BUSINESSES in Burnley have been extolling the virtues of what it means to be 'Made Smarter'.

One of the town's largest employers and an up-and-coming outfit have both rated the government business support scheme.

For small and medium sized outfits, Billington Road based Veka and FDM Digital Solutions, of Bancroft Road, took part in an introductory morning at County Hall in Preston for manufacturers.

Paul Kennington, Veka's technical head, outlined how advanced 3D-printing systems and additive manufacturing methods were making a difference to their production lines.

And Graeme Bond, FDM's chief executive, detailed how his firm had become more competitive in the aerospace and automotive fields by adopting various digital technologies.

He believes joining Made Smarter was a "no-brainer" for any manufacturer.

County Cllr Michael Green, economic development cabinet member, said digital adoption was "key" to retaining Lancashire's strengths in manufacturing and technology.