Made Smarter has appointed HSBC UK to its funding panel to help North West SME manufacturers to accelerate their digital transformation.
Chaired by programme director Donna Edwards, the panel comprises leading figures from across the worlds of business, government and academia including AMRC, the world-leading research and innovation centre, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and Accenture, a professional services company and technology expert.
The government-funded, industry-led Made Smarter adoption programme in the North West delivers critical access to finance of up to £20,000 towards new technology and digital tools.
To date the panel has given the green light to £5.3m of funding towards 275 technology projects, ranging from software and sensors to robotics and extended reality.
By leveraging £13m of private investment these businesses are investing in technology to make themselves more efficient, resilient, productive and sustainable, and are set to create 1,300 new jobs, upskill almost 3,000 existing roles, deliver an additional £208m in gross value added to the region, as well as help the UK meet its net zero target by 2050.
Donna Edwards said: “I am delighted to welcome HSBC UK to our review panel which includes experienced representatives from industry, academia and the public sector.
“As the first financial institution to work with Made Smarter’s Adoption Programme in the North West, HSBC UK’s experience supporting businesses will be vital as we drive forward the adoption programme in the North West over the next three years.
“At a time of economic uncertainty HSBC UK’s perspective ensures a holistic panel which benefits from GMCA’s regional expertise, AMRC NW and Accenture’s technological insights and MMU’s academic viewpoint, to guarantee Made Smarter offers value for money.”
Pritesh Lad, Relationship Manager, Business Banking at HSBC UK said: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to Made Smarter’s important work in supporting the region’s manufacturing sector.
“We look forward to working with Made Smarter to help ensure the business they support invests their funds effectively, as well as working with fellow panel members to support the programme’s continued success.”
Launched in 2018, the Made Smarter adoption programme in the North West has supported more than 2,500 manufacturers with specialist advice and a digital roadmap to help them select the right approach, level of investment and tools for their business.
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