A cupcake manufacturer is among 23 new businesses to receive backing from Made Smarter, an initiative dedicated to accelerating digital transformation within the food manufacturing sector in the UK. Based in Blackburn, Cupcakes By Sophia is utilizing a grant to enhance its technology investments. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Made Smarter, having now assisted North West companies in investing a remarkable £25 million in innovative technologies.
Over the past six years, 330 businesses have successfully secured £7.1 million in matched funding through this government-funded, industry-backed initiative. These companies have embraced a wide array of technologies, including sensors, robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Together, these businesses have contributed £18 million in private sector investment toward 379 technology projects. These initiatives are projected to create over 1,700 new jobs, averaging five per business, while also up-skilling 3,200 existing roles, which amounts to almost 10 per company. Furthermore, these investments in technology and workforce development are anticipated to inject £267 million into the economy over the next three years.
Commenting on the recent milestone and grant awards, Donna Edwards, Director of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, stated: “These technology projects will have a tremendous impact on individuals, businesses, the sector, and society. They will boost efficiency, productivity, and growth, creating new jobs and up-skilling existing roles, all while shifting the dial on creating a more sustainable approach to manufacturing.”
She added, “I welcome these 23 companies into the Made Smarter family. Alongside the hundreds who have already reaped the rewards of the adoption programme, we have now invested over £25 million into the digital transformation of the sector.”
“Celebrating milestones is important. It permits my fantastic team to take stock of the achievement and then commit to improving the services we offer to continue the Made Smarter mission.”
In addition to grants, Made Smarter provides SME manufacturers with access to funded support, including digital transformation workshops that help create a digital roadmap, impartial and expert technology advice, as well as leadership and skills training. For more information, please visit www.madesmarter.uk.
