120 manufacturing businesses in Greater Lincolnshire have benefited from investment and expertise through the Made Smarter programme, with more funding available soon.
The programme helps manufacturers to adopt new digital technology to improve productivity and competitiveness, complementing the wider support available to small and medium sized businesses in the area.
Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at the county council said: “Our programmes are designed to help businesses across the county with all aspects of support – from reducing their costs and improving efficiency, to diversifying into new markets.
“The Made Smarter programme has been a huge success in our manufacturing sector and has provided direct funding to help businesses make the most of the advances in digital technology.
Because of this success, the programme is to be extended and expanded from April 2025 with increases in funding over current levels.”
One business to benefit is chocolate makers Hames - a family business based in Skegness.
Managing Director Carol Oldbury, said: Managing Director Carol Oldbury, said: “We knew we needed some new equipment, and the Made Smarter programme helped us bring that forward. As a growing business we’ve had great support in Lincolnshire with all aspects of moving us forward.
“It was quite a simple process to join the programme, and it gave us chance to look at our business strategy, operations and challenges. We then submitted an application for a digital grant towards the automated chocolate tempering equipment we needed.”
Lincolnshire County Council manage and administer the government’s Made Smarter programme for the whole of the East Midlands. There have been over 700 expressions of interest, with over 200 of these from Greater Lincolnshire alone. Over 370 manufacturers went on to receive support from the programme, with 120 of those being based in Greater Lincolnshire.
The new programme will include a broader range of support for manufacturers, with a particular focus on boosting workforce skills and capabilities to help businesses adopt industrial digital.
Find out more about the Made Smarter programme.
About Hames Chocolates
Founded in 2005, Hames Chocolates is a family-run business, dedicated to manufacturing high-quality British chocolates and confectionery. The team of skilled chocolatiers combine traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to produce a wide range of chocolate creations, from chocolate bars and elegant boxed chocolates to hot chocolate products like flakes, bombes and spoons, plus lollipops and seasonal items such as easter eggs.