Made Smarter, the government-backed digital adoption programme, has launched a new £1m funding round to support technology projects among SME manufacturers in the North West. The initiative, which has been driving digital transformation in the region’s manufacturing sector since 2018, is offering match-funded grants of up to £20,000 to help SMEs adopt advanced technologies including […]
Manufacturing leaders across Southern England are being urged to sign up to Made Smarter, the UK government programme helping SMEs embrace digital technologies for growth. Registration is now open to access fully funded expert advice, leadership training, student interns and up to £20,000 technology grants to help them drive growth, productivity and sustainability. The Made […]
UK-registered businesses involved in late-stage, collaborative research and development (CR&D) of automotive technology and processes can now apply for a share of up to £40m government funding matched by industry. The latest competition facilitated by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, and […]
UK manufacturers are riding high on a wave of newfound confidence for 2025, as figures reveal a dramatic uplift in sales revenue and purchasing. Small and mid-sized firms saw their average sales revenue jump 88% in 2024, while the number of purchase orders (POs) placed with suppliers was also up 88%, according to a report from inventory management […]
Manufacturing output volumes fell at the fastest pace since mid-2020 in the quarter to December, according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Manufacturers expect another steep drop in output over the next three months. Total and export order books deteriorated sharply relative to last month, with the volume of total orders falling to […]
New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer car finance new business volumes fell in October 2024 by 2% compared with the same month in 2023. The corresponding value of new business fell by 1% over the same period. In the ten months to October 2024, new business was […]
Made Smarter Adoption, the UK government’s programme helping SME manufacturers adopt technology and digital skills, will continue next year and expand into all regions of England. The government has announced in the Autumn Budget that it will spend £16m expanding the Adoption programme to all nine English regions in 2025-26. The decision means hundreds of […]
Sentiment across the manufacturing sector fell in October and at the fastest pace in two years, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Industrial Trends Survey. Manufacturing output volumes fell over the quarter to October, though less rapidly than in the quarter to September. Output is expected to be broadly unchanged over the next three months. […]
Made Smarter is calling for manufacturers to open their factories to the schools, colleges and the local community for National Manufacturing Day on 26 September. The government-funded, industry-backed programme, which helps manufacturers connect with technology and skills, is involved in events across the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and Humber. Run by trade body […]
The agreement, which will enhance economic growth across the UK, will also boost overall availability of the UK’s warships and submarines. It will see far greater access from the Ministry of Defence directly to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), allowing them to bid for work under a seven-year framework worth up to £850m. The Marine […]
