Portsmouth manufacturers invest in digital technologies driving regional growth
Portsmouth manufacturers are investing in digital technology to improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness and support future growth as part of a wider £563,000 wave of investment across the South East.
NightSearcher and CTS Europe are among 17 manufacturers benefiting from Made Smarter South East technology grants designed to accelerate digital transformation.
Together, the projects backed by the Government-funded programme are forecast to create 50 new jobs, generate £3.8 million in additional profits and unlock £563,000 of private sector investment, supported by £245,000 in match-funded grants.
NightSearcher, a designer and manufacturer of portable LED lighting, searchlights and power solutions used by emergency services, industry and consumers around the world, has secured a £19,000 Made Smarter South East grant towards a £38,000 investment in a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
The project will replace disconnected manual processes with an integrated digital platform that will streamline operations across purchasing, warehousing, production, finance and customer service. The investment is expected to improve operational efficiency, strengthen inventory management, provide greater visibility across the business and create a scalable platform to support future growth.
Colin Howard, Managing Director of NightSearcher, said: "By bringing key functions together within a single system, we expect to improve efficiency, strengthen decision-making, and create a more scalable platform for future growth. The support from Made Smarter has helped us accelerate this investment and take an important step forward in our digital transformation journey."
CTS Europe, a manufacturer of bespoke and off-the-shelf pharmaceutical containment systems, has also secured a £17,000 grant towards a £34,000 investment in a new Odoo enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The project will integrate business processes into a single digital platform, improving operational efficiency, supporting the creation of four new jobs, and upskilling 38 employees.
Sean Codling, Managing Director, said: “With the support of the Made Smarter grant, the implementation of Odoo software has significantly transformed our business. The new system has streamlined our business model and increased efficiency with our core operations.
“We are extremely grateful to Made Smarter for the grant. We have no doubt their contribution will play a part in our prosperity as a business this year and will continue to do so as we explore the full extent of what our new software has to offer.”
Across the South East, manufacturers are investing in a wide range of technologies including AI-powered automation, robotics, automated testing, advanced digital inspection, ERP systems, 3D printing and digital scanning.
Bryan Vint, Programme Manager for Made Smarter South East, said: "These projects are a fantastic example of what can be achieved when manufacturers combine ambition with the right support. Each business has identified opportunities that are right for them, and these investments will help lay the foundations for long-term success.
"Our match-funded technology grants are designed to reduce the financial risk of adopting new digital technologies, giving manufacturers the confidence to invest in solutions that improve productivity, strengthen resilience and enhance long-term competitiveness.
"This is just the start. We know there are many more manufacturers across the South East that could benefit from expert advice, leadership development, digital skills and technology funding. We'd encourage any SME manufacturing business that wants to improve productivity, explore new technologies or accelerate its digital journey to get in touch and find out how Made Smarter South East can help."
Made Smarter South East is delivered by Surrey County Council in partnership with 11 local authorities and Local Enterprise Partnerships across the region, including Solent LEP (representing Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City and Southampton City) and Hampshire County Council.
The programme provides expert advice, leadership development, digital skills training, funded internships and match-funded technology grants of up to £20,000 to help manufacturers improve productivity and accelerate growth.