Impact on the West Midlands Economy

Key Statistics

Made Smarter West Midlands has positively impacted hundreds of businesses across the region, generating more than £94m in GVA since its launch in 2021.

Businesses from a wide cross-section of industries have benefitted from Made Smarter’s support in a range of ways, including participation in workshops, upskilling leadership teams, harnessing innovation, and securing 5-figure grants to support major capital expenditure.

In total, 403 businesses in the region registered with the programme across its first two phases, with over £1.4 million worth of grant funding awarded.

This fantastic result for the region has illustrated the importance of support for the manufacturing industry and established Made Smarter West Midlands as a vital part of the support ecosystem. Phase 3 has got off to an equally strong start and it is anticipated the 3rd year of the programme will be every bit as successful as the first two.

Manufacturing remains vital to the success of the West Midlands economy, making up 7% of all enterprises.

Manufacturing GVA has shown a significant uplift since 2020, after recent years of decline or little growth across some parts of the region. The start of the Made Smarter programme roll-out in the West Midlands has been timely in helping to boost GVA, and is expected to contribute to the future upward trajectory of Manufacturing GVA growth across the region.