SME manufacturers want government support for digital skills - report

The report from Oxford Innovation Advice found that four-fifths of companies are looking to ‘digitally upskill’ their staff but costs and a lack of in-house knowledge are hindering those plans.

Over two-thirds (68 per cent) of the 239 businesses questioned are planning to invest in digital technologies, providing the new Labour government with an opportunity to deliver more specialised support.

Based on responses from the survey, Oxford Innovation Advice has developed a five-point policy action plan that it plans to submit to government to build on successful programmes, such as Made Smarter Digital Adoption.

The recommendations focus on providing basic level training and advice to manufacturing SMEs to convert critical analogue data capture processes into digital ones, thereby giving companies the ability to analyse processes and identify efficiency improvements.

Training should also be tailored to include a strong problem-solving focus, which could feature mentoring and one-on-one practical support to help manufacturers trial solutions and digitalise processes.