Kent Manufacturers Kickstart Digital Transformation With Made Smarter Leadership Programme

Two Kent manufacturers have taken their first big step into the future after joining Made Smarter’s new leadership programme designed to fast-track digital skills, strategy and innovation.

Business leaders from 17 firms across the South East region came together for the latest session of the Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme, meeting at Middlesex University. The group toured cutting-edge robotics and mechatronics labs, explored emerging technologies and got a first look at how digital tools could boost productivity, cut waste and unlock new opportunities.

The cohort includes: Art4Site, a specialist fine art printing studio based in Wye; Ancestors Group, specialising in heritage and promotional products, based in Folkestone; 

The 14-week programme, delivered by the University of Salford in partnership with Made Smarter South East, the government backed technology initiative, gives leaders the tools and confidence to take on digital transformation and plan for long-term growth. Participants will learn how to build strategy, improve communication, lead change and introduce new technologies in a way that strengthens their business and their workforce.

Michael Setek, Founder of Art4Site, said: “The programme stood out as an exceptional opportunity to access expert guidance on automation and digital technologies. The diagnostic tools have encouraged me to step back and analyse the business with a fresh perspective. The shared learning environment has strengthened my confidence and helped me explore new ways of tackling long-standing issues.”

Nicholas Humphery-Smith, Managing Director of Ancestors Group, said: “The regular in-person and online meetings, where we can openly share the challenges we face each week, have been incredibly valuable. The issues I bring to the group are always met with practical advice from others who have faced and overcome similar problems, and that support alone makes the programme worth the time.

“The visit to Middlesex University was a real eye-opener and an opportunity to learn so much in a short space of time. It has inspired me to explore a project that could help us make a key process more efficient and reduce waste.

“I have been recommending the programme to other business leaders. It is a fantastic resource for anyone who is open to new ideas and prepared to put them into practice.”

Participants will now move through a mix of workshops and online sessions that help them build a clear digital strategy and take their teams with them. The LDT programme is built to fit around the daily pressures of running a busy business and give leaders a high-impact learning experience.

It is part of a wider push from Made Smarter South East, which is already helping hundreds of SME manufacturers improve their performance through expert advice, match-funded tech grants, leadership training and funded internships.

Chitra Cherodian, Organisation & Workforce Development Advisor for Made Smarter South East, said: “This first cohort has set the bar high. These are ambitious leaders who want to strengthen their strategic thinking, build future-ready skills and accelerate their digital adoption. The energy and enthusiasm they have brought to the programme have created a powerful foundation for the future.”

Dr Ann Mulhaney, Associate Professor of Change Management at the University of Salford, said: “Supporting the first South East cohort marks an important milestone in our work to help SME manufacturers lead meaningful and sustained digital transformation. The programme gives leaders the time, structure and confidence to think differently about their organisations, and to understand how people, processes and technology must align for change to succeed.”

Made Smarter South East is now encouraging other manufacturers to register their interest for future cohorts and join the growing community shaping the future of UK industry.

To find out more or register your interest, visit madesmarter.uk.

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