Oxford Innovation Advice, which has been delivering the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP) since 2016, has won two new contracts to support manufacturers in Yorkshire & Humber and the East Midlands to drive growth through digitalisation.
The company has been selected by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to deliver the £4.9 million Made Smarter programme in the region. Providing expert one-to-one support, the programme aims to encourage SMEs to adopt digital technologies to boost productivity and generate growth.
Oxford Innovation Advice has a proven track record in supporting manufacturing SMEs having successfully delivered the Manufacturing Growth Programme across Yorkshire, the Midlands and the South East. As delivery partners, the company will lead on the overall programme management, contract management and governance with support from Brook Consulting, Edge Digital, the Institute of Manufacturing and the in-house team at SYMCA.
The company has also been awarded the contract to deliver the digital road mapping element of the £3m Made Smarter programme in the East Midlands. The scheme provides digital transformation road mapping, leadership development, grant funding and access to industrial digital technology expertise until 31st March 2025.
Both programmes have already got off to a strong start. In the first full month of commencing, 53 digital roadmaps have already been delivered for SMEs in Yorkshire and Humber, while 16 digital roadmaps have been delivered for SMEs in the East Midlands by Oxford Innovation Advice.
Jane Galsworthy, Managing Director of Oxford Innovation Advice – the leading provider of business support programmes for SMEs – said: “We are proud to be delivering Made Smarter in Yorkshire and Humber as well as supporting manufacturing SMEs with digital road mapping in the East Midlands. It is now more important than ever that SME manufacturers have access to specialist support to develop digital capabilities, build resilience and achieve their growth potential. This in turn will enhance the economy, job opportunities and the prosperity of local communities.”
Made Smarter enables eligible manufacturing SMEs to understand their Industrial Digital Technology capabilities through the application of digital business diagnostics to identify their digital readiness level and build a Digital Roadmap. SME manufacturers can access expertise, training and grant funding, to implement their Digital Roadmap and propel the business forward with its digital adoption.
Made Smarter was created following an industry-led review of how UK manufacturing industries can prosper through digital tools and innovation. The scheme strives to unite established and emerging UK technology innovators with the manufacturing community to deliver cutting-edge solutions to the industry’s biggest operational challenges.
Oxford Innovation Advice has over 30 years of experience in designing and delivering effective business support programmes that generate growth for businesses, local communities and the economy. The team has supported over 33,000 SMEs across the country and developed a suite of innovative resources and tools for businesses, policymakers and funders.
For more information on the Made Smarter programme, visit madesmarter.uk
