Case Study

Large yellow manufacturing robot in a warehouse

Digital Tech for Productivity

Event Overview

The Digital Technology for Productivity Programme, organised by Dorset LEP Business (now Business Growth Dorset) in collaboration with the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS), took place on January 30th 2025, at Loop Technology in Poundbury, Dorchester. The event aimed to support businesses in leveraging digital technology for growth.

Programme Objectives 

The fully-funded programme was designed to assist SME manufacturers in Dorset to:

  • Understand the latest digital advancements
  • Identify and adopt specific technologies
  • Achieve significant benefits, providing a competitive advantage

Programme Highlights

Many manufacturers across the UK recognise the potential of digital technologies to enhance their operations. However, initiating a digital transformation journey can be challenging. As certified SIRI (Smart Industry Readiness Index) Assessors, SWMAS provided participating SMEs with an internationally recognised benchmark assessment. This included a suite of frameworks and tools to help start, scale and sustain manufacturing transformation.

Key Focus Areas

The programme emphasised the importance of both people and technology in the transformation journey. The assessment explored leadership and workforce development, data collection, and automation. The scoring of these dimensions was evaluated against the business’s key performance indicators and operational costs to prioritise actions that would yield the greatest benefits. This process helped generate a comprehensive Digital Transformation Roadmap.

Programme Benefits

Participants in the programme received:

  • Access to digital events
  • A Digital (SIRI) Assessment & Roadmap Report
  • Digital benchmarking against the manufacturing sector and other industries
  • SIRI Certification
  • Ongoing collaboration and support

Programme Leadership 

The programme was conceived by Shelley Collins-Trevett, Head of Business Growth & Inward Investment at Dorset Council (formerly Dorset LEP), and was designed and delivered by SWMAS Ltd.

Event Details

The event, led by Nik Brown of SWMAS, showcased Loop Technology as an exemplary model of innovation and forward-thinking. Loop Technology boasts a strong and expanding portfolio of projects in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, defence, and renewable energy. The event was hosted by Alun Reece, Managing Director at Loop Technology Ltd, and attended by a selection of advanced engineering and manufacturing businesses from across Dorset.

Video Highlights

  • Shelley Collins-Trevett greeted the attendees.
  • Nik Brown provided an overview of the Digital Technology for Productivity Programme.
  • Alun Reece shared insights into Loop Technology, an industrial automation integrator specialising in systems involving robots, vision systems, and motion control to address complex automation challenges.
  • The group toured the engineering area, viewing equipment including two of the largest robots in Europe.
  • Attendees, including Ben Boughton White (Operations Director at Dorwest Herbs Ltd), Richard Archer (Partner at RMA Precision LLP), and Andy Martyn (Director at Ammtek Ltd), were interviewed about the benefits of participating in these funded programmes.
  • The video concluded with an aerial view of Loop Technology and its location in Poundbury, Dorchester.

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