Industry leaders unite to shape North West digital manufacturing support
A new coalition of manufacturing leaders has been assembled to help North West SMEs tackle the challenges and opportunities created by AI, automation and rising global competition.
Made Smarter North West has strengthened the industry steering group behind its £2.5m government-backed technology adoption programme, bringing together new voices from aerospace, engineering, manufacturing and business to help guide the next phase of digital transformation support for smaller firms.
The new appointments include aerospace technology leader Iain Minton of BAE Systems as chair, Dawn Huntrod of Make UK, and Shiby Bernard of Cumbria-based McMenon Engineering Services.
Together, they join industry leaders such as Siemens and Accenture in shaping Made Smarter’s support for SMEs to adopt digital technologies, boost productivity, and future‑proof jobs.
The move comes as manufacturers face mounting pressure to modernise operations, cut costs, tackle skills shortages and understand how technologies like AI can be deployed effectively on the factory floor.
Unlike many industry panels, the SME manufacturers helping shape the programme, including BEP Surface Technologies, Arden Dies, Brainboxes, Sustainable Smart Technologies, Firstplay Dietary Foods and Qualkem, have all benefited from Made Smarter themselves, giving the steering group real-world experience of the challenges smaller manufacturers face.
Since launching in 2019, Made Smarter North West has supported more than 2,400 manufacturers, developed 550 digital roadmaps, delivered 250 leadership and digital champions training interventions, and placed 85 digital interns into businesses.
Over that time, manufacturers have secured more than £8.1m in matched funding, unlocking over £28.3m of investment in technologies ranging from AI and ERP systems to robotics, automation and additive manufacturing.
Together, these investments are helping create more than 1,900 jobs, upskill almost 3,500 roles, and contribute £287m to the North West economy.
Iain Minton, who has spent more than 30 years in aerospace engineering and now leads technology programmes at BAE Systems Air, said manufacturers must not be left behind as industrial technology evolves.
He said: “The North West has a strong manufacturing heritage, a real spirit of innovation and many outstanding companies that consistently punch above their weight.
“I’m proud to chair a group of industry leaders who share the same ambition: to help strengthen the region’s manufacturing base and ensure more businesses are aware of the support and opportunities available through Made Smarter, so they can better understand and adopt technologies such as automation, robotics and AI in ways that genuinely make a difference to their business.”
Dawn Huntrod, regional membership director (North) at Make UK, said: “Joining the Made Smarter North West steering group felt essential, not only to actively support manufacturers on their digitalisation journey, but also to bring their real-world experiences, barriers and ambitions into the heart of the programme.
“Manufacturers across the North are under growing pressure to improve productivity, strengthen digital skills and stay globally competitive, but many SMEs still see digital transformation as too costly, complex or out of reach.
“Made Smarter plays a vital role in helping manufacturers cut through that uncertainty by giving them practical support, trusted advice and the confidence to take the next step.”
Shiby Bernard, COO of McMenon Engineering Services in Cumbria, said: “Many manufacturers see AI as something expensive or difficult to implement, but with the right training and support, a lot of businesses can begin adopting these technologies themselves.
“Made Smarter is helping SMEs build the confidence, skills and understanding needed to modernise operations, improve efficiency and stay competitive in an increasingly challenging global market.”
The refreshed steering group will help shape the future direction of the programme, which offers leadership training, digital skills, technology advice and match-funded grants of up to £20,000.
Other members of the Made Smarter North West steering group include: Brian Holliday (Siemens), Simon Keogh (Siemens), Graham Malley (Accenture), Andrew McClusky (BEP Surface Technologies), Sarah Poynter (Arden Dies), Luke Walsh (Brainboxes), Deyrick Allen (Sustainable Smart Technologies), Tom Fletcher (Firstplay Dietary Foods), Ivan Anketell-Clifford (Qualkem), Mike Lewis (Mpac Group), Phil Anders (Liverpool City Region Combined Authority) and Lauren Potts (Greater Manchester Combined Authority).