The Marches Regional Statistics

62 businesses in The Marches joined the programme in Phase 1 and 2.

11 companies received over £183,000 in grant funding, generating over £20.7m in GVA.

Rachel Laver, Marches Local Enterprise Partnership Chief Executive, said the Made Smarter programme had continued to help businesses across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

“Shrewsbury baker Planet Doughnut – one of the region’s great success stories – has been able to continue its fantastic growth after a Made Smarter grant contributed to an integrated digital system for its admin, streamlining its invoicing and planning processes and creating a centralised system that all shops can report to,” she said.

“Additionally, Telford company iconsys threw open its doors for a digital factory tour in collaboration with Made Smarter to show how the adoption of digital technology can lead to higher productivity, efficiency and quality.

“The Marches LEP and Marches Growth Hub are delighted to be able to promote Made Smarter and the benefits it can bring to help drive growth as part of our continuing role to provide the best innovation support for businesses across the whole region.”

“The Marches is a uniquely diverse area with manufacturing at its historical core. Made Smarter has supported innovation in manufacturing & engineering SMEs in The Marches, to revolutionise the way they produce products, including food and drink, and has helped these businesses to ‘think differently’ about digital adoption.

Businesses have benefited from seeing tangible improvements in processes, data management, productivity, quality, staff retention and upskilling. Small, medium and larger businesses are realising the benefits of engaging with Made Smarter.”

Barry Jones, DTS for The Marches