Made Smarter Programme – now in Dorset
Funding opportunities in manufacturing
Manufacturing leaders in the pan-Dorset area (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and Dorset Council areas) are invited to accelerate their digital transformation through the Made Smarter Adoption Programme.
This Government-backed programme offers expert advice, leadership training, digital interns and up to £20,000 technology grants.
Eligible Dorset manufacturers can access resources to support their digital transformation efforts.
To be eligible for the Made Smarter Programme support you must be:
Before April 2025, Dorset was not eligible for the Made Smarter Adoption Programme. The government initially launched the programme in the North West of England. Then they expanded it to other regions, including the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, and East Midlands.
In April 2025 they launched the Made Smarter South West Programme. Now it encompasses Dorset, allowing manufacturing SMEs in the area to access its support.
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE) and the National Composites Centre (NCC) delivers the South West Programme.
Eligible small and medium-sized manufacturers in Dorset can access a range of support measures, including:
Start your Made Smarter journey here.
Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution, which puts smart technologies, automation, and data exchange into manufacturing and other industries.
EPICOR have a great Industry 4.0 article to help you understand how we got to Industry 4.0 and what it means for manufacturing.
But in summary, here are a few examples:
Factories that use IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, AI, and automation to optimise production, leading to increased efficiency and reduced downtime.
Using AI and machine learning to predict when a machine will fail before it actually does. Often called Digital Twinning, it is used to simulate different scenarios and optimise processes.
Robots that can work independently or collaborate with humans to increase efficiency.
Machines equipped with sensors that collect and analyse data to improve processes.
Technologies that assist in training, maintenance, and remote support. This leads to improved workforce skills and reduced errors in manufacturing.
Building parts layer by layer, reducing material waste and production time. 3D printing can also be used for prototyping and small-batch production, allowing for rapid design iterations and customisation.
Using AI and computer vision to detect defects in products.
There aren’t many published examples of companies in Dorset embracing Industry 4.0, but it’s hoped the Made Smarter Programme, now launched in Dorset, will change that.
Below are a few examples of companies across Dorset involved in Industry 4.0 manufacturing activities:
Loop Technology are themselves specialists in industrial automation and robotics. Based in Poundbury, they have worked with the National Composites Centre for a while now. They use a cutting-edge composite inspection system that uses 3D laser profile technology and segmentation algorithms to provide highly accurate ply placement monitoring. They also produce robots that can work independently or with humans to increase efficiency, like RoboPRIME produced for Thales UK.
Donaldson BOFA based in Poole, produce machines that will enable Industry 4.0 factories to reduce waste and increased productivity, such as their fume extraction operating platform that keep production lines working by protecting equipment from process dust, thereby helping to avoid unplanned downtime.
Sealpac, also based in Poole, design and project manage the installation of bespoke machines across the full food production line, including automated label, food leak and seal inspection.
Bournemouth-based software development company Spyrosoft (according to the Financial Times is one of the fastest growing technology companies in Europe) help companies begin, continue or finalise their Industry 4.0 IoT journey.
The Dorset Engineering and Manufacturing Cluster provides a variety of support.
Additonally, BCP Council’s Smart Place Programme, located in Boscombe, has a private 5G network and a mobile 5G cell you can borrow, with a specialist, to trial. Dorset Council’s Dorset Innovation Park also has its own private indoor 5G network to trial any Smart Programme equipment.
Also, if you sign up to our Triple Yellow newsletter about all things Dorset funding and you will also get a Free Guide to the top 10 places to find grant funding for your business in Dorset.
You only have to look at a company like Bosch to know you and your equipment are never too old! Bosch recently celebrated 10 years of Industry 4.0 (check out their funny 10th celebration video here). Not only have they developed the most advanced smart factories in the world, but they have even given connectivity to a 134 year old pedal-powered, cast-iron lathe, showing that you can make any production equipment smarter.