Stockport manufacturing leader graduates from Made Smarter programme

A business leader from Stockport manufacturer, Arden Dies, has graduated from the Made Smarter ‘Leading Digital Transformation’ programme armed with new digital skills.

The programme was designed by Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and government-funded technology adoption initiative Made Smarter and was delivered through a blend of face-to-face workshops, online webinars, case studies to see technology in action. The course also included a visit to MMU’s 3D additive and digital manufacturing centre, PrintCity.

75 digital leaders have been supported over the past four years through the inaugural Made Smarter leadership programme and more recently, ‘Leading Digital Transformation’, which is now recruiting for its next cohort of businesses. The programme empowers participants to create a bespoke digitalisation strategy for their business. It also provides them with a set of practical tools to make the most of opportunities that digital transformation can offer and access further support from Made Smarter, including funding for new technology and specialist advisers.

Jordan Saunders, Purchasing Manager at Arden Dies (pictured), a Stockport tool and die manufacturer, was among the most recent cohort of business leaders to complete the ‘Leading Digital Transformation’ programme. He said of his experience:

“The programme taught me the tools required to scope projects, highlight stakeholders, plan communication and outline actions. It was invaluable to reflect on the issues that other people on the course had in their businesses and recognising the commonality in the sorts of problems SMEs face. I would recommend the course to anyone that is aware of the need for digital transformation in their own business.”

Reflecting on the success of the programme, Donna Edwards, Director of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, said:

“Technology and digital strategy have proved a great benefit to manufacturers over the last few years as they have navigated a multitude of crises. They will be even more important to navigate future challenges and opportunities. But it’s clear that leadership and digital skills are needed to ensure businesses, especially SMEs, are properly equipped to deal with what lies ahead.

“Our mission is to develop a generation of digital leaders. I am delighted to celebrate the graduation of this latest cohort who have seen the value of taking time out of their businesses to share ideas and experiences and return with new ideas and a digital strategy to create sustainable growth.”

The Made Smarter programme is available by application to leaders from North West-based SME manufacturing businesses with fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than £50 million or a balance sheet total of less than £43 million. Further details about the ‘Leading Digital Transformation’ programme can be found on the initiative’s website.