Sussex manufacturers kickstart digital transformation with Made Smarter leadership programme
Four Sussex manufacturers have taken their first big step into the future after joining Made Smarter’s new leadership programme designed to fast-track digital skills, strategy and innovation.
Business leaders from 17 firms across the South East region came together for the latest session of the Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme, meeting at Middlesex University. The group toured cutting-edge robotics and mechatronics labs, explored emerging technologies and got a first look at how digital tools could boost productivity, cut waste and unlock new opportunities.
The cohort includes: Kava Surfaces, manufacturers of eco-friendly surfaces from recycled coffee and organic waste, based in Lewes; Nordell, a leading plastic injection moulding specialist, based in Worthing; Lanoguard, a manufacturer of underbody rust protection products, based in Newhaven; and The Rider Firm (Its Cycling), manufacturers of performance gear, components and bikes, based in Horsham.
The 14-week programme, delivered by the University of Salford in partnership with Made Smarter South East, the government backed technology initiative, gives leaders the tools and confidence to take on digital transformation and plan for long-term growth. Participants will learn how to build strategy, improve communication, lead change and introduce new technologies in a way that strengthens their business and their workforce.
Paul Mason, Managing Director of Nordell in Worthing, West Sussex, said: "We joined the programme to support our strategic digitisation and productivity journey, an essential step for manufacturing SMEs that want to lead in sustainable business development. The framework and thought processes introduced throughout the programme focus on supporting successful implementation and real-world usage of a wide variety of initiatives and projects. It is very much a plan-to-succeed model.
"This approach has strengthened our clarity and confidence, helping us deliver on our plans and lead meaningful change. The peer group has also been excellent. Listening to others, sharing challenges and hearing how people have overcome similar issues has fuelled the room with real can-do energy."
Participants will now move through a mix of workshops and online sessions that help them build a clear digital strategy and take their teams with them. The LDT programme is built to fit around the daily pressures of running a busy business and give leaders a high-impact learning experience.
It is part of a wider push from Made Smarter South East, which is already helping hundreds of SME manufacturers improve their performance through expert advice, match-funded tech grants, leadership training and funded internships.
Chitra Cherodian, Organisation & Workforce Development Advisor for Made Smarter South East, said: “This first cohort has set the bar high. These are ambitious leaders who want to strengthen their strategic thinking, build future-ready skills and accelerate their digital adoption. The energy and enthusiasm they have brought to the programme have created a powerful foundation for the future.”
Dr Ann Mulhaney, Associate Professor of Change Management at the University of Salford, said: “Supporting the first South East cohort marks an important milestone in our work to help SME manufacturers lead meaningful and sustained digital transformation. The programme gives leaders the time, structure and confidence to think differently about their organisations, and to understand how people, processes and technology must align for change to succeed.”
Made Smarter South East is now encouraging other manufacturers to register their interest for future cohorts and join the growing community shaping the future of UK industry.