BUSINESSES IN Lancashire will have another chance this Autumn to take part in a new leadership programme aimed at helping entrepreneurs make the most of digital technology.

The Made Smarter Leadership Programme, is being rolled out for a fresh intake by various universities in the North West, having been developed in partnership with Lancaster University management school and aims to run a series of workshops teaching entrepreneurs advanced manufacturing and digital skills.

The programme has already attracted several East Lancashire businesses in its previous intakes and this new roll out is preparing to allow get more organisations from further afield take part.

Donna Edwards, director of the Made Smarter North West adoption pilot, said: “The Made Smarter Leadership Programme has been a success story, giving 22 of the region’s leaders the vital tools and insight to accelerate the adoption of advanced digital technologies within their business.

“The roll out of the programme means more SME manufacturers will have the opportunity to take time out of their business to reflect on the bigger picture and share ideas and experiences alongside their peers in manufacturing, and then return to their own business and develop a digital strategy to create growth and efficiencies.”

The new batch of firms taking part in the digital workshops will be Made Smarter’s third intake since launching and will begin on October 22, meanwhile the University of Liverpool and Manchester Metropolitan University will also now be taking part and will begin delivering their programmes on November 4 and 12 respectively.

Expanding to involve the other two universities will allow more entrepreneurs based in Lancashire but also in Cheshire, Warrington, Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Liverpool to take part.

Workshops will be led by both academics and business practitioners demonstrating adoption in real business settings.

However, due to the ongoing pandemic situation these events will be conducted virtually.

Dean of Lancaster University Management School Professor Angus Laing said: “While the way that the programme is taught has changed, with sessions being completed virtually, the feedback from delegates is that the new approach has worked very well.

“In fact, we hope that the flexibility offered by the new format will encourage more leaders to sign up.”

To find out more, visit: https://www.madesmarter.uk/.