A FURNESS business leader says a programme to help manufacturers become more productive is even more vital as the economy recovers from the coronavirus crisis.

Jayne Moorby is marketing manager for Oxley Group, in Ulverston, and is also a member of the Made Smarter north west adoption pilot steering group.

Made Smarter is a national programme providing support, advice and funding to help SMEs use technology to increase their growth.

Jayne said to date the programme has supported over 400 SMEs with specialised advice and £2.7m of funding towards projects valued at over £9m.

Thirteen Cumbrian businesses have also secured matched funding, which is forecast to deliver an additional £9.96m in gross value added for the Cumbrian economy over the next three years.

These include Forge Europa, in Ulverston, and Playdale Playgrounds, in Haverthwaite.

“Made Smarter can offer SMEs the specialist advice and insight to help them select the right approach for their business, how much to invest and which technologies will bring the greatest benefits,” said Jayne.

“The coronavirus pandemic has hit manufacturing in Cumbria just as it has nationally and globally. But our county’s manufacturers have reacted and adapted to the different circumstances. Made Smarter is more determined than ever to reach even more industrious and innovative businesses in Cumbria, and encourage them to take advantage of what I truly believe is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to boost their growth and create the high value, highly paid jobs of the future.”

Oxley Group is a world class provider of advanced solutions for defence, aerospace and rail.