Listen to this article here
|
Three businesses in Stockport are among the latest cohort of manufacturers to graduate from a digital leadership programme being delivered by the Made Smarter initiative.
Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) is a three-month programme delivered in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University, and blends face-to-face workshops, online webinars, case studies to see technology in action, and a site visit to PrintCity, the university’s 3D additive and digital manufacturing centre. Since last year, the programme has turned 34 delegates into digitally-informed, empowered leaders, armed with a bespoke digitalisation strategy.
Among the latest companies to graduate from the digital leadership programme are Stockport manufacturers Firstplay Dietary Foods, Ironsides Lubricants, and Massey & Harris.
Manufacturers across the North West are now being encouraged to register their interest for the next series of programmes.
Commenting on her experience, Alison Brooks, Business Manager at playground equipment manufacturer, Massey & Harris, said:
“The belief and confidence I have walked away with, both professionally and personally, is quite something. The programme was well led, engaging, full of useful information, and a real source for inspiration.
“Any fears I had about the programme being too technical disappeared from the first session and I was hooked. I was able to quickly ascertain where we were as a company, why we had previously failed in leading change, what we needed to do, when, and how. I was also able to implement changes immediately, improving communications and increasing the buy-in for the changes in the pipeline.
“I also really benefited from learning from her peers and visiting their factories. Although we are all at different stages, it is comforting that we share the challenges. The peer learning forums were an added bonus to discuss and share business issues and good practice, the other delegates are now regular contacts – and friends.”
Tom Fletcher, Managing Director of First Play Dietary Foods, a specialist food manufacturer, said:
“The leadership programme helped me identify the need for embedding digital champions across the business to smooth the change we are undertaking.
“It has also taught me of the value of engaging with stakeholders outside the business. The time away from the hustle and bustle of manufacturing has also been important. It has enabled me to reassess and refine our mission, vision and values. Lots of things have changed in the last few years and we are moving into an important period of growth.
“As we start to look forward to new technologies, this leadership programme has been really helpful in cementing our strategy. I just wish I had done it earlier.”
Stephen Williams, Operations Manager, and Carlo Sementa, Engineering Manager, for Ironside Lubricants, manufacturers of grease products, based in Stockport, both completed the programme. Stephen said:
“Our company, like many in manufacturing, is currently undergoing a digital transformation. However, we’ve faced challenges, both technically and culturally. The programme has taught us about effective change management, stressing the importance of communication and involving our workforce. Securing engagement and support from across your organisation is vital.”
Since launching in 2019 Made Smarter has supported 2,500 manufacturers in the North West to access expert, impartial technology advice, digital transformation workshops to help take that first step to transform a business, and support with technology adoption projects. It has also supported 284 businesses with skills and leadership advice and training.
Ruth Hailwood, Made Smarter’s Organisation and Workforce Development Specialist Adviser, said:
“Made Smarter has taken a people-first approach to helping SME manufacturers adopt technology tools to take their businesses forward. Technology tools bring change to the way day to day work is done and this change needs to be led to make sure the people in the business are ready to use these tools to maximise the benefits for the business and realise the potential of their people.
“Our Leading Digital Transformation programme and Leading Change for Digital Champions programmes work hand in hand to support SME manufacturers to take their entire organisation and people through digital transformation successfully and maximise the opportunities for their business.
“Ultimately, accelerating changes to leadership and skills within the industry, especially with SMEs, will make the biggest difference to achieving successful digital transformation and reaping the benefits for UK manufacturing economically, socially and environmentally.”
Pictured: L-R: Carlo Sementa (Ironside Lubricants); Alison Brooks (Massey & Harris); Tom Fletcher (First Play Dietary Foods); Stephen Williams (Ironside Lubricants); and Ruth Hailwood (Made Smarter).