Made Smarter initiative drives growth in UK signage industry

Made Smarter, a government-backed initiative for England designed to help SMEs adopt advanced digital technologies, has recently provided funding and opportunities for a variety of graphics and signage companies across England.

Through the initiative, SMEs in the print, graphics, and signage sectors have been able to invest in digital technologies designed to boost productivity, create new jobs, and strengthen competitiveness with support from Made Smarter.

Those who have received a business assessment and digital roadmap can then pitch a project plan to access up to 50% match-funded grants, with a maximum amount of £20,000, as well as receiving specialist advice from Made Smarter’s list of expert industry voices.

Among these companies is Ashleigh Signs from West Yorkshire, which recently secured a £14,500 grant towards an £80,000 investment in automation technology to create a new manufacturing cell at its Wakefield facility.

The investment has reportedly improved productivity, reduced reliance on subcontractors, and strengthened the company's ability to develop new products.

Director of business operations at Ashleigh Signs, Josh Clifford, says: "The investment in a powered rolling machine has enabled us to create a new manufacturing cell at our Wakefield facility, giving us greater control over production, quality, and lead times. It has also reduced our reliance on subcontractors and helped us improve productivity as we develop a new product line."

In addition, York-based Andrews Signs & Engravers has invested £35,650 in a new wide-format digital printing system, supported by a £15,000 Made Smarter grant.

The technology introduces automated media handling, faster print speeds, remote job scheduling, and automated colour calibration, helping to increase production capacity, improve productivity, and reduce waste.

Director at Andrews Signs & Engravers, Jill Andrews, comments: "We were delighted to secure support through the Made Smarter programme, which has enabled us to invest in technology that will strengthen our manufacturing capabilities and support future growth.

“As a Yorkshire manufacturer, it's encouraging to see initiatives like Made Smarter helping businesses embrace new technology, boost productivity, and remain competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace."

Kent-based specialist fine art printing company, Art4Site, was also able to invest £40,000 in a next-generation wide-format scanner, backed by a £20,000 Made Smarter South East grant.

The technology has created what the business believes is the UK's largest flatbed fine art scanning facility, significantly reducing scanning times while improving colour accuracy and supporting a more integrated print-on-demand (POD) workflow. The project is forecast to create two new jobs and upskill five employees.

Founder of Art4Site, Michael Setek, says: "We are blown away with the results from the new scanner and proud to say we now have the largest flatbed scanning facility in the UK. Customers are thrilled with our new addition and we are now working with larger artwork which we previously had to turn away. This is a new era for our production."

Those wishing to apply for Made Smarter grants must be a small- or medium-sized manufacturing enterprise in England with fewer than 250 employees. Applicants can register online via the Made Smarter platform or their regional delivery body to receive a business assessment and digital roadmap.

After assessment, applicants can pitch a project plan to access up to 50% match-funded grants for capital investment and specialist advice, with a maximum amount of £20,000.

More information about the scheme can be found in sister publication Print Monthly’s recent special with Kevin Smith, lead technology specialist at Made Smarter North West.