Made Smarter has been confirmed as the headline sponsor for the 2026 Made in the North East awards. The partnership aligns the programme with an event that this year introduces new and enhanced award categories reflecting changes within the region’s manufacturing sector.
Made Smarter supports local manufacturing businesses by helping them adopt digital solutions, develop new technologies and pursue innovation. Its involvement adds direct support to an awards programme focused on recognising manufacturing achievements in the North East.
Julia Austin, programme manager for Made Smarter in the North East, said: “The Made in the North East Awards are a fantastic showcase of the region’s innovative manufacturing businesses. As a finance and funding programme that supports manufacturers to adopt digital solutions and introduce new ways of working, we’re extremely proud to support this year’s event and celebrate the sector’s many achievements.”
She said the updated award categories reflect activity across the sector. “This year’s awards reflect the advancements we’re seeing across manufacturing in the North East. Despite challenging conditions, businesses are still looking to innovate and use technology as a driver for growth.”
Austin also noted the programme’s recent activity. “Made Smarter has successfully helped hundreds of North East manufacturers to transform their operations using smart tech. With funding secured for the next three years, we can look forward to helping hundreds more.”
Online submissions are open for engineering and manufacturing businesses to enter the 2026 awards. The winners will be announced at the gala dinner at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead on 26 March 2026.
