Manufacturers across the South of England made a step into the ‘factory of the future’ at a landmark event hosted by Made Smarter at Cranfield University.
The free one-day conference offered SME manufacturers a hands-on look at how digital technology is reshaping UK industry, from robotics and automation to data, analytics, sensors, and virtual reality.
Delegates were also shown how even the smallest digital steps can unlock major gains in productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.
The event, Made Smarter: Factories of the Future, was a collaboration between the government-backed Made Smarter Adoption programmes in the East of England and South East regions.
Both programmes are already helping hundreds of SME manufacturers improve efficiency and resilience through grants for technology projects, leadership training, funded internships and digital skills support.
“This is about showing manufacturers the art of the possible,” said Toby Bennett, Programme Lead for Made Smarter East of England. “Many firms in our region are still at the early stages of digitisation.
“This event was a chance to see technologies in action, hear real success stories, and understand how Made Smarter can make digital adoption achievable, affordable, and genuinely valuable.”
Speakers included Andrea Wilson, Director of Hone-All Precision (Leighton Buzzard) and member of Make UK’s Eastern Regional Advisory Board, who shared her perspective on the challenges and opportunities in SME manufacturing.
Dr. Gilbert Tang, Industrial Robotics expert at Cranfield University, discussed the future of automation and innovation in industry. Meanwhile, experts from Cambridge Kinetics (AI and software consultancy) and Oxford Innovation Advice, led a panel on Building a Smarter Factory Today.
The technology exhibition featured a diverse line-up of companies demonstrating the latest digital tools and systems driving smarter manufacturing.
Exhibitors include Jaltek (electronics manufacturer), The Validation Centre (manufacturer of weld monitoring and data logging systems), Total Control Pro (ERP software), igus (motion plastics manufacturer), and NewTechm (ultrasonics and robotics manufacturer).
They were joined by regional and national business support organisations, including South Mids Growth Hub, Herts Growth Hub, and Buckinghamshire Business First Growth Hub, showcasing the full spectrum of support available to manufacturers looking to adopt digital technology.
Bryan Vint, Programme Manager for Made Smarter South East, said: “By joining forces with our colleagues in the East of England, we’re giving businesses across both regions the confidence and support they need to embrace new technology.”
Andrea Wilson, Director of Hone-All Precision, said: “As manufacturers, we’re facing a period of immense change, but also immense opportunity. Digital technology isn’t about replacing people, it’s about empowering them, giving our teams better tools, better data, and the confidence to make smarter decisions every day.
“Events like this are so valuable because they turn the theory into something tangible. You can see what’s possible, talk to people who’ve done it, and realise that digital transformation is achievable no matter the size of your business.”
Dr Gilbert Tang, Industrial Robotics expert, Cranfield University, said: “Our university is dedicated to developing breakthrough technologies and applying them in partnership with business, ensuring that innovation translates into real-world impact.
“By working alongside programmes like Made Smarter, we can help manufacturers of all sizes harness automation, robotics, and digital systems to improve productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness.”
Following successful pilot years, Made Smarter East of England and Made Smarter South East are now preparing for year two of delivery.
The UK government has confirmed its continued commitment to the Made Smarter Adoption programme in England, ensuring more manufacturers can access expert advice, leadership development, and match-funded technology grants to drive growth and innovation.
