Yorkshire based manufacturers are being encouraged to act quickly as demand accelerates for the latest round of Made Smarter funding, with £325,000 still available to support digital transformation projects across the region.
The programme is offering matched capital grants of up to £20,000, helping SME manufacturers invest in technologies such as automation, robotics, AI, data-driven systems and digital platforms. With the funding window closing at the end of March, competition for remaining support is increasing.
Made Smarter has already passed its 100th funded project milestone, enabling manufacturers to improve productivity, reduce waste and strengthen competitiveness through practical, well-scoped digital investments.
These themes will be firmly in focus at the upcoming Manufacturing Supply Chain Exhibition 2026, taking place on Wednesday 28th January at the Holiday Inn, Rotherham, hosted by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and supported by Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber.
The free-to-attend event brings together manufacturers, advisors and technology providers to explore how supply chain resilience, operational visibility and digital capability can be strengthened in a pragmatic, commercially grounded way.
Among the exhibitors will be RamBase, a cloud ERP platform designed specifically for manufacturing businesses operating complex, project-led and regulated supply chains. RamBase works with UK manufacturers to provide a single, integrated digital backbone from quote through to despatch — supporting improved cost control, traceability and decision-making, often as part of wider Made Smarter–backed transformation programmes.
Commenting ahead of the event, Phil Crothers, UK Business Development Manager at RamBase, said:
We’re seeing strong demand from manufacturers who know they need better control of data, costs and delivery, but want to approach digital transformation in a phased, low-risk way. Made Smarter funding is a real opportunity to de-risk that first step, particularly where ERP, data visibility and operational control are already on the agenda.
For manufacturers considering digital investment in 2026, the event offers a timely opportunity to:
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Understand which technologies and projects qualify for Made Smarter funding
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Learn how peers are approaching digital transformation in practical stages
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Explore how integrated ERP and QMS systems support productivity, compliance and financial control
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Speak directly with advisors and technology providers, including RamBase
Manufacturers are also welcome to contact RamBase ahead of the event to gain insights on how other Yorkshire manufacturers are structuring ERP and data-led transformation projects.
Manufacturing Supply Chain Exhibition 2026 – free registration:
https://www.brchamber.co.uk/event/manufacturing-supply-chain-exhibition-2026/
Made Smarter funding – eligibility and registration of interest:
https://www.madesmarter.uk/resources/news-yorkshire-manufacturers-urged-to-act-now-to-claim-vital-grant-funding-for-technology/
With funding availability tightening and digital investment increasingly linked to competitiveness and resilience, Yorkshire manufacturers are being encouraged to assess their options sooner rather than later.