A HYDE firm is front and centre of a new advertising campaign to increase technology adoption among businesses in the north-west.
Lefteris Angelidis, of Visual Architects, features in For The Makers, which has been launched by the Made Smarter Adoption Programme, which works with small and medium-sized (SME) manufacturer.
The ads are being used as livery on 120 buses travelling across the region, including in Tameside and will feature on digital billboards at key commuter locations, along with social media adverts.
Visual Architects, which makes creative interiors for bars, nightclubs and festivals, as well as hotels and brand launches, worked with Made Smarter to develop a digital roadmap, bringing in new skills, and investing in robotics.
As a result, it has transformed its design and manufacturing capability and production capacity, and opened new export markets which are forecast to double its sales over the next three years.
Managing director Lefteris said: “Made Smarter has been rocket fuel for our company.
“Its support through the pandemic and the devastating period for the events industry has helped us create a roadmap, invest in new technology and embed skills which we have no doubt will enable us to bounce back stronger and go to the next level.”
450 manufacturers in Greater Manchester, including more than 30 from Tameside, have so far benefited from support of the Made Smarter’s programme.
That includes fully-funded intensive support, which includes grants for technology, expert, impartial technology advice, and digital transformation workshops to help take their first steps to transform their business.
Meanwhile, businesses have accessed digital technology internships, which offer students and graduates paid placements to work on live technology projects.
So far, six in Tameside are among 49 in Greater Manchester to have secured more than £1.1 million matched funding for 63 projects, worth £3.8 million after private sector investment, which are forecast to create 264 new jobs.
They will also upskill numerous roles, and deliver an additional £44.5 million in gross value added (GVA) for the regional economy over the next three years.
Donna Edwards, Programme Director for Made Smarter North West said: “The positive impact that Made Smarter is having on Greater Manchester’s manufacturing businesses has been fantastic to see and we hope to replicate this across the North West.
“Our mission is to continue reaching out to the region’s SME manufacturers to connect them to the tools that will make an everyday difference to their businesses.
“The campaign celebrates the local business leaders that have started their digital journey with Made Smarter and used new technologies to grow their businesses.
“By showcasing their stories across Greater Manchester, we are communicating our key messages to those makers who may not be aware of our programme and what it could potentially offer their own businesses.”