The two-day event showcased how technologies such as industrial AI, digital twins, advanced automation and intelligent energy systems are helping businesses improve productivity, strengthen resilience and accelerate their sustainability ambitions.

Through a combination of keynote presentations, panel discussions, live demonstrations and popular features including an F1 Red Bull car and dancing robots, the event highlighted the growing importance of digital transformation in addressing challenges including rising costs, skills shortages, cyber security risks and the transition to net zero.

For the GM Business Growth Hub Manufacturing Team and Growth Company colleagues including Made Smarter, the event provided valuable insight into the opportunities available to manufacturers across Greater Manchester, particularly around technology adoption, process improvement and workforce development. It also reinforced the importance of supporting businesses to take practical steps towards digitalisation, innovation and accessing the fully funded business support that is available to them.  

By attending events such as Siemens Transform, the GM Business Growth Hub Manufacturing Team continues to stay connected to the latest industry trends and emerging technologies, ensuring it can help Greater Manchester manufacturers access the knowledge, support and opportunities needed to remain competitive and grow.

Chris Manka, Senior Business Advisor at GM Business Growth Hub, said:

“It was an impressive showcase of how to maximise the potential of technology across various workstreams. From power generation to food production, seeing how data can be harnessed to improve insight and efficiency was a real eye-opener, encouraging smaller more nimble businesses to understand 'the art of the possible'.”

Geoff Crossley, Manufacturing Sector Development Lead at GM Business Growth Hub, added:

"As advisors supporting manufacturers across Greater Manchester, staying at the forefront of digital innovation is critical. The event provided a unique opportunity to get hands-on with emerging technologies and explore how manufacturers are using automation, AI and connected systems to improve efficiency, strengthen supply chains and address skills challenges. These insights will now help inform support provided to businesses across a diverse range of sectors, from food and drink production to engineering, advanced manufacturing and process industries."