Greater Manchester universities partner with digital leadership programme for SME manufacturers

Two Greater Manchester universities have partnered with the Made Smarter programme to deliver fast-track digital leadership programme for SME manufacturers in the region.

The universities have been named as delivery partners for Made Smarter’s Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme , a government-funded, industry-led initiative accelerating digital transformation across the North West’s manufacturing sector. The programme is designed to transform business owners and senior managers into digitally informed, empowered leaders, armed with a bespoke digitalisation strategy tailored to their organisation that ensures businesses are equipped with the strategies and skills needed to thrive.

Since its launch in 2023, the LDT programme has supported 54 participants in developing the skills to adopt and implement cutting-edge technologies within their operations. This builds on the success of Made Smarter’s earlier leadership initiative, which equipped 62 business leaders with essential digital capabilities between 2019 and 2023.

Following the securing of additional funding, another 40 companies across two cohorts will be able to participate over the coming year. Registration for the programme is now open via the Made Smarter website.

Dr Ann Mulhaney, Associate Professor of Change Management at the University of Salford, who’s leading their cohort said:

“Securing the rollout of this innovative programme further strengthens the University of Salford’s reputation for delivering impactful, world-class business leadership development.  

“We are proud to partner with Made Smarter and Manchester Metropolitan University to support a new wave of ambitious SMEs as they embark on their digital transformation journeys.”

Manchester Metropolitan University’s Centre for Enterprise will once again be delivering a Made Smarter cohort, bringing together teams at the Centre and PrintCity, a 3D additive and digital manufacturing centre, home to manufacturing experts, designers, engineers and students. 

Professor Jennie Shorley, Academic Director at the Centre for Enterprise, said:

“Being on board for another year delivering on the Made Smarter programme is fantastic news for the SME community in the region. Our proven strengths in enabling businesses to not just develop their innovations, but create sustainable solutions that are embedded across the organisations means that we are helping to ensure the region’s economic strengths for years to come. Partnering with our colleagues at University of Salford means that we are able to support even more businesses.”

Ruth Hailwood, Made Smarter’s Lead Organisation and Workforce Development Specialist , said:

“The Leading Digital Transformation programme has been a major success, equipping over 100 regional leaders with the tools and insight needed to accelerate the adoption of advanced digital technologies in their businesses.  

“This programme gives manufacturers the space to step back, reflect, and develop a digital strategy tailored to their needs. By placing people at the heart of digital transformation, we’re enabling meaningful change and long-term success.”

Image: L to R – Claire Pattison from Manchester Metropolitan University; Ruth Hailwood from Made Smarter; and Dr Ann Mulhaney from the University of Salford.