LIVERPOOL City Region's SME manufacturers are being offered a major opportunity to embed the strategies and skills needed to thrive in the digital age, thanks to a new partnership between Made Smarter and 2 leading universities.

The University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University have been named as delivery partners for Made Smarter's Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme;a Government-funded, industry-led initiative aimed at accelerating digital adoption across the North West's manufacturing sector.

With additional funding now secured, the programme is set to support 40 more SME manufacturers over the next year, including:- a significant number from Liverpool City Region.

Tailored specifically for business owners and senior managers, the fast track programme equips participants with the knowledge and tools to lead digital change, develop bespoke digital strategies, and implement advanced technologies within their operations. It also addresses the cultural shift needed for successful transformation, focusing on engaging teams and aligning stakeholders around innovation goals.

Over the last 6 years, Made Smarter has helped more than 100 participants; from sectors such as aerospace, food, and precision engineering; to develop the skills required to adopt and implement cutting-edge technologies.

Commenting on the expansion, Ruth Hailwood, Made Smarter's Lead Organisation and Workforce Development Specialist, said:- "The Leading Digital Transformation programme has been a major success, equipping over 100 Regional leaders with the tools and insight needed to accelerate the adoption of advanced digital technologies in their businesses. This programme gives manufacturers the space to step back, reflect, and develop a digital strategy tailored to their needs. By placing people at the heart of digital transformation, we're enabling meaningful change and long term success."

Delivered over three months, each LDT cohort offers a blended learning experience, including:- face to face workshops, online webinars, real-life case studies, and visits to technology demonstrators at both universities. Participants will explore the University of Salford's NERIC (North of England Robotics Innovation Centre), a facility specialising in robotics and automation, including:- intelligent infrastructure, digital automation, and supply chain improvement. They will also visit Manchester Met's PrintCity; a 3D additive and digital manufacturing centre that brings together manufacturing experts, designers, engineers, and students; and the newly launched Robotics Living Lab.

Dr Ann Mulhaney, Associate Professor of Change Management at the University of Salford, who is leading their cohort, said:- "Securing the rollout of this innovative programme further strengthens the University of Salford's reputation for delivering impactful, world class business leadership development. We are proud to partner with Made Smarter and Manchester Metropolitan University to support a new wave of ambitious SMEs as they embark on their digital transformation journeys."

Professor Jennie Shorley, Academic Director, at Manchester Metropolitan University's Centre for Enterprise, said::- "Being on board for another year delivering the Made Smarter programme is fantastic news for the SME community in the Region. Our proven strengths in enabling businesses to not just develop their innovations, but create sustainable solutions that are embedded across their organisations, means we are helping to secure the Region's economic strengths for years to come. Partnering with our colleagues at the University of Salford means we can support even more businesses."

Since its inception in 2019, Made Smarter has supported over 2,500 manufacturers in the North West, providing expert digital advice, technology adoption roadmaps, and workforce development opportunities.

Registration for the next LDT programme is now open. For more information or to apply for your place visit:- MadeSmarter.UK.

INSOLVENCY related activity in the North West hit a 25 month high in April 2025, according to new research from R3, the UK's insolvency and restructuring trade body.

R3's analysis of data provided by Creditsafe shows there were 473 cases of insolvency related activity in the North West in April;the highest number on record since March 2023's figure of 476, and a 20.4% increase on April 2024's total of 393.

Insolvency related activity, which includes:- administrator and liquidator appointments along with creditors' meetings, have risen every month since the start of the year, with April's figures 3.5% higher than March's total of 457.

Fran Henshaw, Chair of R3 in the North West, says:- "We've seen a steady increase in insolvency related activity in the Region since the start of the year, but last month's rise to the highest point in more than 2 years is a stark reminder of just how tough trading conditions how become. Levels are now higher than they were for much of 2023 and for 2024, when many businesses were grappling with the aftermath of COVID and the impact of the cost of living crisis. A number of factors are likely contributing to the increase we're seeing, including:- a rise in MVLs from Directors choosing to close their businesses in response to recent tax and policy changes, such as the increases to Employers' National Insurance and the minimum wage. The North West's strong links to the construction and manufacturing sectors are also likely to be a factor, as both industries have been under sustained pressure from:- rising costs, supply chain issues, and weaker demand."

Compared to the rest of the UK, the North West saw the highest number of insolvency related activities in April, followed by:- Greater London (436), East Anglia (345) and the West Midlands (236).

Fran, who is Head of Corporate Recovery and Insolvency at Beever and Struthers, continues:- "It is particularly striking that insolvency related activity in the North West outpaced every other part of the UK last month, including:- the capital. This reflects the significant pressures businesses in the Region are facing, especially in sectors like hospitality, where rising costs and shrinking margins, combined with it being one of the 1st areas to be cut from consumer spending, are pushing many to the brink. Speaking to businesses on the ground, we're also seeing a rise in closures among older, established firms that have struggled to adapt to the changing economic landscape. Whether you're the director of a long established company, or a newer business, the advice remains the same; seek advice at the earliest signs of financial distress. Early intervention gives you more time to assess your options and can help you take action before those options are no longer available to you."