Manufacturing Digital Funding: Access Up to £20K Support
If you're a UK manufacturing business looking to level up digitally, you may be sitting on a rocket-fuelled opportunity and not even know it. Thanks to the Made Smarter Adoption programme, manufacturing companies can now apply for matched funding of up to £20,000 to adopt new digital technologies. That means support for projects like a new website, an e-commerce platform or even a smart tool that streamlines your operations. This is where manufacturing digital funding makes all the difference.
At Adopstar, we’re already working with manufacturers who have successfully secured this support. It’s powerful, practical and designed to help you grow. If you’re ready to modernise your business, now is the perfect time to reach for the stars.
What is Made Smarter and how does manufacturing digital funding work?Anchor link
The Made Smarter Adoption programme is a UK government-backed initiative designed to help small and medium-sized manufacturers adopt new digital technologies. These technologies could improve productivity, enhance data visibility, open new sales channels or automate clunky, outdated processes.
The key point is this: eligible businesses can access manufacturing digital funding of up to £20,000. Funding is available on a 1:1 matched basis - up to £20,0000 from you and £20,000 from the scheme (maximum combined £40,000). So, if your digital project costs £40,000, the grant could cover £20,000 of that.
Even better, it’s not limited to machinery or software. It also covers strategic digital investments like e-commerce builds, ERP systems, process automation, and high-converting websites. That’s where Adopstar fits in.
Who can apply for manufacturing digital funding?Anchor link
The programme is aimed at small to medium-sized manufacturing businesses across the UK. Each region has its own delivery partner. In the South West, that partner is SWMAS – the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service – who are well regarded in the industry.
Businesses in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset can apply through the South West branch of the programme. If you're outside that area, you can check your regional programme via the Made Smarter website. Wherever you're based, manufacturing digital funding could be within reach if you meet the SME criteria and your project aligns with the programme's goals.
What kind of projects are eligible?Anchor link
We’re currently building a high-performing website for a manufacturer who successfully secured manufacturing digital funding. Their goal was to improve how they attract and convert leads online. The new site will integrate with their internal systems, offer better user experience, and support their team in reaching national and international buyers.
This is exactly the type of digital adoption that the funding is designed to support. Your project might involve building an e-commerce platform, upgrading your CRM and lead management, launching a real-time analytics dashboard or digitising your stock control process. As long as it helps improve productivity, customer experience or efficiency through digital tools, it could be eligible.
Why manufacturing digital funding is worth exploring nowAnchor link
Digital transformation isn’t a future project anymore – it’s what helps businesses stay competitive today. Many manufacturers are still using outdated systems, managing leads manually or relying on websites that no longer represent their capabilities.
Manufacturing digital funding makes it easier to take that next step. Instead of putting off investment due to cost, the matched funding structure gives you a chance to reduce your risk while still achieving meaningful change. More importantly, it turns your website or digital platform into a revenue driver – not just a brochure.
Through the programme, you also gain access to strategic advice, digital roadmaps and even workforce development. It’s not just a grant, it’s a launchpad.
What’s involved in the application process?Anchor link
Getting started is more straightforward than many expect. First, you’ll check your eligibility and register interest with your regional Made Smarter team. Once you are registered SWMAS will make contact with you. They'll guide you through a digital assessment to identify where your business could benefit most from technology.
Next, you’ll define your digital project, working with a partner like Adopstar to scope out what’s required. This includes timelines, objectives, and the budget breakdown. With a solid project plan in place, you can submit your proposal for manufacturing digital funding, including your matched investment.
Once approved, the implementation begins. Whether that’s a new e-commerce site, automation tools or analytics integrations, we manage the full project for you – always with performance and growth in mind.
Why choose Adopstar as your digital partner?Anchor link
We’re not just website builders. Adopstar brings together digital strategy, technical expertise and marketing experience under one roof. When we work with manufacturers, we think beyond design and code – we look at conversion, automation, scalability and ROI.
Because we understand how manufacturing digital funding works, we help you align your project with the programme's expectations. We scope your goals properly, deliver work that qualifies for support and build systems that genuinely move the needle.
And unlike huge agencies, we stay hands-on and responsive. We’re big enough to handle complex projects but small enough to care. Your success is our success.
Key things to remember when applyingAnchor link
The grant is matched, so you’ll need to invest 50% of the cost yourself. That could be financial or resource-based, but you’ll need to show commitment to the digital transformation journey.
You’ll also need to demonstrate clear business outcomes. It’s not about bells and whistles – it’s about tools that improve performance, efficiency or growth. At Adopstar, we help you define what success looks like and ensure your project delivers measurable value.
Finally, timing matters. Programmes like this are often time-limited. The South West scheme runs until 2026, but early application gives you the best chance to secure your place and plan your project properly. Don’t leave it to the last minute.
The final countdownAnchor link
This isn’t just another grant. It’s a genuine opportunity to fast-track your digital evolution with support, guidance and matched investment. Whether you’ve been planning to upgrade your systems for months or only just realised your website isn’t working hard enough, manufacturing digital funding could be the key to making it happen.
We’re already seeing South West manufacturers make the most of this programme, and we’d love to help more businesses unlock its potential.
Ready for takeoff?Anchor link
If you think your business could benefit from manufacturing digital funding, get in touch with the Adopstar team today. We’ll help you scope your project, connect with the right people and build a digital solution that supports real growth.
Book a free discovery call with us now and let’s build something that’s truly out of this world.
