Case Studies
Articles
North Yorkshire manufacturers are accelerating digital progress
Through the Made Smarter Yorkshire Digital Internship Programme, delivered by Sheffield Hallam University, SMEs can access fully funded three-month placements bringing digital talent from UK universities into their businesses.
Pizza dough maker aims for bigger slice of market with automation
York-based pizza dough balls maker Great Balls of Flour is investing £100,000 in automation to boost productivity, double turnover and create new jobs, with Made Smarter support.
Made Smarter Backs Local Manufacturers
Manufacturing businesses across York and North Yorkshire are being encouraged to embrace digital innovation through the Made Smarter programme, a government-funded initiative that helps companies adopt new technologies and strengthen their operations.
From Lived Experience to Social Enterprise
James established PLAS as a Community Interest Company (CIC), ensuring a sustainable social enterprise model that allows him to earn a wage while delivering impact-driven services. James is now building a social enterprise that provides one-to-one support for offenders, rehabilitation interviews, and workshops for legal professionals.
Scarborough Manufacturer Boosting Innovation and Skills
The relationship between Castle Group Managing Director Simon Bull and Made Smarter Business Relationship Manager Mike Pennington has evolved into a multi-year partnership transforming both commercial performance and regional STEM engagement.
Aberdevine, a Circular Start-up
Through the Federation of Small Businesses, Marta was introduced to Jack Colding, the Growth Hub’s Sustainability Specialist, who helped her identify crucial gaps in sustainability documentation and supply-chain transparency. Working together, they developed tailored environmental and manufacturing policies.
Building Belonging Through Business
In Selby, Matthew Fisher of the Community Development Group is helping underrepresented groups turn ambition into enterprise. After securing funding to explore the experiences of local migrant communities, Matthew identified that many individuals wanted to start businesses but lacked the knowledge and support to do so.
Innovation Supper provides funding boost for First Leaf Farm
The event followed its now well-established format: attendees enjoyed supper while hearing from local entrepreneurs, each given ten minutes to pitch their business idea followed by questions from the audience. At the end of the evening, participants voted to decide which business would receive the proceeds from ticket sales, providing both a financial boost and valuable exposure to an engaged local network.
Building a Bold Brand with Purpose
Luke, based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, is the founder of Deaf Identity, an e-commerce business dedicated to raising deaf awareness through fashion and accessories. His brand serves as both a creative outlet and a platform to promote visibility and representation within the deaf community.