*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 Summer in-person KMFG at the beautiful Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, where we will convene in the Long Room of The Mansion with access to the Southern Terrace.  Attendees will be able to explore the park by foot free of charge, should they wish to, at the end of the meeting.

Headline Topic – International Trade

We’re delighted to welcome speakers from UK Export Finance and the Department for Business and Trade, who will outline the wide-ranging support available to help businesses expand into international markets. From finance solutions to expert trade advice and help with your international strategy, they’ll share practical insights and resources designed to unlock global growth opportunities.

Joining them will be members of the international team from Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, who will highlight the tailored services they offer to support local businesses on their export journey.

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.

Guest Speakers

Lisa Maddison-Brown
Export Finance Manager for Kent, East Sussex, and West Sussex
UK Export Finance

Lisa joined UK Export Finance 8 years ago as the Export Finance Manager for Kent and Sussex. This was preceded by a 32-year career in the Banking sector during which time she worked as an International Trade Manager supporting SME sized businesses. She now specialises in supporting companies to realise their export opportunities by helping them to access the finance they need to fulfil overseas orders. She has worked and lived in the area for 40 years has a strong understanding of the region’s businesses and their needs.

Ian Manzie
Adviser Team Manager – Export Directive
Department for Business & Trade

Ian manages a team of Department for Business and Trade International Trade Advisers who work closely with businesses across Southern England helping them to implement successful international strategies.  Ian previously worked for Innovate UK as an Innovation and Growth Specialist, delivering tailored one to one growth, finance, and technology support to London SMEs. The majority of International Trade Advisers are carefully selected from the ranks of the private sector and Ian has over 20 years of business management experience in the global financial markets, particularly within business services, market data and financial software.

Camilla Maurice
LSIP Project Manager
Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

Camilla will introduce the LSIP Progress Report 2025, providing a comprehensive update on the achievements made so far and the critical next steps required to strengthen the skills landscape. She will outline key milestones, including successful partnerships, improved training pathways, and measurable industry impact. Additionally, she will highlight ongoing challenges and the collaborative efforts needed to ensure the region’s workforce remains agile, skilled, and future-ready.

Camilla’s presentation will offer valuable insights into how businesses can continue to engage with LSIP efforts, shaping policies that directly support economic growth and sector-specific advancements.

 Chloe Johnstone
Engagement & Relationships Manager
Kent County Council

Rachel Moon
Engagement & Project Officer
Kent County Council

Chloe and Rachel will be joining us to introduce an exciting new initiative being launched by Kent County Council, aimed at supporting local businesses and enhancing employability skills across the county. This innovative platform, the Digital Employability Experience, is set to launch at the end of the summer and is designed to strengthen the connection between businesses and the local workforce.

Through this platform, businesses will have the opportunity to: champion corporate social responsibility by contributing to upskilling efforts and reducing unemployment; showcase their industry and highlight the digital skills they require; support the Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP); and access sector-specific workbooks tailored to help residents develop relevant skills and knowledge.

Chloe and Rachel will highlight how being part of this free platform can support you and your business and explain how you can get involved.