A director from a Bury-based SME textile manufacturer is among 60 digital leaders to have completed the Made Smarter Leadership Programme through the Lancaster University Management School (LUMS), the University of Liverpool (UoL) and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).

The programme is designed to help leaders develop a new way of looking at their business and create a clear strategy to enable the adoption of digital technology, including how to drive the net zero agenda.

It uses a blend of workshops delivered by academics and experts in digital and leadership, site visits to SME manufacturers who are already on the journey of adopting digital technology, facilitated-learning sessions, and special project ‘sprints’ to test new ideas.

The programme also uses peer-to-peer coaching to create a trusted network of leaders, many of whom have remained in close contact.

Andrea Kuehne, a director at Bury-based DRM Industrial Fabrics, a manufacturer of specialist technical textile solutions for the filtration and industrial laundry industry, was one of the companies taking part.

Manufacturers across the North West are now being encouraged to register their interest for the next two cohort intakes, starting on October 7 and November 10 at Lancaster University.

The programme, which takes place over eight months, includes seven workshops led by both academics delivering leading edge thinking and business practitioners demonstrating adoption in real business settings.

Delegates will also embark on ‘sprints’ where they will test their ideas with other business leaders to build engagement and learn from each other.

Registration for the next Leadership Programme is now open. For more information or to apply for your place visit madesmarter.uk