Digital Transformation Fuels West Yorkshire’s Economic Growth

On Thursday, 21st November, Digital Enterprise (DE) celebrated the success of thirty remarkable, growth-oriented businesses at a special event held in West Yorkshire. The event spotlighted businesses that accessed the latest round of Digital Enterprise funding and support, highlighting the transformative role of digital investments in fostering economic growth and innovation across the region.

Councillor James Lewis, Chair of the Economy Committee for West Yorkshire, addressed attendees at the event, applauding the businesses for their tenacity and innovative approach. He noted, “These businesses are an inspiring example of what can be achieved with the right support. Their commitment to digital transformation is not only contributing to their own success but strengthening the wider West Yorkshire economy.”

Top 30 Businesses Showcase Success with Digital Investments

Over the past 16 months, DE3 has awarded grant funding to more than 450 businesses, and committed all of its allocated budget for the current programme phase (DE3), which is scheduled to conclude in March 2025.

Since launching in 2016, DE has provided over £15.5 million in funding to help local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) adopt digital technologies that enhance productivity, drive sustainable growth, create jobs, and promote competitiveness. Offering funding for a wide range of digital technologies from hardware to software, website development, customer relationship management (CRM) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and AI to cybersecurity. This ongoing support has made Digital Enterprise a cornerstone of West Yorkshire’s economic growth strategy.

Suzanne Bradbury, Programme Manager for Digital Enterprise, commented on the event and the purpose of the Top 30, saying, “Digital Enterprise has always been about helping businesses succeed in today’s digital-first landscape. We’re proud of the thirty businesses we are celebrating and the many more we’ve supported along the way. Never has it been more important for SMEs to do more with less, and these businesses exemplify how digital transformation is empowering businesses to thrive, create jobs, and contribute to the economy.”

Case Studies: Digital Transformation in Action

Among the thirty companies celebrated, Applelec Group leveraged a DE-funded ERP system to streamline operations and support its transition to an employee-owned model. Marketing Manager Rachel Gould highlighted the impact of the grant: “The ERP system has transformed how we work. We’re now able to manage our stock with incredible accuracy, which has allowed us to reduce stock holding by over 30% freeing up capital to drive further growth and innovation.”

Eden Repair Centre Ltd, another featured business, embraced digital automation with a new CRM and Professional Services Automation (PSA) system, enabling the company to double its capacity without compromising on service. Director Andy Payne said, “The support from DE has been invaluable. This new system allows us to handle growth seamlessly and puts us in an ideal position to scale efficiently. It’s truly a game-changer for us.”

Celebrating a New Era of Digital Investment

 Digital Enterprise’s third phase (DE3), which launched in July 2023 with funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, has been instrumental in supporting growth-minded SMEs in West Yorkshire. With backing from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, DE3 is helping businesses like Applelec and Eden Repair Centre achieve impressive growth, enter new markets, and improve customer experiences. The programme is set to conclude in March 2025, marking the end of another impactful phase in Digital Enterprise’s journey of supporting local SMEs.

The event celebrated not only the accomplishments of these thirty businesses but also the programme’s broader mission. Digital Enterprise aims to support businesses that are actively looking to grow by adopting the right digital solutions.

DE3’s Top 30 Businesses 2024
  1. Applelec Group
  2. Eden Repair Centre Ltd
  3. Haley Studios Limited
  4. LFH Regulatory Limited
  5. Parable Global Ltd
  6. Sorted Media UK Ltd t/a FYI
  7. Specialised Covers Limited
  8. The Photo ID Card People
  9. The Standard Patent Glazing Co Ltd
  10. Yarwood Leather Limited
  11. Aquatrust Water & Ventilation Limited
  12. Batley Law Limited
  13. BBP Marketing Limited
  14. Custom Fittings Ltd
  15. Denford Limited
  16. Evolve: A Social Impact Company
  17. Excellent Relax Bedding Co Ltd
  18. Hudson Blinds & Shutters
  19. m2r Limited
  20. Maxton Design Ltd
  21. Multi-tech Engineering
  22. Offploy CIC
  23. Powerrun Pipe-Mech Ltd
  24. SEP2 Limited
  25. Servaclean Ltd
  26. Synap Learning Limited
  27. Technology in Motion
  28. Virtual Approval Limited
  29. WS Electrical Solutions Limited
  30. Xerogrid Ltd

Details of the businesses’ investments, and the impact they are due to have can be found in the Digital Enterprise Top 30 online brochure 

Following the Budget announcement on 30th October 2024 of the extension of the UKSPF for the fiscal year 2025/26, Digital Enterprise awaits to hear if further funds will be allocated to the programme. To register your interest and to keep up to date with regards to DE3, visit: www.digitalenterprise.co.uk