Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore visits Focus SB

Focus SB’s MD, Gary Stevens was today pleased to welcome the Labour MP for Hastings and Rye Helena Dollimore, in advance of this year’s Make UK National Manufacturing Day. East Sussex, United Kingdom, 2024-09-18

Helena Dollimore MP was hosted by Gary Stevens for a meeting and a private tour of the British premium electrical accessories manufacturer’s main factory at Napier Road on the outskirts of St Leonards on Sea and Hastings.

Mr Stevens commented: “I was delighted to host Helena and show what Focus SB manufactures here under one roof, including our latest Renaissance product range and our success as the only company in our industry to manufacture product and sell to mainland China, an achievement recognised by our success in the King’s Awards for Enterprise Awards for International Trade.

“Helena viewed several of our manufacturing processes including our new CNC with cobot, our robotic plant for polishing switch caps, laser marking, flame polishing, metal pressing, degreasing, electrophoretic process and paint shop, as well as individual solid brass and insert components at various stages of the manufacturing process.”

The MP for Hastings and Rye and Mr Stevens discussed the value of apprenticeships - something the Labour government is prioritising - as well as how improved local transport links would be beneficial to businesses like Focus SB.

“The future of any industry is the people and skills that underpin it, and that is no more a true fact than in manufacturing and whilst there is still a requirement for the old traditional crafts skills in manufacturing, there is a growing demand for people with IT skills, skills in robotics and AI, design and creative skills, sales and marketing skills, HR, accountancy and administrative skills,” Stevens added.

In August, Duncan Ray, Focus SB’s Head of Strategic Partnerships along with fellow members of local business group 1066 Manufacturers, had the honour of being invited to Westminster to meet with Helena Dollimore.

Mr Ray commented that it was a fantastic opportunity to forge relationships and strengthen the manufacturing sector within the community of Hastings and Rye and the villages.

Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings and Rye, said:

“I was delighted to visit Focus SB, and hear about their pioneering work entering the Chinese market which won them a King’s Award for Enterprise. It was great to meet some of the local employees who have been with the firm a long time, and hear about the employment opportunities being created here. As our local MP, I will do all I can to support local businesses like Focus SB to thrive, and encourage more investment here.’

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Editors notes

Focus SB® is an award winning innovative British manufacturer renowned for the design, development and specialist hand finishing of premium electrical wiring accessories, blending traditional artisan techniques with the latest technology; specified for world class hospitality and leisure resorts, prime residential developments, heritage buildings, royal residences, superyachts and commercial projects both domestically and internationally.

Focus SB made history in its industry in 2017 when the company became the first and only British and European manufacturer to gain CQC factory accreditation to supply and sell wiring accessories directly from Europe to China, also gaining full CCC licence for all of its products for the Chinese marketplace.

In November 2023, Focus SB managing director, Gary Stevens accepted The King’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of the company’s achievement in the international trade category from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. During her visit, The Princess Royal unveiled a commemorative plaque manufactured in-house by the company to mark her visit.

The company’s specialist capabilities include electrical accessory design, development and testing; bespoke metal plate design and manufacture; specialist metal finishing and complex supply chain project management. Focus SB commenced trading in 1979 and exports to Asia, the Middle East, Malta and West Africa. Projects include Aspen at Consort Place, Twenty Grosvenor Square, Belmond Cadogan Hotel, Corinthia London, Royal Lancaster London, Chelsea Barracks, No.1 Grosvenor Square, The Glebe, Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, The Londoner Macao and Pudong Airport Satellite Terminal VIP lounges.

Focus SB is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by taking all appropriate measures to minimise any impact on the environment throughout the business from operational to manufacturing processes. The company's green energy investment plans have included solar panel, LED lighting and electric car charging points installation. Laser marking technology enables Focus SB to offer a standard alternative to screen printing, for improved fine detail quality and to significantly limit the use of environmentally damaging consumables and reduce waste.

Focus SB is a Disability Confident Employer since 2017 and is committed to creating equal opportunities and a diverse and inclusive workforce, seeing the company work closely with local charity Little Gate Supported Employment for over four years.

UK press contact: Suzi Baker, Balance Web Marketing +PR suzi@balancewebmarketing.co.uk