In Yorkshire and the Humber there’s a scheme that’s helping hundreds of businesses to make the most of digital. South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) are responsible for the delivery of Made Smarter in the Yorkshire and Humber region. The scheme is making significant strides in propelling regional manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) towards a digital future.
As of the end of September 2024, the programme has supported 461 SMEs in assessing their digital capabilities and identifying the next steps towards digitalisation and improved productivity.
This initiative has unlocked over £1 million in grants towards digitalisation projects across participating businesses, empowering manufacturers to invest in new technologies, leading to boosts in productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability.
Below are just a few of the success stories that the region has seen to date.
Labfacility: Data analysis and automation
Labfacility, a South Yorkshire-based manufacturer of temperature sensors and related products, faced challenges with data analysis and packaging efficiency.
Due to natural expansion over their 53 years of operation, there was an opportunity recognised for digital tools to help this family-owned business improve efficiency and enable financial growth.
Through Made Smarter’s support, they implemented Qlik software for data analysis and automated their packaging process. This resulted in improved efficiency, reduced costs, and increased productivity.
Tony Mitchell, Procurement Officer at Labfacility, said: “Previously, manual reporting and analysis of supply lines were time-consuming. Qlik has automated these tasks by enabling alerts and providing regular reports. This has significantly reduced the time needed for analysis and freed up time for other tasks, allowing us to stay on top of more suppliers and lines efficiently.”
Find out more about Labfacility here.
Advanced Manufacturing Ltd: Security for growth
Advanced Manufacturing (Sheffield) Ltd. (AML) faced challenges with cyber-security and physical security which had hindered their ability to secure new defence contracts.
Made Smarter provided support through advice and grants, which led to improved connectivity, enhanced cyber-security measures, and server upgrades.
They also supported the implementation of physical security measures including individualised key fobs to restrict access to different groups.
These solutions helped AML strengthen its security posture, attract more defence projects, and achieve the Fit4Nuclear status.
Find out more about Advanced Manufacturing Ltd here.
Leading Digital Transformation course
In the dynamic landscape of business, digital transformation is not just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. However, with over 70 percent of digital change projects falling short of their objectives, the question arises: How can your manufacturing firm be part of the successful 30 percent?
Enter the Leading Digital Transformation course, a game-changer meticulously crafted and road-tested by industry experts.
Developed in collaboration with Sheffield Business School, this course empowers senior leaders in SMEs (up to 249 employees) across the UK to navigate the digital improvements with confidence and efficacy.
The course is a 12-week journey through 10 workshops, blending face-to-face and online sessions, providing a total of 40 hours of specialised digital change leadership training.
It isn’t your typical course. You’ll actively experiment throughout the course, introducing productivity enhancements to your business in real-time, witnessing the benefits unfolding as the course progresses.
Your digital transformation awaits
Don’t be a part of the 70 percent that miss the mark—be among the leaders who transform their SMEs into digitally agile, sustainable, and innovative powerhouses.
To enrol in the Leading Digital Transformation course, and to access all of the support offering available, including grant funding, register for Made Smarter today.
Jasmine Bunting, Marketing Officer at Made Smarter, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
Connect with Jasmine: www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-thesheffieldmarketingco
Jasmine has a keen desire to maximise the benefits of the business support programmes offered by the Combined Authority, making sure everyone gets the help they deserve.
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