The Black Country Regional Statistics

The Black Country has seen superb take-up of the support Made Smarter has to offer, with 76 businesses registering over the last two years.

Of these, 21 were awarded match-funded grants to help them adopt the technology needed to boost their productivity, totalling more than £345,000.

This has seen an incredible GVA figure of £22.6m, highlighting the significant effect Made Smarter has had on the region’s economy.

Paul Edwards, Head of Economic Development and Delivery - Economy, Skills and Communities, at Business Growth West Midlands said: “Made Smarter has helped transform so many businesses in the Black Country already, and we’re so impressed with the GVA generated.

“We hope this success continues as Phase 3 of Made Smarter progresses.”

“The Black Country is the UK heart of manufacturing with a diverse range of industries. Made Smarter has helped businesses to realise their true potential through the value of digitisation, enabling these clients to work smarter, improve efficiencies and move forward as a fit for purpose business in the 21st century.”

Jit Gatcha, DTS for The Black Country.