Greater Manchester manufacturers drive digital leadership with Made Smarter

Manufacturers across Greater Manchester are playing a key role in the North West’s digital transformation, with 113 leaders now equipped to drive change through Made Smarter’s flagship skills programmes.

The contribution forms part of a wider milestone that has seen more than 250 manufacturing leaders supported across the region.

At the heart of this achievement are government-backed Made Smarter’s two flagship leadership programmes: Leading Digital Transformation (LDT), a three-month course for senior leaders to develop digital strategies, and Leading Change for Digital Champions (LCDC), a shorter programme equipping operational teams to deliver change on the ground.

Increasingly, businesses are taking a whole-organisation approach, using LDT to shape strategy at the leadership level while deploying LCDC to empower teams to implement and sustain change day-to-day.

The Rakem Group is a Bury-based manufacturer and distributor supplying chemicals and specialist manufacturing services to industries including coatings, construction, paper, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.

In recent weeks, Jenni Byrne, Finance Director, has completed the LDT programme, while Dayna Rafferty, Management Accountant, Laura Ruth, Sales Support Administrator, and Rachel Bentham, Marketing Manager, have graduated from the LCDC programme.

Jenni is leading a project focused on introducing a new CRM system and improving the integration of digital systems across the business.

She said: “The programme has helped us think much more carefully about systems and processes across the organisation, particularly as we work to improve how our digital tools connect and support the way our teams operate.”

Dayna added: “The programme has been really inspiring in terms of how you think about digitalisation projects across the business.”

Other businesses to benefit from new digital leadership skills include the Polish Village Bakery, a Trafford Park-based manufacturer producing traditional European breads and baked goods, and Visual Architects, a Denton-based design and build company creating immersive environments for events, festivals, brand activations, and corporate experiences.

Wojciech Zawalski, Production Manager at Polish Village Bakery, said: “The programme helped me build a better understanding of leadership and how to manage projects and change within the business.

“It was also very valuable to hear from other companies about the challenges they face. When you talk openly with other manufacturers, you realize many businesses are dealing with similar issues, and learning from each other is very helpful.”

Claudia Diop, HR Manager at Visual Architects, said: “The LDT programme helped me identify issues that can get lost when you are heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the business. It has also helped us think more carefully about bottlenecks, processes, and how we build capacity for growth while keeping the business collaborative and creative.”

“One of the biggest changes for us has been introducing a more structured way of working, with clearer accountability, regular meetings, and better-defined responsibilities across the leadership team.”

Richard Garton, Manager at Smith Bullough, a Wigan-based manufacturer specializing in non-standard fasteners for a wide range of industrial applications, said: “The brainstorming sessions were particularly useful because they allowed us to step back and discuss different project challenges with people from other businesses.”

Mike Seaton, Production Manager at Heywood-based Embossing Rollers, a specialist engraver for the embossing and converting industries, said: “I enjoyed learning how to use some of the new tools, like SWOT analysis, and thinking about how we embrace change within the leadership of the company. The networking has also been really valuable, hearing other people’s stories and learning from their experiences.”

Ruth Hailwood, Head of Organisation and Workforce Development at Made Smarter, said: “Reaching more than 250 digital leaders is a significant milestone, but what’s most encouraging is how manufacturers are embracing a people-first approach to digital transformation.

“Digital change works best when it’s embraced at every level of the organisation. By empowering strategic leaders and building a network of digital champions, we are creating vital links between leadership and the shop floor, helping businesses overcome barriers, improve communication, and embed new technologies in ways that deliver lasting benefits.”

LDT is delivered in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford, combining workshops, webinars, case studies, and site visits to help participants develop a bespoke digitalisation strategy for their business.

LCDC complements this with a bite-sized, blended programme focused on practical implementation, including workshops and a visit to an Amazon fulfilment centre, giving participants first-hand insight into digital technologies in action.

Graduates also join a growing Digital Champions Network, creating opportunities to share insights, collaborate, and continue their digital journey.

Since its inception in 2019, Made Smarter has supported more than 2,500 manufacturers in the North West, providing access to expert digital advice, technology adoption roadmaps, and workforce development opportunities.

Manufacturers interested in taking part in upcoming programmes can register their interest at: madesmarter.uk/adoption/develop-your-digital-leadership