Twenty SME manufacturing businesses across London are set to receive more than £300,000 in the first round of funding through the Made Smarter London programme, delivered by London & Partners.

The initiative aims to help manufacturers adopt digital technologies, improve productivity, and strengthen resilience in an increasingly competitive market.

Grants ranging from £4,500 to £20,000 will enable companies to invest in technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, software, and sales systems. The programme is designed to help small manufacturers work more efficiently, expand their capacity, and create highly skilled jobs.

Supporting London’s SME manufacturing backbone

London is home to over 14,000 manufacturers, nearly all of which are small and medium-sized enterprises. Almost nine in ten employ fewer than ten people. For these businesses, investing in digital tools and new skills is critical to meeting demand, attracting new clients, and competing both locally and internationally.

Vanesa Pérez-Sánchez, Director of Small Businesses at London & Partners, emphasised the importance of the programme: “Manufacturers play a big part in supporting the London economy; from creative makers that fuel the West End to food & drink suppliers on our High Streets, these businesses are keen and ready to innovate. This funding is encouraging businesses to adopt digital technologies that will allow them to work more efficiently and be future ready.”

Stories from the shop floor

Among the recipients is Rebeca Rosmini, founder of Signorelli Bakery in Newham, who received a £20,000 grant to invest in team training. She said: “This grant allows us to invest in our team and our future at a time when that’s difficult to do. With smarter equipment and a new digital training academy, we can grow, support and upskill our neurodiverse and multilingual staff, as well as keep up with demand without losing the handmade quality we’re known for. It gives us the tools to grow sustainably while keeping our team central to the business.”

Gerald Schwanzer, owner of Dancesport International in Croydon, which makes costumes for cinema and West End shows, received £12,000 to implement new digital pattern-cutting software. He explained: “The grant will enable us to invest in new digital pattern-cutting software, helping us speed up production and reduce cost and waste. By working on multiple projects at once, we can upskill our team and modernise the way we operate. We expect to increase productivity by up to 40%, giving us more capacity to grow our theatre and film costume industry as well as explore opportunities in international markets.”

Meanwhile, Salli Deighton, founder of Laundre in Bromley, received £12,700 to implement AI and software systems. She said: “This grant gives us the chance to do three big projects simultaneously that we simply haven’t had the time or expertise to finish. We can now set up our CRM system properly, build our digital AI laser library, and sort out our data capture. It will make our work quicker, more organised, and help us show the sustainable steps we take as a business.”

Building on regional success

This milestone marks the first year of the Made Smarter programme in London. The initiative builds on its success in other UK regions, where it has supported over 3,000 businesses, created 1,500 jobs, and generated more than £300m in projected Gross Value Added.

For London manufacturers seeking support, more information is available on the Made Smarter website.

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