Small and medium-sized manufacturers across Huddersfield are being urged to tap into £325,000 of funding to boost productivity and accelerate their digital transformation.
Made Smarter, the Government-backed digital adoption programme, is offering Capital Expenditure (CapEx) grants that can fund up to 50% of project costs to a maximum of £20,000 for investment in new technology such as automation, robotics, AI and 3D printing.
The funding is only available until the end of March so companies need to act quickly.
Since it began in 2021 the programme has now handed out £1.4m in CapEx grants, unlocking a further £2.4m in private investment for a £3.8m tech boost across the region.
Jessica Armitage, programme manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire and Humber, said: “This milestone shows how quickly manufacturers across Yorkshire are moving to adopt technologies that improve productivity, cut waste and open up new opportunities. The momentum is building.
“But any business that waits another year risks losing ground. The funding is here now and so is the support.
“With £325,000 still available until the end of March we want SMEs to act now, seize this moment and make 2026 the year they unlock the full potential of digital technology to increase productivity, create growth and jobs and build a more resilient and sustainable future.”
To access Made Smarter support, manufacturers start by registering their interest and speaking with a specialist adviser about their business and growth plans.
A digital expert then works with the company to assess its operations and create a clear plan, identifying where technology and skills can add value.
From there, businesses can access tailored support, including specialist advice, leadership and skills programmes, digital internships and matched funding through a CapEx grant to invest in new technology.
Over the last four years Made Smarter Yorkshire and Humber has been involved with almost 1,200 manufacturers and provided technical project support to more than 250 businesses. Close to 150 companies have taken part in leadership and skills programmes.
Businesses from the region have benefited from grants for technology projects.
One is Visual Systems Healthcare, based in Huddersfield, which manufactures communication, safety and patient-flow systems for NHS and private hospitals and Chris Hunter (left) and Matt Hunter from the company are pictured below.
The company replaced paper-based work with integrated digital systems, reducing production lead times by 20%, improving planning and customer service and supporting major new NHS and private-sector contracts.
Founder and chief executive Chris Hunter said: “Treat digital transformation as a strategic investment, not just a technology upgrade.
“The Made Smarter programme gave us the structure, expertise and guidance to understand our true operational challenges, not just the symptoms.
“The key is to start with clear process mapping, invest in staff engagement early and be prepared for cultural change as much as technological change.”
To learn more about Made Smarter support or register interest in the programme click here.
Written by ANDY HIRST who runs his own Yorkshire freelance journalism agency AH! PR (https://ah-pr.com/) specialising in press releases, blogging, website content, copywriting and ghost-writing autobiographies.
