Yorkshire Manufacturers Urged to Act as Made Smarter Funding Drives Digital Transformation
Small and medium-sized manufacturers across Yorkshire are being urged to take advantage of £325,000 in remaining funding designed to boost productivity and accelerate digital transformation. The funding is available through Made Smarter, the Government-backed programme supporting the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, but businesses have been warned that the application window closes at the end of March.
Made Smarter is offering Capital Expenditure (CapEx) grants covering up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, capped at £20,000 per business. The funding can be used to invest in a wide range of digital and industrial technologies, including automation, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), additive manufacturing, and data-driven systems. The aim is to help manufacturers modernise operations, improve efficiency, and remain competitive in increasingly demanding markets.
The call for applications comes as Made Smarter Yorkshire and Humber reaches a major milestone: its 100th technology project application. This achievement highlights the growing momentum behind digital adoption in the region’s manufacturing sector. Since launch, the programme has distributed £1.4 million in CapEx grants, unlocking an additional £2.4 million in private sector investment. In total, this has delivered a £3.8 million technology boost for manufacturers across Yorkshire and the Humber.
Jessica Armitage, Programme Manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire and Humber, said the milestone demonstrates how quickly manufacturers are embracing new technologies to cut waste, improve productivity, and create new opportunities. She warned that businesses delaying investment risk falling behind competitors and encouraged SMEs to act quickly while funding remains available.
Accessing Made Smarter support begins with a simple registration of interest, followed by a discussion with a specialist adviser to understand the business’s goals and challenges. A digital expert then works with the company to assess its operations and develop a tailored digital roadmap, identifying where technology and skills can deliver the greatest value. Support can include expert advice, leadership and skills programmes, digital internships, and matched funding through CapEx grants.
Since 2021, Made Smarter Yorkshire and Humber has engaged with almost 1,200 manufacturers, produced nearly 700 digital roadmaps, and delivered technical project support to more than 250 businesses. Almost 150 companies have also participated in leadership and skills development programmes.
Among those benefitting from the scheme is Advanced Manufacturing (Sheffield) Ltd (AML), an advanced manufacturing supplier serving the aerospace, defence, energy, and nuclear sectors. Based in Sheffield, AML has used grant funding to upgrade its data infrastructure and cybersecurity, improving business resilience while supporting growth and job creation. Managing Director Dr Gareth Morgan said the company strongly endorses the programme and encourages other organisations to explore the support available.
Another beneficiary, HMi Elements of Malton, manufactures specialist computers for hazardous environments. By investing in automation technology, the company has improved precision, increased efficiency, and redeployed staff into other critical production areas, further strengthening its operational performance.
