*PLEASE NOTE* KMFG is now a CLOSED GROUP specifically set up to support the Manufacturing & Engineering organisations in Kent & Medway, including education providers.   

** Only registered attendees will be admitted to the event ** Please book your place now to avoid disappointment.

Pictures may be taken at this event. If you do not wish your picture to be taken, please let us know ahead of the event.

Kent & Medway Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG) is a networking and business group for Manufacturing & Engineering organisations across Kent and Medway offering a unique access to peers and colleagues, sector specific information, advice and support.

The group meets every last Wednesday of the month, either in person or online, see our website for details of future events https://kentemployerskillsplan.org/

KMFG is open to all manufacturing and engineering organisations in Kent & Medway alongside education providers, whether they are chamber members or not.

Lunch will be provided on arrival with tea and coffee as well as the opportunity to network with other local business representatives before our keynote speakers.

Join us for our May in-person KMFG at the beautiful Chilston Park Hotel, Boughton Road, Sandway, Maidstone ME17 2BE.

KMFG will enable the Manufacturing & Engineering sector to influence in a more concerted way the different agenda’s that are key to business growth and success.

Headline Topic – Made Smarter South East

Made Smarter is a national movement to drive growth amongst UK makers and advance the UK economy. Backed by world-renowned businesses and the UK government, it will improve the development and adoption of emerging technologies. Making a real, everyday difference to people from the boardroom to the factory floor.

Made Smarter was formed following a nationwide review into UK manufacturing that recommended three key changes:

• More ambitious leadership
• More innovation in developing new technologies
• Faster implementation and adoption of those technologies

They’ll be boosting the digital skills of industry leaders, bringing businesses and research development together to develop new technology, and helping makers embrace new digital tools. In doing so, we’ll inspire the next industrial revolution and make the UK a leader in digital technologies.

Made Smarter has launched a digital adoption push to drive growth in South East manufacturing SMEs and help them boost productivity through new digital technologies.

Made Smarter South East’s team of experts will provide advice and support to manufacturing businesses, makers and creators on how to switch to advanced and automated technologies. This one-year £1.55 million pilot programme will run until March 31st 2026 and provide match-funding, specialist advice, leadership training and student placements. Helping small and medium-sized businesses – and the people in them – keep their competitive edge, while boosting the South East economy.

Guest Speakers

Shane Forster, Employability Officer, Skills & Employability Service – The Education People

Shane has over 15 years’ experience supporting young people and adults across a wide range of settings to overcome barriers to employment. In his current role as Employer Engagement Lead within the Supported Employment Service at The Education People, Shane works closely with employers across Kent to help them meet recruitment needs while promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. He provides tailored support to help businesses become Disability Confident, empowering them to offer sustainable employment and training opportunities to disabled and disadvantaged individuals. Shane is passionate about building strong partnerships that not only benefit his clients but also respond to the unique needs of the businesses he engages with.

Matthew Peake, Hub Lead – Kent & Medway Careers Hub

The Kent & Medway Careers Hub works with schools, colleges and employers to help every young person find their best next step. We provide Careers Leaders in almost 170 secondary schools, special schools and further education colleges across the county with free training, resources, tools and networks to enhance Careers Education and Skills programmes. We support local employers with strategies to address skills gaps, raise their profile and develop staff through innovative and impactful school engagement programmes focussing on developing the skills needed in Kent businesses and making young people ready for the world of work.

Tym Wright, Managing Director – Simtek EMS Ltd

A contract electronic manufacturer, Simtek EMS, offers a wide range of services to meet the manufacturing needs of various industries. They have built a strong team of industry professionals in their 20 year existence. They pride themselves on truly understanding the needs and requirements of their customers. We take the time necessary to engage with our partners from the very start of the project with quality and service being our priority and always aim to exceed on our customers long-term expectations.

They employ approximately 70 talented people in their 18,000 sq ft. facility based in the heart of Kent. Much of their team have been with the company for in excess of 5 years.

Tym Wright, their MD, will give an overview of their operations, their processes and their workforce.