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Arden stars in bus advertising campaign

Posted on: Monday, April 4th, 2022

Arden Dies is the star of a new advertising campaign to increase technology adoption among businesses in our region.

The ‘For The Makers’ campaign has been launched by the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, which works with small and medium-sized (SME) manufacturers to help adopt Industry 4.0 technologies and digital skills to help boost productivity, drive sustainable growth and create new jobs.

The ads are being used as livery on 120 buses travelling across the region, including Stockport where the Arden HQ is based, and will feature on digital billboards at key commuter locations.

They feature striking photographs and testimonials from ‘makers’ who have already reaped the rewards of Made Smarter since it was launched in 2018, including our very own Sarah Poynter, Operations Manager at Arden Engraving.

Sarah’s image can now be seen on the back of buses across Greater Manchester.

Together with social media ads featuring other manufacturers in the region, the campaign aims to raise awareness and showcase the impact the government-funded, industry-led programme can have on SMEs who seek support.

Arden has worked with Made Smarter to develop a digital roadmap, invest in new skills through the Made Smarter Leadership Programme and a Fast Track Additive Manufacturing programme, as well as capitalise on digital interns.

Sarah Poynter, Operations Director, said: “As a company we are at the start of a transformational journey. We have always invested in the best technology and machinery, but there are historic challenges that need our focus if we are to capitalise on the next stage of our growth.

“Digitalisation should be the focus for all manufacturers and Made Smarter is the perfect place to start.”

450 manufacturers in Greater Manchester, including more than 50 from Stockport, have so far benefited from support of the Made Smarter’s programme of fully-funded intensive support which includes grants for technology, expert, impartial technology advice, and digital transformation workshops to help take their first steps to transform their business.

Meanwhile, businesses have accessed digital technology internships which offer students and graduates paid placements to work on live technology projects, while current and future leaders have also developed the vision and the skills to pursue smarter manufacturing through the Made Smarter Leadership programme.

49 in Greater Manchester have secured in excess of £1.1M matched funding for 63 projects, worth £3.8M after private sector investment, which are forecast to create 264 new jobs, upskill numerous roles, and deliver an additional £44.5M in gross value added (GVA) for the regional economy over the next three years. 

These technologies are helping integrate systems, capture and analyse data, and even create simulations of their plants and processes, to drive efficiencies and reduce waste. Other projects have introduced 3D-printing, automation, and robotics to solve business challenges and meet increased demand.

But given Greater Manchester is home to more than 6,000 manufacturers, employing 110,000 people and generating £8bn of economic output each year*, Made Smarter is determined to extend its offer of support to the SMEs in this sector who often struggle to realise industry 4.0 transformation within their companies. 

Donna Edwards, Programme Director for Made Smarter North West said: “The positive impact that Made Smarter is having on Greater Manchester’s manufacturing businesses has been fantastic to see and we hope to replicate this across the North West.

“Our mission is to continue reaching out to the region’s SME manufacturers to connect them to the tools that will make an everyday difference to their businesses. The campaign celebrates the local business leaders that have started their digital journey with Made Smarter and used new  technologies to grow their businesses.

“By showcasing their stories across Greater Manchester, we are communicating our key messages to those makers who may not be aware of our programme and what it could potentially offer their own businesses.”