Research and innovation
Meet Mike
I’m Mike Pennington, your dedicated guide to unlocking the potential of the Made Smarter programme.
As your point of contact, I’m here to assist you in every step of your journey towards manufacturing excellence.
Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, boost productivity, embrace digital transformation, or access capital grant support, I’ve got the expertise and resources to help you succeed.
Let’s have a conversation about how Made Smarter can revolutionise your manufacturing processes and propel your business forward in today’s competitive landscape.
Reach out to me today, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together towards a smarter, more efficient future.
What do you want to learn about?
- I’m looking to find out more about funding and partnering for research
- I want to support innovation in my business
In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed and customer needs change regularly, businesses must continuously adapt and innovate to remain competitive. Research funding and partnerships are the lifeblood of innovation, providing the necessary financial resources and external expertise to explore new ideas, develop groundbreaking products or services, and stay ahead of the curve.
But innovation cannot thrive in isolation. It requires a supportive culture within the organisation that encourages creativity, embraces risk-taking, and values continuous learning. In this section, we help you understand where to start with research and how to find the funding and organisations to help make it happen, and how you can start to build the internal processes to support new ideas.
Develop new ideas for your business
Find out how research into new services and products can support your business – and how this can be funded.
Build a culture of innovation in your business and benefit from new ideas and an empowered workforce.
Choc Affair Wins Prestigious Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber Award
The region's manufacturers took centre stage at Insider's 2024 Made in Yorkshire Awards. The prestigious event celebrated Yorkshire and Humber's world-class companies and their impact. One of the big winners was Choc Affair, the beloved York chocolatier renowned for its ethical and award-winning creations. Choc Affair clinched the top spot in the Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber Awards.
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.
Fire up your Food and Drink business with Make it! toolkits
A free video toolkit to help growing food and drink businesses in York and North Yorkshire. Essential ingredients for food and drink business success.
Free webinar: How micro and small business leaders can be key to economic recovery
This free webinar for micro and small businesses provides practical advice and insights on how to navigate and shape the future beyond Covid.
Free webinar: KTPs – how to get academic insight and experience into your business
Effective management and leadership can be the difference between companies that thrive and those that fail.
