Malton technology firm, HMi Elements, first in region to receive Government’s new Made Smarter grant
A North Yorkshire firm, HMi Elements, which produces technology for use in hazardous environments is the first in the region to receive funding from a new Government initiative aimed at boosting the manufacturing sector.
Malton-based HMi Elements has received over £19,000 from the Made Smarter programme, after the company experienced a huge post-pandemic rise in demand for its specialist computers and touch-screen devices.
HMi Elements’ director, Howard Gould said the grant would be invested in technology to automate part of its production process where a high degree of precision is essential.
He said: “We deal exclusively with the oil and gas industries, and 99 per cent of our business is in exports. We are making products that must be safe in hazardous environments so every single product we make must be manufactured to a very high standard. Parts must sit together very accurately.
“We have been doing these measurements manually but it’s very time consuming. Given the volume of our orders, being able to invest in the latest manufacturing technology means we can become leaner and smarter.
“We’re also retaining all our workforce which I’m pleased to say we can redeploy into other production areas, further increasing efficiencies.”
What is Made Smarter?
Made Smarter is a national programme, managed in our region by York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub – part of York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Made Smarter was launched following an industry-wide consultation on how best to grow UK manufacturing through digital technologies, innovation and skills, and concludes in March 2025.
Mike Pennington, business relationship manager for Made Smarter in the York and North Yorkshire Region, said it was great to see HMi Elements receive the funding and that it came following efforts last year to raise awareness of the Made Smarter programme amongst the manufacturing sector.
“I’m delighted we’ve got this first grant over the line,” he said, “especially as it’s very nearly for the £20,000 maximum amount available to businesses under Made Smarter. It was a team effort between myself Jeff Long, and Howard, and I’m really looking forward to seeing more companies benefiting from Made Smarter grants and Tech support over the coming weeks and months.”
York and North Yorkshire businesses in the manufacturing sector, including food or drink, are invited to apply for a Made Smarter grant.
For further details, email Mike Pennington at mike.pennington@ynygrowthhub.com or view York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub’s Made Smarter resources.
York Chocolatier’s Secret Ingredient Leads to Sweet Success
Choc Affair Ltd., a beloved York-based chocolate manufacturer known for its ethical and award-winning creations, has achieved a significant in capacity to produce their handmade delights.
Woodworking Wonders: Tom Addison's Furniture Flourishes with Support from Growth Hub
In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Tom Addison, maker, and designer at Tom Addison Fine Furniture, is celebrating significant growth and success with vital support from the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
Skills Bootcamps unlocking digital opportunities for businesses
A North Yorkshire business owner is boosting her brand thanks to digital skills training.
DJ Assembly Powers Up Productivity with £20k Made Smarter Grant
DJ Assembly, a thriving independent business, has secured a maximum grant of £20,000 from the Made Smarter programme. This funding will enable the company to acquire a Detech machine, a significant upgrade that will boost efficiency, productivity, and product quality.
Brilliant business support boosts Richmondshire’s Trimble Group
Trimble Group CEO Toby Trimble has hailed ‘game-changing’ Richmondshire business support, which is helping them flourish.
Tadweld Receives £20k Support for Innovation and Growth
Tadweld, a long-established welding and fabrication company based in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, is pleased to announce the support it has received through the Made Smarter programme, including a £20k grant aimed at enhancing digital capabilities and fostering innovation within businesses.
Bright Future for Harrogate Brewing Company with Growth Hub Support
Harrogate Brewing Company, a family-owned business with a decade-long legacy, is celebrating a ‘six-fold increase’ in turnover with comprehensive support provided by the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
Made Smarter Fuels Innovation with £20k grant
Period Mouldings Limited has been awarded £20,000 from the Made Smarter programme to revolutionise its production capabilities through digital innovation.
Scarborough Tech company boosts production
A GRANT of almost £10,000 is helping a Scarborough tech company boost services and production buy investing in new equipment.
New robot will be ‘one of the team’ as Hunmanby manufacturing firm streamlines production
A PRECISION engineering firm near Filey is adding an advanced robot to its workforce after winning funding to upgrade its production process with the latest technology.
Malton technology firm first in region to receive Government’s new Made Smarter grant
A NORTH Yorkshire firm which produces technology for use in hazardous environments is the first in the region to receive funding from a new Government initiative aimed at boosting the manufacturing sector.
