Made Smarter Adoption North East

Made Smarter Adoption North East helps manufacturers in the region increase profits, improve efficiency and grow by investing in digital technology.

Businesses that use digital technologies effectively can improve productivity levels by 25% (source: The Office for National Statistics).

If your business is:

• Losing valuable time because of outdated computer software
• Struggling to meet demand because of under performing machinery
• Carrying out manual tasks that could be performed quicker and more efficiently using technology…

Made Smarter Adoption North East could be for you. Businesses taking part in the programme benefit from:

• Hands on help to develop a digital roadmap – a great tool, whether you’re just starting out on this journey or already well on your way
• Grants of up to £3.5k are available to help you get expert technical advice
• Grants of up to £20k to help you purchase new software and/or equipment (up to 50% of the overall cost)

“If a business isn’t looking at introducing digital technology, they are not just standing still; they’re actually going backwards. If you don’t sign up to Made Smarter Adoption North East, you’re really missing out.”
Advanced Electric Machines, Sunderland

Backed by world-renowned businesses and UK government, Made Smarter Adoption North East aims to drive growth in UK manufacturing by improving the development and adoption of emerging technologies across the sector.

The North East Growth Hub and Tees Valley Business are working with Made Smarter to deliver Made Smarter Adoption in the North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley Combined Authority areas.

Made Smarter Adoption North East case study:
Alexander Battery Tecnologies

Based in Peterlee, Country Durham, Alexander Battery Technologies specialises in the design and manufacture of bespoke portable power, batteries, and charging solutions across diverse sectors including medical, safety, electrified vehicles, and robotics.

Collaborating with Made Smarter, the company invested in a digital security system to regulate laboratory access and implemented an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for enhanced traceability. The adoption of cutting-edge technology - such as the world’s first EV Flex advanced laser welder - marked a significant leap towards full automation.

Read the case study in full | 🎥 Watch the video case study

Made Smarter Adoption North East case study:
Deal Direct Blinds

By taking part in Made Smarter Adoption North East, Gateshead-based Deal Direct Blinds was able to invest in a new, state of the art roller blind table to make its manufacturing processes more precise and more efficient. 

Made Smarter Adoption North East case study:
heliguy

Colena Ltd - t/a heliguy™ - are an innovative product development company developing industry-leading SWaP optimised products in the drone sector. Comprising electronics design, software development and additive manufacturing expertise, they work extensively in regulated and controlled markets to unlock new use cases.

heliguy worked with Made Smarter to invest in a new 3D printing machine and a second machine used for prototyping electronics. The programme supported heliguy to bring its manufacturing capabilities in-house as part of its retail expansion plans.

Who can take part in Made Smarter Adoption North East?

Small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses (up to 250 staff and turning over less than £36m) operating in the North East Combined Authority area (Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Northumberland, North Tyenside, South Tyneside, County Durham, Sunderland) or Tees Valley Combined Authority area (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees).

You can find out more about the wider Made Smarter offer here.