Sage is the global market leader for technology that provides small and medium businesses with the visibility, flexibility and efficiency to manage finances, operations and people. With our partners, Sage is trusted by 1 million customers in the UK and Ireland to deliver the best cloud technology and support. Our years of experience mean that our colleagues and partners understand how to serve our customers and communities through the good, and more challenging times. We are here to help, with practical advice, solutions, expertise and insight.

Made Smarter helps manufacturers in the North East increase profits, improve efficiency and grow by investing in digital technology, people and processes.

More than 150 North East manufacturers have already taken part in the programme, including specialist battery manufacturers, Alexander Battery Technologies; expanded metal mesh manufacturer, The Expanded Metal Company; and growing thermoformed plastic packaging manufacturer, iPac Packaging Innovations. 

Open to SMEs (under 250 employees) working in the manufacturing and advanced manufacturing sectors, businesses that sign up to take part in Made Smarter benefit from:
~ Grants of up to £20k to access expert technical advice and support the purchase of new machinery and technology
~ Training to understand what technology is available, and how and where it can be implemented
~ Workshops and networking opportunities with other North East manufacturers.

We’re proud to support the North East Business Awards and celebrate the enormous talent in our region – in particular those businesses that have excelled in manufacturing and production. By helping more North East manufactures to expand their operations and improve their manufacturing processes through smart technology, Made Smarter can grow the advanced
manufacturing sector in the region and strengthen the wider regional economy.