Made Smarter Yorkshire secures £2.4m funding

The continuation of the programme unlocks a fresh phase of support for SME manufacturers, combining expert advice, leadership training and digital skills with match-funded grants of up to £20,000.

Together, these interventions are designed to boost productivity, drive innovation, create high-value jobs and support progress towards net zero.

Jessica Armitage, programme manager, Made Smarter Yorkshire and Humber (Image: Supplied)

Made Smarter Yorkshire is a government-backed, industry-led programme delivered by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority in partnership with York and North Yorkshire, Hull and East Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire combined authorities.

Since launching in 2021, the programme has engaged with more than 1,250 manufacturers, helping them take practical steps towards digital adoption.

This includes the creation of over 715 digital roadmaps, giving businesses a clear plan for transformation.

Made Smarter (Image: Monty Rakusen)

To turn those plans into action, more than 200 businesses have received intensive technical support alongside over 100 capital grants, worth £1.4 million, to invest in technologies such as automation, robotics, AI, additive manufacturing and data-driven systems.

This has unlocked a further £2 million in private sector investment, delivering a combined £3.4 million boost to the region’s manufacturing base.

Alongside technology adoption, leadership and workforce development have played a central role.

Digital Leaders and Digital Champions programmes have built capability at both strategic and operational levels across almost 115 businesses.

Meanwhile, 37 university students have supported real-world transformation projects through digital internships, helping companies embed new skills and accelerate change.

Jessica Armitage, programme manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire, said: “This new wave of funding is a significant boost for Yorkshire’s manufacturing community.

“Over the past four years, we have demonstrated what is possible when SMEs are given the right combination of advice, skills and technology support.

“The continuation of the programme gives businesses the confidence to plan ahead, invest in their future and scale with purpose.

“We are excited to support the next wave of manufacturers to unlock productivity, build resilience and drive long-term growth across the region.”

Mike Pennington, business relationship manager for York & North Yorkshire at Made Smarter, said: “Across York and North Yorkshire, from our coastal towns to our rural communities and city centres, manufacturing plays a vital role in supporting jobs and local prosperity.

“This new phase of Made Smarter funding means more businesses can get the digital support they need to grow, innovate and strengthen their future.”

Made Smarter gives manufacturers a clear, supported route into digital transformation, starting with an expert assessment and a tailored roadmap to guide investment and implementation.

From there, businesses can access specialist technical support from RTC North, alongside leadership development, workforce training and digital internships delivered by Sheffield Hallam University.

Eligible companies can also unlock match funding of up to 50 per cent, with grants of up to £20,000 available to accelerate technology adoption.