specialist will help identify high-impact opportunities, address operational challenges, and align digital adoption with your business goals.
Applying now doesn’t commit you; it simply puts your business in a stronger position to plan ahead and access expert guidance next financial year.
Digital adoption isn’t a cost, it’s an investment in your people, resilience, and long-term competitiveness. Make 2026 the year you take control of your digital future, before competitors pull ahead.
Submit your Expression of Interest form today
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Practical Digital Adoption for Manufacturers in the East Midlands | 11th March
