A TECHNOLOGY adoption scheme that has already worked with 300 Lancashire businesses has received government backing to continue.

Made Smarter, which was piloted across the county, will now aim to help hundred more local manufacturing firms and will also be expanding into the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber and into the West Midlands.

This has been made possible by £8 million of government funding.

Made Smart North West adoption director Donna Edwards said: “I am delighted that the government has continued to support the North West Adoption programme.

“Over the last two years we have worked tirelessly to drive digital technology usage among SME makers across the North West with significant success.

“The programme has proven the value technology can bring to the manufacturing sector.

“We have helped hundreds of North West makers start their digital journey by providing them with specialist advice to help them select the right approach, level of investment and tools for their business.

“With the additional funding, we are able to continue reaching out to the region’s SME manufacturers to connect them to the tools that will make an everyday difference to their businesses.”

Over the last two years firms to have participated in the programme have received technology advice, digital transformation workshops to help them take their first steps to transform their business, leadership programmes, and funded digital technology internships.

Businesses from East Lancashire to sign up include Tool Management Services of Accrington, Fairbrother and Grimshaw Engineering of Blackburn, Linzi Jay also of Blackburn and Woven Art Company of Clitheroe.

The training has helped local firms to secure a total of £1.1 million of matched funding for 57 projects, rising to £3.9 million after securing private sector investment.

The new funding will mean many more companies will be able to take part in future.

Meanwhile, a free-to-access virtual conference, Made Smarter: The journey to digital manufacturing, will take place on Wednesday March 10, featuring Lancashire manufacturers Nutree Life, based in Burscough, DA Techs of Chorley and Preston-based Envirosystems Preston who will be sharing their stories.

To find out more, go to: https://www.madesmarter.uk.