Bakery businesses across the North West are accelerating their digital transformation journeys thanks to Made Smarter’s leadership programmes, which are helping firms strengthen management capability, modernise operations and build the skills needed for long‑term growth.

From traditional bakeries to fast‑scaling consumer product manufacturers, companies are using the programmes to take a people‑first approach to digital change — unlocking improvements in production, processes and team engagement.

Trafford Park‑based Polish Village Bakery, which supplies traditional European breads and baked goods nationwide, is among the firms benefiting from Made Smarter’s Leading Change for Digital Champions (LCDC) programme. Production manager Wojciech Zawalski says the training has reshaped how he approaches leadership and project delivery.

“The programme helped me build a better understanding of leadership and how to manage projects and change within the business.  

“It was also very valuable to hear from other companies about the challenges they face. When you talk openly with other manufacturers, you realise many businesses are dealing with similar issues and learning from each other is very helpful.”

In Cumbria, Beach Road Bakehouse is using the programme to strengthen its continuous improvement culture as it scales production. Team leader Marcus Carlisle says the tools introduced through the course are already influencing how the business plans and evaluates change.

“A lot of it was new to me, especially tools like SWOT and PESTLE, but it’s been really valuable to learn something new that we can take back into the business.  

“Being able to go through it alongside the management team means we both understand it, so hopefully it gives us something we can build on and take forward together.”

The benefits extend beyond baked goods. Liverpool‑based CBD Ltd (Chalice Supplements) is applying the same leadership principles to support rapid expansion in supplement gummy and wellness product manufacturing. Office manager and head of logistics Louise Powdrill‑Leavey, who completed the Leading Digital Transformation (LDT) programme, says the training has helped the business introduce structure during a period of fast growth.

“Our business has grown very quickly over the past few years, and as we scale production we’ve realised we need more structure around how projects and changes are managed across the business.  

“One of the biggest takeaways from the programme was the importance of engaging people across the company when you’re introducing new processes. Getting that buy-in from staff is essential if you want changes to succeed.”

Across the sector, manufacturers are increasingly recognising that digital transformation is not just about adopting new technologies, but about equipping people with the skills, confidence and frameworks to implement change effectively.

Made Smarter’s leadership programmes are designed to do exactly that — supporting both senior leaders and operational teams. LDT helps businesses develop bespoke digital strategies, while LCDC gives teams the practical tools to deliver change on the shop floor.

Since 2019, Made Smarter North West has supported more than 250 manufacturing leaders through its digital and leadership development programmes.

Ruth Hailwood, head of organisation and workforce development at Made Smarter, said:  

“Reaching more than 250 digital leaders is a significant milestone, but what’s most encouraging is how manufacturers are embracing a people-first approach to digital transformation.  

Digital change works best when it’s embraced at every level of the organisation. By empowering strategic leaders and building a network of digital champions, we are creating vital links between leadership and the shop floor, helping businesses overcome barriers, improve communication, and embed new technologies in ways that deliver lasting benefits.”

Manufacturers interested in taking part in upcoming programmes can register their interest at:

madesmarter.uk/adoption/develop-your-digital-leadership

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