Help shape digital support for Professional & Business Services in Yorkshire

Published 30 April 2026 at 5:21pm

The Made Smarter programme, funded by the UK Government, currently helps manufacturing businesses across the UK adopt digital tools, boost productivity, and make better use of technology, including AI.

Now, we’re exploring whether this support should be extended to Professional & Business Services (PBS) SMEs across Yorkshire. To ensure any future programme meets business needs, we’re asking PBS businesses to share their experiences, challenges, and ambitions around digital technology.

Who we’re looking to hear from
If you’re an SME operating in the Professional & Business Services sector we want to hear from you. This includes businesses working in areas such as:

• Legal and accounting

• HR and recruitment

• Consulting

• Architecture and planning

• Advertising, marketing and PR

• Market research and data / insight.

Why your input matters
Your feedback will directly shape the design of future Made Smarter support for PBS businesses. This could include access to:

• Practical advice on digital tools and AI.

• Support to overcome skills and capability gaps.

• Productivity‑focused technology adoption.

• Potential future programmes and investment.

Whether you’re just starting your digital journey or already using advanced technologies, your perspective will help us shape future support to reflect the real opportunities and challenges businesses face.

How you can take part

• Complete a short online survey (8–10 minutes)

• Or take part in a short video interview (20–30 minutes) at a time that suits you over the next 2-3 weeks. To take part in an interview, please email: joseph.beresford@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk

All responses are completely confidential, with findings reported only in aggregate.