The UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) has highlighted a significant trend of regional companies investing in automation and digital manufacturing systems. These advancements are being fueled by expert guidance and financial support from the government-backed Industry 4.0 initiative, aimed at modernizing the nation’s production capabilities. Since its inception in November 2018, the Made Smarter Adoption programme has assisted a diverse range of businesses, including producers of branded workwear, fashion accessories, solar shading textiles, and marine covers.
Strategic Investments in Textile Machinery and Systems
The programme is specifically designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises integrate digital tools to refine operations and navigate modern business hurdles. A prominent example is Invent Interior Solutions, a Bradford-based designer and manufacturer of solar shading textiles. The company utilized a £20,000 Made Smarter grant to facilitate the purchase of a £65,000 digital Jacquard loom. This new textile machinery is expected to streamline the development of complex bespoke designs and shorten product prototyping timelines.
Joe Roberts, General Manager at Invent Interior Solutions, noted that the loom fundamentally changes their creative process. He explained that digital, thread-by-thread control allows for intricate designs that were previously unattainable, representing a major shift in their manufacturing capability made possible through the funding and advice provided.
In West Yorkshire, the clothing and workwear manufacturer Involution invested £20,000 in automated printing and cutting equipment. This move was supported by a £10,000 Made Smarter grant, allowing the company to internalize more production processes and broaden its service range. Michael Ainsworth, Managing Director of Involution, stated that the investment in industry-leading textile machinery has enabled the firm to become a comprehensive provider for its clients while increasing overall capacity.
Driving SME Business Growth Through Technology
The adoption of technology extends beyond heavy machinery to administrative and customer-facing digital tools. In Surrey, textile designer and retailer Emilia Hunt utilized a £1,100 grant toward a new electronic point-of-sale system. This investment is intended to automate administrative duties and improve stock management, with the expectation of creating two new positions.
Similarly, JFM Workwear in Liverpool committed £22,000 to develop a specialized customer portal, aided by an £11,000 grant. This portal aims to automate customer interactions, with projections suggesting the creation of three new jobs and the upskilling of existing staff members. These projects illustrate how textile digital automation is becoming a cornerstone for SME business growth across the United Kingdom.
These individual success stories are part of a broader effort by Made Smarter to offer digital transformation workshops, technology advice, and leadership development. The initiative aligns with the national goal of achieving Industry 4.0 leadership by 2030, fostering a culture of rapid innovation and stronger leadership throughout the British manufacturing sector.
