Tameside manufacturer steps up digital plans after leadership programme

A Dukinfield manufacturer is stepping up its use of technology after its operations manager took part in a programme aimed at helping manufacturing leaders plan for the future.

Tibard, which has been based in Tameside since 1979 and became employee-owned last year, designs and makes workwear and chefwear for customers including the NHS, Big Table, TRG, and Booker.

Operations Manager Luke Harrison said a leadership programme run by Made Smarter had changed the way he thinks about introducing new technology.

“One of the biggest lessons for me was the importance of having a clear purpose. It's very easy to focus on projects and technology, but unless everyone understands what you're trying to achieve as a business, it's much harder to make the right decisions. Developing our purpose, mission and vision has given us a real anchor for the direction we're taking.”

The programme has also changed the way Harrison approaches new projects.

“I'm naturally someone who likes to move quickly, but one phrase from the programme has really stayed with me: 'Slow down and walk the track.' Taking the time to properly scope projects, use tools like SWOT analysis and build a roadmap before jumping into implementation has changed the way I approach digital transformation. It gives you much more confidence that you're investing in the right things for the right reasons.”

Tibard is now introducing new dashboards to give staff a clearer picture of production and stock levels, while also improving its IT systems.

Harrison said the company was also planning better links between its systems and improved visibility of costs.

“We've already started putting that thinking into practice. We're introducing new dashboards to give our teams better visibility of production and stock, strengthening our IT infrastructure and developing a clear roadmap for future projects, including better integration across our systems and improved cost visibility. It's about building a connected business that supports both our customers and our employee owners for the long term.”

Harrison is one of 145 manufacturing leaders from 125 North West manufacturers to have completed Made Smarter's Leading Digital Transformation programme.

The 14-week programme is delivered with Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford and includes workshops, online sessions, case studies, and visits to technology centres. As part of the course, participants develop a digital plan for their own business as part of the course.

Ruth Hailwood, Made Smarter’s Lead Organisation and Workforce Development Specialist, said the aim was to help manufacturers make better decisions about technology.

“What's really exciting is seeing these leaders take what they have learned and put it into practice so quickly. Successful digital transformation requires much more than choosing the right technology. Leaders need to think strategically, understand the problem they are trying to solve, prioritise projects, engage their teams and manage change effectively.

“That is what LDT is designed to develop, giving manufacturing leaders practical tools they can apply immediately and the confidence to make better-informed decisions about where technology can make the biggest difference. With 145 delegates from 125 manufacturers now having completed the programme, we want to encourage more business owners, managers and emerging leaders to develop the skills and confidence to lead their own digital transformation.”

Made Smarter has supported more than 2,500 manufacturers across the North West since it was launched in 2019, providing advice on technology, skills, and digital planning, as well as grants for new technology.

Tibard has also received other business support through the Growth Company, which delivers Made Smarter in the North West.