Focus SB opened its doors on Make UK’s National Manufacturing Day 2024

Focus SB today hosted visitors as part of National Manufacturing Day 2024. Across the country, British manufacturing companies opened their doors to give their local communities the chance to see first-hand the potential careers and jobs on offer in the exciting and diverse sector. East Sussex, United Kingdom, 2024-09-27

An action-packed day of activities to show how Focus SB attracts the next generation of talent sees the British electrical accessories manufacturer welcome visitors from Make UK, BEAMA, the Mayor of Hastings and local businesses including the 1066 Manufacturers group as part of National Manufacturing Day 2024.

During the fun day, visitors to Focus SB’s head office and main factory were welcomed for a presentation in the company’s meeting room, with the opportunity to network and ask questions, followed by a guided factory tour for small groups. Visitors were able to view a working robot, laser marking, milling and hand assembly demonstrations and a display of completed bespoke finished products featuring some of the more unusual items the company is asked to make. Career seekers also had the chance to talk directly to members of staff about how the company works and what opportunities might be available for them.

Attending on the day was Fhaheen Khan, Senior Economist at Make UK, the manufacturers' organisation in the UK.

Commenting on National Manufacturing Day, Fhaheen said:

“Manufacturing in the UK is one of the most diverse sectors around, contributing over £200bn to our nation annually. National Manufacturing Day is about showcasing that value and how this industry excels in creativity and innovation, whilst providing high quality jobs that, for many, lasts a lifetime.”

About his visit to Focus SB Fhaheen added: “Always amazed how efficient and sustainable manufacturers like Focus are as I watched laser machines cut metal like paper and whilst being supported by over 300 solar panels for their energy needs.

“Manufacturers in the South East employs nearly 300,000 people in highly skilled, highly paid (21% more than the regional average) jobs. It's critical to the region and tackling the skills shortages will play a significant role in the region's economic development.”

Local Labour Councillor and Hastings Mayor, Judy Rogers also attended the event together with Nick Hayler, Director of Member Services & Head of Building Electrical Systems at BEAMA, the UK trade association for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure technologies and systems of which Focus SB is a member.

An annual event, National Manufacturing Day 2024 was open to all age groups, from school leavers to more experienced workers looking at reskilling to consider the possibilities of a career in manufacturing and also gave companies the chance to let their whole community understand more about the businesses on their doorstep.

Duncan Ray, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Focus SB said:

“We were delighted to invite local schools, recruiters, the Hastings Mayor, local businesses and industry organisations in to see our company to show them what we do and the diverse range of careers we offer. Manufacturing jobs pay above the national average wage and provide great job security, and interesting opportunities to develop skills.

“As a growing company, we are continuously seeking creative designers and innovative engineers to get involved and help us to produce some ground-breaking products. We can offer opportunities from administration and management logistics, design, engineering, finance, HR, IT, product development, marketing and communication, production, research and more.

“It was invaluable to have the chance to meet our potential new employees and talk to the people who live on our doorstep about what we have to offer in a career that is both exciting and rewarding.”

Focus SB has been part of the Hastings and St Leonards on Sea communities, manufacturing innovative premium electrical accessories for high end residential, hospitality and heritage interiors for over 44 years.

Manufacturing covers a wide range of sectors including aerospace, engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical, food and drink, defence, automotive and renewable technologies.

Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers organisation added:

“This is a really exciting day where the manufacturing sector came together to celebrate the amazing things that Britain designs and makes.

“Britain’s manufacturing companies are at the forefront of global renewable technology development and some of the most innovative engineering developments seen anywhere around the world. This is a sector with amazing opportunities and we hope this first National Manufacturing Day has given people who have never had the chance to see inside their local businesses just what is going on and the opportunities available to them.”

Focus SB is open to visitors all year round by appointment and has since arranged further visits for those unable to attend on 26th September. Businesses and schools please contact Focus SB's HR manager Mrs Jo Cloute to arrange a factory tour.

Ends

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