By Steve Gregory, Project Manager, RTC North

Manufacturing lies at the heart of Yorkshire and Humber’s economy, employing thousands and driving innovation across the region. Yet, with technology evolving faster than ever, many businesses still struggle to know where to begin with digital adoption.

Support is already available through Made Smarter, and manufacturers can get involved straight away. A new Learning Cohort begins next week at Sheffield Hallam University, giving businesses the chance to develop digital skills, understand what technologies could work for them, and build a clear plan for adoption. For any manufacturer looking to take the next step, now is a strong time to engage.

Made Smarter is a UK-wide initiative designed to accelerate growth and boost competitiveness for manufacturers through digital transformation. By offering expert guidance, funding, and hands-on support, the programme helps businesses integrate new technologies in ways that create real, lasting impact.

RTC North is delivering Made Smarter across Yorkshire and Humber, giving regional manufacturers access to the same high-quality expertise, practical advice, and funding opportunities that have already supported hundreds of businesses to innovate and grow.

RTC North recently achieved B Corp certification, reinforcing its mission to create positive impact for people, communities, and the planet while driving innovation and growth across the regions it serves. Through initiatives like Made Smarter, these values are put into action—helping Yorkshire and Humber manufacturers embrace digital transformation, boost competitiveness, and build a sustainable future. Together, we’re proving that doing good and doing well go hand in hand.

What Made Smarter Offers

• Revenue grants to bring in top-tier specialists in areas such as data analytics, robotics, automation, and systems integration.
• Capital grants to invest in advanced technology, including sensors, monitoring equipment, robotics, and software systems.
• Structured access to expertise from universities, Catapult centres, and trusted solution providers, integrated into your Digital Roadmap to ensure the right support is provided at the right time.

This programme is about more than planning—it’s about implementation. Ideas are translated into real-world solutions that deliver measurable results, helping businesses modernise faster and operate more efficiently.

People Power Transformation

Success in manufacturing depends on skills as much as technology. Made Smarter links directly to RTC North’s STEM programmes and events such as STEMFest, inspiring the next generation of digital manufacturing talent. Businesses can also benefit from access to interns from regional universities, helping them organise, analyse, and apply data for continuous improvement.

Delivered by a dedicated core team and supported through RTC’s OneTeam approach, businesses can tap into the expertise of over 70 specialists in manufacturing, innovation, and scale-up support—ensuring every challenge is met with the right knowledge at the right time.

What makes this programme truly rewarding is working alongside funders, businesses, and stakeholders across the region who share a commitment to practical, measurable impact. Yorkshire and Humber’s manufacturing base is diverse and proud—together, we can ensure it doesn’t just keep pace with technological change but leads it.

Find out more about Made Smarter here: https://www.madesmarter.uk/