Made Smarter North West has launched the Digital Champions Network, a new peer-to-peer initiative aimed at accelerating digital adoption among SME manufacturers. This network brings together businesses that have participated in Made Smarter’s digital adoption programs, including the Leading Digital Transformation and Leading Change for Digital Champions courses.
The network will facilitate connections between employees at various stages of technology adoption, from executives to shop floor staff. Throughout the year, both in-person and online events will be held to promote the sharing of experiences and best practices, fostering long-term relationships among participants.
The launch event, hosted at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Liverpool, attracted a diverse range of North West businesses, such as CNC Robotics, Palace Chemicals, JFM Workwear, Farrat, Gardner Engineering, Majas Switchgear, and Beagle Orthopaedic.
The event featured a panel discussion on digital transformation with Max Barnett, Digital Champion at CNC Robotics; Made Smarter’s technology adoption specialists Will Kinghorn and Claire Scott; and Mark Sutherberry from the MTC. The discussion was followed by a workshop led by Karen Lancaster from the Centre for People-Led Digitalisation, which focused on the impact of technology on workplace dignity.
Attendees also toured the MTC, a facility supported by the High Value Manufacturing Catapult that showcases advanced manufacturing equipment and its applications in enhancing skills, productivity, and growth within UK manufacturing.
Ruth Hailwood, Organisation Development Lead for the Made Smarter North West Adoption Programme, commented, “The Digital Champions Network is designed to create a sustainable platform by leveraging the insights gained from digital transformation journeys and sharing them with peers. This collaborative approach enables all network members to benefit from collective experiences and innovative ideas, amplifying the impact on their businesses and the broader SME manufacturing community in the region.”
Mark Sutherberry, Senior Business Development Manager at the MTC, added, “Made Smarter’s initiatives align perfectly with our best practices for supporting manufacturers in adopting technology and skills effectively. Hosting the launch of the Digital Champions Network has been a pleasure, as it unites the North West’s SME manufacturing community to explore digital transformation and innovation.”
Max Barnett, Sales and Marketing Engineer at CNC Robotics, highlighted the value of the network: “The role of a digital champion is to advocate for necessary changes within a business. This network is a great initiative, bringing together individuals involved in digital change to discuss and compare their experiences.”
Angela Murphy, Accounts Manager at Majas Switchgear, emphasized the benefits of the network: “The Digital Champions Network adds significant value to what we’ve learned from Made Smarter’s digital roadmap and Leading Digital Transformation program. Engaging with other manufacturers at different stages of their digital transformation provides valuable insights and practical advice.”
Since its inception in 2019, Made Smarter has engaged with 2,500 manufacturers, providing support through grant funding, technology advice, leadership training, and skills development to help transform their operations.