A new government-funded technology programme has registered 200 companies since its launch in April.

Made Smarter South East, a £1.55 million initiative, aims to help small and medium-sized manufacturing and engineering enterprises in Hampshire and the surrounding areas adopt advanced technologies.

The programme is being delivered by Surrey County Council in partnership with 11 local authorities and local enterprise partnerships across the South East.

It will provide expert advice, leadership and skills training, student placements, and match-funded technology grants of up to £20,000 to help improve productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability.

Made Smarter South East Steering Board (L to R) Cris Hiche (MGI Engineering), Paul Jones (Morgan Furniture), Louise Butt (Space South Central Enterprise Network), Jim Davison (Make UK)Made Smarter South East Steering Board (L to R) Cris Hiche (MGI Engineering), Paul Jones (Morgan Furniture), Louise Butt (Space South Central Enterprise Network), Jim Davison (Make UK) (Image: Antao Greer Communications) A specialist delivery team and regional steering group have been appointed to lead the programme.

Bryan Vint, programme manager, said: "More than 200 businesses have now registered for the programme, showing a clear appetite for the benefits that Made Smarter South East brings to manufacturers.

"We’ve assembled a team with deep expertise in technology, leadership, and workforce development to help businesses turn ambition into action - and ideas into impact."

The steering group, which provides strategic oversight, includes leaders from industry, the public sector, and the Department for Business and Trade.

Made Smarter South East (Top L to R) Chitra Cherodian, Bryan Vint, Brune Torrente - Bottom LtoR - Jez Heys, William Wilsnagh, Keith RussellMade Smarter South East (Top L to R) Chitra Cherodian, Bryan Vint, Brune Torrente - Bottom LtoR - Jez Heys, William Wilsnagh, Keith Russell (Image: Antao Greer Communications) Paul Jones, managing director of Morgan Furniture, chairs the group.

He said: "The SME sector makes up over 99 per cent of all UK businesses and plays a vital role in our economy.

"At Morgan Furniture, we’ve seen how digitalisation, automation, and data-led decisions improve productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness.

"With over 25 years in manufacturing, I’m delighted to join the steering group and contribute both strategic insight and hands-on experience to support this vital mission."

The programme is open to manufacturing and engineering SMEs with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of under £44 million.

Registration is now open via bit.ly/MadeSmarterSouthEast.

Jim Davison, national membership director at Make UK, said: "Make UK has long championed the national roll-out of Made Smarter because we’ve seen firsthand how digital adoption can supercharge productivity, boost competitiveness, and create high-value jobs.

"This partnership will be instrumental in supporting the sector’s growth and resilience for years to come."