Trio of Liverpool city region firms equip themselves with new set of digital skills and tools after graduating from a digital transformation programme. Tony McDonough reports

Three Liverpool firms are now equipped with a new set of digital skills and tools after completing the ‘Leading Digital Transformation’ programme.

FRC Group (Liverpool), CNC Robotics (Bootle) and Beverston Engineering (Knowsley) completed the programme, designed by Made Smarter, the Government-funded industry-led initiative to increase technology adoption among SME manufacturers.

It was delivered through a mixture of face-to-face workshops, online webinars and case studies to see technology in action. And it included a site visit to PrintCity, Manchester Met’s 3D additive and digital manufacturing centre.

Fully-funded, Leading Digital Transformation 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.

75 digital leaders have been supported over the past four years through the inaugural Made Smarter leadership programme  North West manufacturers are now being encouraged to register their interest for the next intake, starting in early September 2023.

Oliver Miller, Industry 4.0 project manager at Beverston Engineering, a precision component manufacturer, said: “We have been on an incredible journey over the last few years.

“Supported in part by Made Smarter, we have aimed to create a smart factory and become an exemplar for other SMEs pursuing the same ambition.

“The leadership programme has been a fantastic opportunity to engage with a network of business leaders on the same journey, all with their own stories and insights.”

Arthur Rowland, process improvement business partner at FRC Group, which operates social furniture recycling business Bulky Bob’s, added: “The programme was incredibly useful in setting the scene for digital transformation.

“It helped avoid the trap of focusing on the technology alone, which is only one factor in a successful change project. It was great to meet a range of businesspeople in diverse SMEs who all had lots to contribute and share.”

And Nick Parry, system engineer and project manager at CNC Robotics, a robotics integrator, also: “The leadership programme has been really helpful for the business.

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“There is a danger when it comes to the adoption of technology that the digital solution is the priority, when in fact bringing people along for the journey is most important. If you can change the culture then it will stick.”

Since launching in 2019 Made Smarter has supported 2,500 manufacturers in the North West to access expert, impartial technology advice, digital transformation workshops to help take that first step to transform their businesses.

The 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 £50m or a balance sheet total of less than £43m.