Yorkshire manufacturers are doubling down on digital skills as they race to keep pace with technological change. New analysis from Made Smarter Yorkshire reveals one in four manufacturers taking part in its Leadership and Digital Champions courses have involved more than one person over time, with some engaging as many as four, to help accelerate digital transformation.
The figures from the government-backed programme show manufacturers are spreading digital knowledge across their businesses, investing in different people year-on-year or combining courses to strengthen skills at different levels, from senior decision-makers shaping strategy to those turning plans into action.
It’s encouraging to see manufacturers creating digital teams with the skills and confidence to drive change. Digital transformation is much more likely to succeed when knowledge and ownership are shared across the business.
Jessica Armitage, Programme Manager, Made Smarter Yorkshire
The trend builds on five years of investment in digital skills through Made Smarter Yorkshire, with 147 people completing or undertaking training since 2021. It spans all four corners of Yorkshire, with manufacturers including Victor Manufacturing in Keighley, Teal & Mackrill in Hull, Andel in Barnsley and Additive X in Ripon among those taking this broader approach.
Jessica Armitage, Programme Manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire, said: “It’s encouraging to see manufacturers creating digital teams with the skills and confidence to drive change. Digital transformation is much more likely to succeed when knowledge and ownership are shared across the business, helping manufacturers bring people with them and turn digital ambitions into action.
“We’re keen to help more Yorkshire manufacturers recognise the opportunities digital technology can create and I’d encourage businesses to explore the support available through Made Smarter Yorkshire.”
Among those taking this approach is Keighley-based catering equipment firm Victor Manufacturing, which has combined the two courses to develop skills at different levels of the business.
Operations Director Aaron Williams said: “The Leadership course has helped me stop and assess things differently, particularly how individuals see change and how we can get the best result for the company. We’ve also put three people from our engineering department through Digital Champions, so we’re building that knowledge within the company.”
One of those Champions, Ethan Fox, said the course had broadened his understanding of digital technologies and their potential applications, with simulation software already identified as an opportunity to support research and development.
Ethan, a Technical Electrical Engineer, said: “Exploring new avenues for growth is essential. This course gives companies like ours the opportunity to appoint people internally who can develop the skills to lead that growth.”
Leeds-based window manufacturer HWL is taking a similar approach, targeting 20 per cent revenue growth over the next two years, supported by digitalisation and opportunities around AI, machinery sensors, factory-flow mapping and automation.
Director Graham Howatson has completed the Leadership course, while Sales Supervisor Danny Hibbert has joined the latest cohort. Graham said: “The course has helped me think much more strategically about the business, from getting the right processes in place and identifying where technology can add value, to how we lead change and bring people with us. We’re already starting to apply that learning.
“We’ve also started introducing Digital Champions. We want people contributing to the process so that it becomes a company project and a company vision.”
The latest courses come as manufacturers grapple with the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, additive manufacturing and data-driven technologies. Delivered by experts at Sheffield Hallam University, the fully funded Leadership and Digital Champions courses combine workshops, webinars and hands-on exposure to digital technology with a strong focus on the people side of transformation.
The course has helped me think much more strategically about the business, from getting the right processes in place and identifying where technology can add value, to how we lead change and bring people with us.
Graham Howatson, Director, HWL
Participants learn how to identify where technology can add value, develop a strategy for adoption, engage colleagues and lead change. The courses aim to ensure investment in technology is matched by the leadership, skills and confidence needed to turn it into improvements in productivity and growth.
To learn more about fully funded places on future Made Smarter Yorkshire skills courses visit: madesmarter.uk/yorkshire-skills/
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