By Julia Austin, Advanced Manufacturing and Made Smarter Programme Manager at the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority
Today (Thursday 24 September) manufacturing businesses across the North East region, including in Tees Valley, will open their doors to schools, community groups, and members of the public to showcase our region’s strengths in advanced manufacturing.
It’s all taking place as part of National Manufacturing Day - an annual, countrywide open day celebrating modern manufacturing and the huge range of careers available in the sector.
Advanced manufacturing sits at the heart of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority’s (North East MSA) Local Growth Plan. As a region built on making things, we have hundreds of years of manufacturing heritage and one of the most skilled and experienced workforces in the country.
Growing the advanced manufacturing sector is one of the ways we’ll create tens of thousands of new good jobs for local people and grow the economy. A stronger manufacturing base will attract investment, support new startups and bring more specialist skills into the region.
To support the growth of the advanced manufacturing sector, we’re working alongside Tees Valley Combined Authority to help hundreds of manufacturers to adopt and implement new and emerging digital technologies through the Made Smarter programme.
Providing manufacturing SMEs with access to expert technical advice, grant funding and specialist skills from the region’s universities, Made Smarter has transformed how people make things in the North East. The manufacturers of tomorrow are using technology to streamline their processes - they are faster, more responsive, and more efficient. Made Smarter has helped manufacturing businesses in the North East to future-proof and stay competitive.
To mark National Manufacturing Day, I asked some of the Board members of Made Smarter in the North East to tell us how the programme is helping manufacturers in the region, and why businesses should take part.
John Barnett, Chair of the Made Smarter Board in the North East:
“What amazes me are the stories we hear from North East manufacturers. These are real people, who had real problems, and the Made Smarter journey has helped them to not only solve these problems, but put them on the journey to even better things.
“Yes, we have a great North East manufacturing heritage, from shipyards through to Nissan, but the range of companies the programme supports is enormous. Everything from food and drink to pool tables and everything in between. Made Smarter really is strengthening and growing a fantastic North East manufacturing base.
“The digital journey is vital for any manufacturing company moving forward. By getting involved with Made Smarter, manufacturers get access to expertise from professionals who have vast experience at helping companies embrace digital technology in a way that benefits both the business and its people. It really opens people’s eyes to how technology can improve the way we make things and create more skilled jobs for people in the North East.”
Roger O’Brien, Engineering Design Manager at Tekmar
“Made Smarter is an excellent opportunity for North East manufacturers to implement new technologies to support their aspirations and plans. Through the programme, they also get the opportunity to meet other manufacturers, share experience, and learn best practices around the deployment of digital technologies.
“By embracing digital manufacturing and upskilling staff, manufacturers can become more efficient and competitive, which in turn drives growth and creates new opportunities across many areas of the business, including talent and recruitment. Despite what many people might think, adopting new technologies doesn’t replace jobs, it creates new ones. Manufacturing is an exciting and innovative sector to be in and somewhere you can enjoy a rewarding long-term career.
“Made Smarter has been delivering in the North East since 2021 and has benefitted hundreds of businesses. If you haven’t already signed up then now is the perfect time.”
James Latcham, Business Solutions Manager at Tees Valley Combined Authority
“The success of Made Smarter in Tees Valley demonstrates the power of combining ambition with practical support. Businesses have gained the confidence, knowledge and resources needed to adopt new technologies, driving innovation, efficiency and sustainable growth across the region.”
Mark Roddy, Managing Director, Nordic
“As both a business leader and a member of the Made Smarter Board in the North East, I consistently see how the programme helps businesses be supported with their digital adoption. The programme provides them with information, specialist advice and support needed to turn ideas into practical improvements, which ultimately helps them make informed decisions about processes and future investments. This is about strengthening our regional supply chains and securing long-term economic growth for the North East and its people.”
Joanne O’Brien, Business Solutions Adviser at Tees Valley Combined Authority
"Manufacturing is at the heart of our economy here in the Tees Valley, and Made Smarter is helping our local businesses prepare for the future. As a Business Solutions Adviser, to me the programme is helping manufacturers realise that digital transformation isn't just about technology, it's about people, productivity and future growth and seeing businesses gain confidence, develop new skills, and achieve tangible improvements makes the programme so valuable. I'd encourage any manufacturer not yet engaged with Made Smarter to take that first step and discover what's possible."
Paul Hughes, Business Growth Advisor, North East Mayoral Strategic Authority
"Working with manufacturers across the North East, I see first-hand the difference Made Smarter can make. The programme helps businesses turn ideas into action by providing the expertise, support and funding needed to adopt digital technologies with confidence. This not only helps companies improve productivity and competitiveness, but also creates the conditions for long-term growth, investment and skilled job creation across the region.
"For manufacturers considering their next step, Made Smarter provides a proven framework for growth. From one-to-one support and digital roadmaps to grant funding and fully-funded three-month digital internships, the programme helps businesses identify where technology can have the biggest impact and access the skills needed to deliver transformation projects. The internships give manufacturers access to talented students and graduates who can bring fresh ideas, new digital skills and additional capacity to support implementation.
“By helping more firms innovate, modernise and develop their workforce, we're building a stronger, more resilient and more prosperous manufacturing sector for the North East."
To date, Made Smarter has helped more than 400 manufacturing businesses across the North East to adopt a wide range of digital solutions - everything from cobots and 3D printers to Near Field Communication (NFC) technology and Warehouse Management Systems.
If you’d like to find out how Made Smarter can help your manufacturing business, join one of our upcoming cohorts in October, November, January and March. You can register for the programme at madesmarter.uk or by calling the North East Growth Hub on 0191 561 5468.