Member News
Vital growing companies across our region are to receive digital support and grants of up to £23,500 as part of a successful expanding programme.
Made Smarter Adoption North East provides grant funding and access to free workshops and expert one-to-one advice for small and medium-sized manufacturers adopting digital technology.
Now, after more than 100 Tees Valley firms have taken part in the programme, a fresh round of companies will benefit from three new Made Smarter workshops in the coming weeks.
Manufacturers are now being urged to sign up to the next cohort starting on Wednesday 14 May, which will kick off with the first of three workshops focusing on digitalisation strategy, lean thinking and process mapping, and change management.
These will open the door for businesses to apply for to up to £3,500 to access expert technical advice, and up to £20,000 to help purchase and implement new software and equipment.
One growing Teesside company to reap the benefit of Made Smarter is Elemy Ltd.
The firm designs, manufactures, supplies, and installs of steel access solutions, providing services to a range of sectors including construction, rail, water and energy.
After moving its HQ to Redcar in 2023, the company has continued to grow – and Made Smarter support has helped it develop fresh plans and strategies to enhance its efficiency and competitiveness as it took over a Suffolk-based firm.
Managing Director Richard Brine said: “Engaging with the Made Smarter programme allowed the business to develop a robust business case and adoption plan to purchase and incorporate a new Customer Relations Management (CRM) system and take advantage of the programmes capital grant of up to £20,000.”
Manufacturing businesses taking part in Made Smarter benefit from training to understand what technology is available, how and where it can be implemented, and access to workshops and networking opportunities with other North East manufacturers.
Once completing the workshops, grants of up to £3,500 to access expert technical advice, and grants of up to £20,000 to help fund up to 50% of the price of purchasing and implementing new software and/or equipment, are available.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We are home to some of the world’s best manufacturing firms – and with the right support, they can go even further.
“Elemy is a brilliant example of what happens when you match local ingenuity with the right backing – a homegrown success story that showcases the depth of talent and expertise we have in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.
“This kind of targeted support isn’t just about helping businesses grow – it’s about making sure they’re ready to seize the huge opportunities coming through transformational projects at Teesworks and across our region.
“It’s also crucial for helping supply chain companies gear up and get ahead as those projects come to life. I’m proud this will work not only here in Teesside, but across the North East, shoulder to shoulder with our colleagues to the north, to deliver real results for businesses on our doorstep.”
The North East Growth Hub and Tees Valley Combined Authority are working with Made Smarter to deliver Made Smarter Adoption North East in the North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority areas.
Information on the workshops is available here.
