The UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) reports that companies in these regions are investing in automation, digital manufacturing systems and smarter business technologies, enabled by grants and expert guidance from the government-backed Industry 4.0 initiative.
According to UKFT, businesses ranging from branded workwear producers to fashion accessories makers, suppliers of solar shading textiles and manufacturers of marine covers are making use of the Made Smarter Adoption programme, which has been available since November 2018.
The programme aims to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in integrating digital tools to improve operations and address current business challenges.
Invent Interior Solutions, a solar shading textiles designer and manufacturer based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, received a £20,000 ($26,603) Made Smarter grant towards a £65,000 digital Jacquard loom. The company expects the new equipment to facilitate the creation of more intricate bespoke designs and accelerate product development.
Invent Interior Solutions general manager Joe Roberts said: "The loom transforms what we can create and how we create it. Digital, thread-by-thread control means intricate, bespoke designs and rapid prototyping that were out of reach before. It's a complete step change for our creative capability. Made Smarter's funding and advice made it happen."
In Surrey, textile designer, manufacturer and retailer Emilia Hunt invested £2,250 in a new electronic point-of-sale (EPOS) system, including a £1,100 Made Smarter grant. The system is intended to automate administration tasks, enhance stock management and track sales, with the anticipated creation of two new jobs.
Involution, a West Yorkshire clothing and workwear manufacturer, invested £20,000 in automated printing and cutting machinery, with Made Smarter providing £10,000 of support. The company has brought additional manufacturing capabilities in-house and increased its product range.
Involution managing director Michael Ainsworth said: "The grant made it possible for us to invest in industry-leading printing and cutting equipment and bring more of that capability in-house. It has helped us become more of a one-stop shop for our customers, while increasing our capacity and extending our product range and service offering."
Another example highlighted by UKFT is JFM Workwear in Huyton, Liverpool City Region, which committed £22,000 to build a bespoke customer portal, supported by an £11,000 Made Smarter grant. The portal is designed to digitise and automate customer interactions, with forecasts of three new jobs being created and two existing roles upskilled.
UKFT points out that these projects are complemented by Made Smarter’s wider offering, which includes digital transformation workshops, impartial technology advice, leadership and skills development, and a digital internship programme.
Established as part of the government's ambition for the UK to achieve Industry 4.0 leadership by 2030, Made Smarter is designed to foster “innovation, rapid adoption and stronger leadership” across British manufacturing.
