• Digital Planning wins Digital Technology category at Made in the Midlands Awards
• AI-driven firm grew from £2,000 start-up loan to £1.6m
• Proprietary software boosts productivity through real-time resource allocation across industries

[LOUGHBOROUGH, UK 8-4-25] Digital Planning has won the Digital Technology category of the Made in the Midlands Awards 2025.

The prize celebrates innovation and excellence in digital solutions across the region, with the recognition representing another milestone in the growth of Digital Planning.

Led by Insider Media, Made in the Midlands focusses on excellence in manufacturing across the Midlands region. The awards spotlight innovative products, ideas, and achievements from dynamic manufacturers. 

Judges said of Digital Planning’s winning nomination: “This is a truly entrepreneurial business, which has gone from a £2,000 start-up loan to a £1.6m turnover by bringing the benefits of AI to manufacturing. 

“A high risk, high-tech move which is paying digital dividends.”

The 2025 ceremony took place in Birmingham, bringing together industry leaders to recognise outstanding contributions across 11 categories. 

Other shortlisted nominees in Digital Planning’s category were Nottinghamshire-based fleet technology specialist Microlise and London-registered Extend Robotics.

Mark Underwood, co-founder, Digital Planning, said:

“The quality of the entrants to Made in the Midlands was extremely high.

“We were proud to have been shortlisted alongside UK firms at the cutting edge of AI and robotics - and even more proud to have won in our category.

“The Made in the Midlands Awards shine a spotlight on businesses that are shaping the future of their industries and we are thrilled to be part of such a dynamic community.

“As we continue to innovate and grow, we remain focussed on playing our part in supporting regional economic development and creating high-quality jobs in the East Midlands.”

Founded in 2020, Digital Planning has quickly established itself as a leader in AI-driven resource management. Now based at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP), its flagship product, Metis, will transform organisational productivity by solving complex challenges through real-time resource allocation. 

From healthcare to manufacturing, Metis is poised to deliver measurable results for clients, including improved efficiency and cost savings.

Since its inception, Digital Planning has grown from a £2,000 startup loan to a £1.4 million turnover business, doubling its revenue and workforce over the last 12 months. 

Insider Media is the UK's largest regional B2B publishing and events company. Founded in 1992 and now part of National World, Insider Media operates six regional B2B magazines and has more than 200,000 subscribers.

It serves senior business decision-makers in sectors including manufacturing, technology, property, and professional services, fostering connections and celebrating achievements within the business community.

Picture shows James Ferraby and Mark Underwood Made In The Midlands 2025 (Credit: Insider Media)

Digital Planning

Digital Planning Ltd was founded in Leicestershire in 2021. Its leading-edge digital solutions are tailored to transform its clients’ productivity and human potential. Award-winning Digital Planning is experienced in working with special category data and confidentiality clauses - meaning it can deliver complex and secure full-stack projects while protecting sensitive financial, personnel, and IP data. Digital Planning launches Metis, its proprietary AI contextual resource allocation platform, in 2025. Metis will help to scale the company as a UK leader in digital solutions to some of the biggest resource-drain problems faced by people and organisations worldwide.