01278 228004

Chamber News

You are here: 

£800,000 now available for South West manufacturers through Made Smarter grants

Monday 27th April, 2026

Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce is encouraging manufacturing businesses across the South West to explore the latest Made Smarter opportunity, with £800,000 now available to help SMEs adopt new digital technologies and strengthen their operations.

The Made Smarter programme has reopened for its 2026/27 intake and is designed to support manufacturing SMEs as they become more digitally ready. The programme offers help with adopting technologies such as automation, data systems and advanced manufacturing tools, alongside fully funded expert support and training.

Eligible businesses can access:

  • Grants of up to £20,000 towards new digital equipment and software
  • Free 1:1 sessions with digital experts to help analyse business challenges
  • A fully funded internship with support for up to 250 hours
  • Expert led digital leadership training at no cost

The programme is aimed at helping manufacturers improve productivity, strengthen day to day operations and accelerate digital transformation in a practical way.

As the programme reopens, businesses in the South West are being encouraged to engage early so they can speak with the Made Smarter team, understand the application process and prepare ahead of the official launch. With places in the South West described as extremely limited, early interest is strongly recommended.

Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce is pleased to share this opportunity with local manufacturers who may be looking to invest in smarter systems, improve efficiency or take the next step in digital development.

Businesses can learn more via Made Smarter’s Start your digital manufacturing journey page. Those who would like to discuss their application or arrange a meeting are encouraged to email madesmarter@westofengland-ca.gov.uk.

Latest news

Free and funded AI training for Somerset and Dorset businesses
October 30, 2026

A 10-week Generative AI Skills Bootcamp is now open for enrolment, with free places for the self-employed Want to use AI at work but not sure where to start? A funded Generative AI Skills Bootcamp, run by award-winning training provider Techosaurus with Yeovil College, is now open for enrolment in Yeovil and Dorset. The course…

Read More
Free Google AI Professional Certificate helps Somerset workers and businesses build everyday AI skills
October 26, 2026

A free, self-paced programme of eight online courses is open for enrolment, with support from trainers and an official Google certificate on completion For many businesses, the question is no longer whether AI will affect the way they work, but how to help their teams use it well. A free programme now open for enrolment…

Read More
Free business mentoring on offer for Somerset SMEs: six hours with an experienced business leader
October 25, 2026

Somerset Council is inviting local small and medium-sized businesses to apply for free mentoring, with applications taking around five minutes Somerset businesses facing a tough decision, a growth plateau or simply a lack of someone to bounce ideas off now have a free way to get experienced, impartial support. Somerset Council is offering six hours…

Read More
Four free webinars to help Somerset businesses market smarter, plan better and start strong
October 24, 2026

The Somerset Growth Hub is highlighting free live and on-demand sessions from the Government’s Business Academy, covering AI marketing, business planning and getting a business idea off the ground Whether you’re looking to make your marketing go further or turn an idea into a viable business, four free webinars from the Government’s Business Academy offer…

Read More