Liverpool manufacturers celebrated at inaugural Made Smarter Adoption Awards

MANUFACTURERS in Liverpool pursuing digital transformation have been celebrated at the inaugural:- 'Made Smarter Adoption Awards.'

'The Made Smarter Adoption Awards' champion manufacturing and engineering companies who have committed to adopting technology and skills to digitalise, decarbonise and drive growth.

The programme is led by Made Smarter, the national movement accelerating technology and skills adoption.

At the North West Regional awards, Spice Kitchen, a manufacturer of spice products based in Speke, picked up the:- 'Made Smarter Award for the Liverpool City Region' area.

The company was picked ahead of shortlisted firms:- Beverston Engineering, based in Knowsley; Organica (UK), based in Birkenhead; JJ Smith Woodworking Machinery, based in Kirkby; and CNC Robotics, based in Bootle.

Sanjay Aggarwal, Co-founder of Spice Kitchen, said:- "We are thrilled to have won the Liverpool award which celebrates the progress we have made on our digital journey. Made Smarter's support has been extraordinary. They have helped us create a digital roadmap, analyse our existing skills, create a plan for workforce development, and accelerate our investment in a much-needed technology solution. This investment will have an immediate impact by improving the quality and consistency of our business operations, but crucially, it will embed a scalable operational, commercial and manufacturing platform for future business growth."

Spice Kitchen missed out on the overall:- 'Made Smarter Adoption Award for the North West' to Stockport based Firstplay Dietary Foods, who now progress to the national awards, in Liverpool, on:- 27 June 2024, against the Regional winners from adoption programmes in the North East, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber.

Donna Edwards, Director of the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, said:- "I would like to congratulate the winners and nominees who have all embraced digitalisation to become leading examples of UK manufacturing excellence. Digital transformation is challenging, particularly given the challenges the sector has faced in recent years, so it is right we recognise the forward thinking nature of these businesses and their employees. I am incredibly proud of what the Made Smarter team has achieved over the last 5 years. While these awards are a moment to celebrate, our work is by no means done. Our mission is to engage with the thousands of manufacturers out there who we are certain could benefit from our support, and to inspire and inform them about the benefits of technology adoption."

'The Made Smarter Adoption Programme' is a Government funded initiative which offers SME manufacturers support including:- digital transformation workshops to create a digital roadmap, impartial and expert technology advice, leadership and skills training, as well as grant funding for technology projects.

Since 2019, SME manufacturers across the North West have invested £22m in new technologies, forecasting the creation of almost 1,600 new jobs, over 2,850 upskilled roles, and adding £242m to the economy over the next 3 years.

Commenting on the launch of the awards, Brian Holliday, Co-Chair of the Made Smarter Commission, said:- "The Made Smarter Awards celebrate digital transformation among SME manufacturers, and it is with great pride to see these inaugural awards taking place this year.I would like to congratulate all winners and nominees, from across all the Regions, as we collectively celebrate the successes the Made Smarter adoption programme has helped support in each of the individual manufacturing businesses. The impact of the programme continues at pace with the creation of thousands of new jobs, the adoption of multiple digital technologies and empowerment of future digital leaders with our skills and leadership training. We are looking forward to the expansion of the programme into more Regions in 2025. This allows us to truly support increasing manufacturing productivity, raising exports through international competitiveness, strengthening UK supply chains and creating new value streams and reducing CO2 emissions."

Lyndon Howson Promotes Youth Involvement in Biodiversity Efforts
Photo by Sophie Watkins

LYNDON Howson, a BSc Zoology student at the University of Chester, captivated attendees at the 10th Annual Student Sustainability Summit with his insightful session on sustainability initiatives' challenges and triumphs, particularly those aimed towards hedgehog preservation. The event, held on:- 29 May 2024, brought together students, experts, and advocates to discuss and promote sustainable practices.

Lyndon's dedication to environmental causes has been recognised on multiple occasions. Earlier this year, he was honoured with the prestigious Mammal Champion Award from the Mammal Society, a testament to his outstanding contributions to hedgehog conservation and advocacy. This accolade, coupled with his previous recognition with a Sustainability Award for his impactful work in the field, underscores Lyndon's commitment to driving positive change in environmental sustainability.

At the summit, Lyndon shared his experiences and practical strategies garnered from hands on involvement in community engagement and environmental projects. His session was particularly noted for its focus on fostering biodiversity and mobilising support for conservation efforts, reflecting his holistic approach to sustainability.

An attendee we are told had remarked:- "Lyndon's presentation was inspiring and informative. His passion for making environments greener and more hedgehog-friendly truly resonated with everyone, and his track record of success speaks volumes about his dedication."

We are also told that attendees left Lyndon's session equipped with actionable strategies for promoting sustainability in their communities, with an emphasis on the pivotal role of community involvement and practical approaches to fostering biodiversity. Lyndon's ability to bridge theory with real world application highlights the critical importance of grassroots initiatives in driving meaningful environmental stewardship.

Reflecting on the summit, Lyndon expressed gratitude for the platform it provided to share his insights and connect with like minded individuals.

Lyndon commented:- "I'm thrilled to have had the chance to discuss these important issues and to inspire others to take action in their communities hopefully,"

Lyndon's dedication to sustainability and impressive track record of accomplishments positions him as a leading advocate for youth engagement in environmental stewardship. As he continues to champion these causes, his impact is sure to be felt far beyond the confines of the summit.