Blackburn-Based Cupcake Manufacturer Secures Grant from Made Smarter
Cupcakes By Sophia, a family-run business known for its artisan, handmade cupcakes, has become one of 23 companies awarded grants by Made Smarter, an initiative aimed at accelerating digital transformation in manufacturing.
Based in Blackburn, the company has steadily expanded, supplying its high-quality cupcakes to over 500 stores across the UK. Notably, its clients include household names such as Warburtons, Sky, and QVC.
The recent grant will enable Cupcakes By Sophia to invest further in technology, strengthening its position within the wholesale market and supporting continued growth.
The Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West has been instrumental in backing more than £25 million of investment into the region’s manufacturing sector.
The programme director welcomed the latest additions to the grant scheme, expressing enthusiasm for the potential of these projects to bring significant benefits to businesses, the industry, and society.
They stated that these technology projects will boost efficiency, productivity, and growth, creating new jobs and upskilling roles, all while advancing a more sustainable manufacturing approach. Celebrating milestones is essential, as it gives their team a chance to reflect on achievements and renew their commitment to enhancing the services that drive the Made Smarter mission.
Since its inception in 2018, Made Smarter has supported 330 businesses in securing £7.1 million in matched funding, enabling companies to invest in cutting-edge technologies like sensors, robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence.
With over £18 million of private investment poured into 379 digital products, the programme is projected to create more than 1,700 new jobs while upskilling 3,200 existing roles. In addition to grants, Made Smarter provides SME manufacturers with a range of resources, from digital transformation workshops for creating tailored digital roadmaps to expert technology advice and leadership training.
These resources aim to overcome a key barrier that many SMEs face: the lack of confidence and digital skills necessary to fully embrace technology.
So, to conclude, the backing of Cupcakes By Sophia highlights Made Smarter’s commitment to fostering digital innovation within family-run and independent businesses. With a broader mission to transform UK manufacturing for a sustainable, tech-driven future, Made Smarter’s initiatives continue to support the sector’s growth.
As more companies embrace this evolution, the industry stands to gain from increased efficiency, enhanced productivity, and sustainable practices that will carry manufacturing forward for years to come.
News Credits: Cupcakes By Sophia secures investment in Made Smarter funding round
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