Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses secures investment from Made Smarter

A cheesemaker has helped Made Smarter’s pioneering technology adoption programme reach its 250th investment milestone.

Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses is among the latest businesses to secure support from the government-funded and industry-led initiative. The Preston based firm initially used Made Smarter help to invest in software systems to become more flexible and agile, it is now looking at improving other areas of the business with additional support.

Daniel Hall, owner of Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses, said: “We’re driving innovation across the market to meet the needs of our customers, and with a growing team, we’re always looking for more ways to optimise our efficiency and support and motivate our people to be their best.

“Digitising key areas of our production has enabled us to visualise key trends and insights on screens in real-time, helping the team to make quick decisions through transparency of data. The investment has had a really positive impact.”

Launched in 2019 to help businesses digitalise, decarbonise and drive growth, Made Smarter has supported 250 businesses to invest £18M in new technology , including 13M from the businesses themselves.

Manufacturers are forecasting their investments will create almost 1,300 new jobs, upskill 2,400 existing roles, and deliver an additional £209M in gross value added (GVA) for the North West economy over the next three years.

Made Smarter has helped manufacturers adopt technologies which enable them to integrate systems, capture and analyse data, and even create simulations of their plants and processes, others are now using 3D-printing, automation and robotics to solve business challenges and meet increased demand.

By adopting cutting-edge technologies, these businesses are benefitting from improved productivity and revenue, increased exports and job creation, an upskilled workforce, lower energy bills, and a reduced carbon footprint.

Across the North West, Made Smarter has supported more than 2,500 businesses on their digitalisation journeys, offering fully funded support including expert, impartial technology advice, digital roadmapping workshops to help manufacturers take their first steps to transform their business, and skills development.

Commenting on the programme’s achievement, Donna Edwards, director of the North West adoption programme, said: “When we launched the Made Smarter adoption programme four years ago our ambition was to boost growth, productivity, efficiency and create high value, well paid jobs of the future, as well as play a vital role to help accomplish the UK’s aim of reaching net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050.

“Digital adoption is still rife and robust in the SME sector. It’s been great to see that so many firms have tapped into our expertise to help them select the right approach for their business, how much to invest and which technologies will bring the greatest benefits. 2023 promises to be another busy year for Made Smarter.

“As trailblazers, we are tremendously proud of our achievements working together with the manufacturers we have supported, but now is not the time to rest on our laurels. More challenges lie ahead for manufacturers as they navigate a multitude of demands on their businesses, whilst also trying to keep up with the rapid pace of change.  So, I would encourage any North West manufacturers who are wondering where to go next with technology to help manage their business more efficiently and sustainably to get in touch with the Made Smarter team.”

For more information, please visit www.madesmarter.u

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