Arden joins Greater Manchester leaders to shape next phase of digital manufacturing support in the North West

Posted on: Saturday, June 6th, 2026

Greater Manchester manufacturing leaders, including Arden Dies, are helping shape the next phase of digital manufacturing support for SMEs across the North West as businesses face growing pressure to adopt AI, automation and new technologies.

Made Smarter North West has strengthened the industry steering group behind its £2.5M Government-backed technology adoption programme, bringing together new voices to help guide support for smaller firms navigating rapid industrial change.

Arden Dies’ Operations Director, Sarah Poynter, has been selected to join the industry steering group, alongside other representatives from leading business including Siemens, Firstplay Dietary Foods, BEP Surface Technologies, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Together, the group will help shape how Made Smarter supports SMEs to improve productivity, strengthen digital skills, modernise operations and better understand technologies such as AI, robotics and automation.

The move comes as manufacturers face growing pressure to cut costs, improve efficiency, tackle skills shortages and remain globally competitive.

Sarah Poynter said: “I see Made Smarter playing a really important role in making digital feel accessible rather than overwhelming. For SMEs like ours, it’s about having the right guidance and confidence to take the next step, build skills over time, stay competitive and modernise to remain sustainable for the future.”

Unlike many industry panels, several of the SME manufacturers helping shape the programme have benefited directly from Made Smarter themselves, giving the steering group first-hand experience of the barriers and opportunities facing smaller businesses adopting digital technologies.

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.

The Arden Group has been part of the Made Smarter initiative since its launch, and it has played a key role in accelerating our digital transformation by equipping our business and team with the skills and strategies necessary to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry.

Manufacturers supported through the programme 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.

The refreshed steering group is chaired by BAE Systems technology leader Iain Minton and also includes representatives from Accenture, McMenon Engineering Services, Brainboxes, Sustainable Smart Technologies and Qualkem.

The programme offers leadership training, digital skills development, technology advice and match-funded grants of up to £20,000 to help SMEs adopt and scale industrial digital technologies.

For more information visit madesmarter.uk