Funding your technology transformation in Dorset, whether for a digital or has become a hot topic. And I have been working with the Dorset-based software development company Yammayap for the past quarter of 2025 collating grant funding for technology transformation projects for their clients.

Together with Evolve, Dorset-based business advisors, we have held face-to-face and online webinars for small and medium size businesses (SMEs) in Dorset looking for support with their technology transformations.

Our latest online webinar was the day after the Autumn budget, making for an interesting conversation. We presented the latest grant funding updates. Then we showed where to find funding for digital projects. And finally how to get your business “funding ready” for digital and technology projects.

We also discussed whether the government even likes SMEs …

The UK Government recently said ‘Accelerating SME growth by just 1 percentage point per year, could deliver £320bn to the UK economy by 2030′. Digitisation and automation is key to that productivity growth.

For example, SMEs with 20-50 staff typically spend more than £2,000 per month on administration labour alone. Modern AI tools can now reduce these admin tasks dramatically without requiring deep technical expertise or significant capital investment.

Automation manages the repetitive workflow that connects your systems and keeps your operations running smoothly.

Bespoke software like that developed by Yammayap, streamline and automate workflows, speeding up your business.

Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution, which integrates smart technologies, automation, and data exchange into manufacturing and other industries.

Industrial table robots and cobots now cost less than £10,000 and can revolutionise your production output, as they don’t sleep, are easy to programme and accurately complete tasks time after time.

Factories that use IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, AI, and automation to optimise production, and lead to increased efficiency and reduced downtime.

Software that acts as fit-for-purpose brain for an organisation, integrating existing software within the organisation, and automating the workflow from order to invoice payment to free up human resource time for higher value work.

Using AI and machine learning to predict when a machine will fail before it actually does. Often called Digital Twinning, it is used to simulate different scenarios and optimise processes.

Robots that can work independently or collaborate with humans (cobots) to increase efficiency on the factory floor.

Machines equipped with sensors that collect and analyse data to improve processes.

Technologies that assist in training, maintenance, and remote support, leading to improved workforce skills and reduced errors in manufacturing.

Building parts layer by layer, reducing material waste and production time.  3D printing can also be used for prototyping and small-batch production, allowing for rapid design iterations and customisation.

Using AI and computer vision to detect defects in products.

I describe many more grant funding sources in the Yammayap Online webinar for other SMEs. Sectors like legal and financial also have their own digital project funding. The good news is that funding your technology transformation in Dorset is possible.

However, I would like to focus this article on the main funding for technology transformation projects for manufacturing companies at the moment – the Made Smarter programme.

Manufacturing leaders in the pan-Dorset area – Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and Dorset Council areas, can accelerate their digital transformation through the Made Smarter Adoption Programme.

This Government-backed programme offers expert advice, leadership training, digital interns and up to £20,000 match-funded technology grants.

Eligible Dorset manufacturers can access resources to support their digital transformation efforts.

To be eligible for the Made Smarter Programme support you must be

Prior to April 2025, Dorset was not eligible for the Made Smarter Adoption Programme. The programme was initially launched in the North West of England. It then subsequently expanded to the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, and East Midlands.

It wasn’t until April 2025 that the programme extended to the South West, encompassing Dorset, allowing manufacturing SMEs in the area to access its support.

The Made Smarter Programme for Dorset runs until March 2026, so you need to act fast.

The programme in the South West is delivered by The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE) and the National Composites Centre (NCC).

In Dorset the main contact is the South West Manufacturing and Advisory Service (SWMAS) led by Nik Brown, Manufacturing Specialist and Smart Industry Readiness advisor.

Eligible small and medium-sized manufacturers in Dorset can access a range of support measures, including:

North Dorset based company William Hughes in Stalbridge (a 248 years old wire making company) have embraced technology transformation. They have Robotic Welding & Cobots – for seat frames, safety-critical automotive parts and medical-grade assemblies – at their Stalbridge-based factory.

Most recently, following our first face-to-face presentation at Bournemouth University, a local Yammayap client contacted Nik at SWMAS. They then applied for and secured £16,000 match funding from the Made Smarter programme for their technology transformation project (total £32,000). Unlike other grant funding, the money was in their bank accounts to purchase the equipment and software within 6 weeks.

Loop Technology are themselves specialists in industrial automation and robotics. Based in Poundbury, they have worked with the National Composites Centre for a while now. They use a cutting-edge composite inspection system that uses 3D laser profile technology and segmentation algorithms to provide highly accurate ply placement monitoring.  They also produce robots that can work independently or with humans to increase efficiency, like RoboPRIME produced for Thales UK.

Donaldson BOFA based in Poole, produce machines that will enable Industry 4.0 factories to reduce waste and increased productivity. For example, their fume extraction operating platform keep production lines working by protecting equipment from process dust, thereby helping to avoid unplanned downtime. 

Sealpac, also based in Poole, design and project manage the installation of bespoke machines across the full food production line. This includes automated label, food leak and seal inspection.

Bournemouth-based software development company Spyrosoft is one of the fastest growing technology companies in Europe (according to the Financial Times). They help companies begin, continue or finalise their Industry 4.0 IoT journey.

The highest praise for a Made Smarter manufacturer must be Bosch, who recently celebrated 10 years of Industry 4.0 (check out their funny 10^th celebration video here). Not only have they developed the most advanced smart factory in the world. But they even gave connectivity to a 134 year old pedal-powered, cast-iron lathe, showing that you can make any production equipment smarter. 

There are several grant funding opportunities available to help with your technology transformation, depending on what sector you work in. For manufacturers in Dorset the Made Smarter programme is your best bet.

There are also many other organisations in Dorset that can help with business support, just go to the Top 10 Dorset Support Organisations link.