Made Smarter expands North West team as demand for digital support grows
pharmafile | August 25, 2026 | Appointment | | Made Smarter, North West team
Made Smarter has appointed four specialists to its North West team as increasing numbers of SME manufacturers seek support with digital technology, skills and organisational change.
Mike Richards-Brown and Tabs Khojani have joined as technology adoption specialists, helping manufacturers identify where digital tools can improve their operations. Jane Duffy and Mike Connolly will focus on workforce development and leadership, supporting businesses as they implement technological change.
The appointments come as registrations with the government-backed Made Smarter adoption programme increase. New registrations rose by 49% last year, with a further 128 manufacturers registering during the first five months of 2026/27.
The new specialists will help manufacturers develop digital roadmaps, identify suitable investments and access match-funded grants of up to £20,000. They will also support businesses through programmes covering digital transformation, change management and digital technology internships.
Donna Edwards, Programme Director for Made Smarter North West, said: “Technology can unlock huge gains in productivity, efficiency and competitiveness, but businesses need the right expertise and the right people to make it work. These four appointments bring an incredible breadth of experience and will help us meet that growing demand.”
The recruits bring experience from organisations including the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North West, the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre, Greater Manchester’s Business Growth Hub and global manufacturer Hubbell.
Made Smarter North West has engaged with 2,500 manufacturers since launching in 2019, creating 705 digital roadmaps and supporting 451 technology projects. The programme has provided £8.3m in funding, helping manufacturers unlock a further £28m of investment.
It has also supported skills and leadership training for 282 businesses and placed 105 digital interns with manufacturers.
The programme estimates that supported technology projects will generate £336m in additional gross value added and create 2,231 jobs, while upskilling a further 4,036 roles.
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