Fully funded Leadership and Digital Champions courses to drive productivity, growth and digital transformation

New digital skills courses are aiming to help SME manufacturers in Hull and East Yorkshire embrace and capitalise on AI to boost productivity and drive growth.

Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber is offering fully funded training to help companies develop leadership capability as advanced technologies become increasingly central to competitiveness and innovation.

The government-backed digital adoption programme is inviting manufacturing SMEs to register their interest in two forthcoming complementary skills programmes, Digital Manufacturing Leadership (Digital Leaders) and Digital Manufacturing Champions (Digital Champions), which support businesses at both strategic and operational level with digital transformation.

Digital Leaders focuses on equipping senior managers with the strategies and skills to adopt cutting-edge digital technologies and lead organisational change. Meanwhile, Digital Champions is designed to equip engineers and operational leads with the practical skills and confidence to successfully drive digital adoption and business growth.

The next programmes will see Digital Manufacturing Champions in Leeds and Digital Manufacturing Leadership in York, both starting on Wednesday 4 February.

The courses, which are delivered over eight and nine weeks respectively, blend face-to-face workshops, online webinars, and a manufacturing site visit to technology adoption in action.

Delivered by a team of experts at Sheffield Hallam University, the programmes draw on expertise from across its business, technology and engineering schools, providing participants with practical insights into how digital manufacturing technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics and 3D printing, are applied in real-world settings.

Participants also gain access to the university’s manufacturing and engineering labs and are supported in developing a bespoke, tech-enabled business strategy, helping them connect leadership development with wider Made Smarter support such as digital internships, technical advice and capital investment grants.

Since 2021, 88 manufacturing businesses have built digital leadership capability through these courses.

In Hull, participants have included GMP Manufacturing, a leading UK contract drug manufacturer working across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and healthcare products; WJ Group; manufacturers of road marking materials; Paragon Toolmaking, precision toolmaking and machining specialists; HullKinetic Laboratories, providers of electronic manufacturing and testing services; Point Engineering, manufacturers of specialist doors and hatches for demanding environments; Teal & Mackrill, producers of marine and agricultural paints and varnishes; HJ Products and Scott Dixon, specialists in awning rails for VW campervans and flight cases; and The Water Hydraulics Company, manufacturers of pumps, motors, valves and power packs for industrial applications.

Deepu Mathews Chirappuram, Head of Automation for GMP Manufacturing, said: “Overall, the programme has strengthened my leadership capability and given me the confidence to drive meaningful digital initiatives, ensuring the business remains competitive and agile in an increasingly technology-driven industry.”

Robert Steadman, Engineering Manager for The Water Hydraulics Company, said: “The programme has already given me practical tools and frameworks to think strategically about technology adoption and change management. We’re starting to apply these insights in the business, and I can already see the potential for improved efficiency and growth.”

Jack Margerison, Design Engineer at Point Engineering, said: “We found the programme particularly valuable in helping understand the social impact of digital change. It highlighted the importance of bringing people with you, supporting employees to adapt and respond positively, while keeping them confident and engaged throughout the process.”

Kevin Hart, Operations Manager at Teal & Mackrill, said: “The course has been a valuable opportunity to better understand what digitisation can mean for a business, and to provide a fresh perspective on how operations are carried out and the benefits digital change can deliver.”

Across East Yorkshire, manufacturers have included Hawk Furniture, a commercial and contract furniture manufacturer based in Holme Upon Spalding Moor; and Shields, a family-owned bulk material handling and process engineering business based in Driffield.

Chloe Shields, Director at Shields, said: “One of the key benefits was the opportunity to take part in open group discussions and share experiences with other businesses. This provided insights that would not otherwise be accessible, particularly around the strengths and limitations of existing systems and different approaches to improvement.”

Vincent Traynor, Associate Professor of Change Leadership at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “While these programmes focus on AI, robotics and digital technology, their real impact is on people. We support leaders at every level of a manufacturing business, from senior decision-makers to those on the shop floor, helping them learn from others and build the confidence needed to lead change successfully.

“The programmes are designed to be flexible and realistic for busy manufacturing businesses, giving delegates the space to step back, reflect on the bigger picture and share ideas with peers facing similar challenges.”

Jessica Armitage, Programme Manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber, said: “Over the past five years, these programmes have shown just how powerful the right skills and leadership support can be for manufacturing SMEs. We have seen businesses grow in confidence, improve communication between leadership and the shop floor, and move from talking about digital transformation to actually delivering it.

“January is an ideal moment for manufacturers to kick start their digital transformation, particularly as technologies like artificial intelligence become central to productivity and competitiveness.”

With new cohorts launching soon, manufacturers are encouraged to register their interest via the Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber website or contact Les Selby, Business Relationship Manager for Hull & East Yorkshire, on 07562 910840 or via l.selby@heybusinessgrowthskillshub.com