Chancellor visits British manufacturer Focus SB

East Sussex, United Kingdom, 2019-11-22 - The Right Honourable Sajid Javid, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Conservative Party MP for Bromsgrove was welcomed by Roger Kemp, chairman of electrical accessories manufacturer Focus SB in St Leonards on Sea on Friday 22nd November.

The same day as company representatives announced the opening of Focus SB’s 7th sub distributor showroom Fudi in Hangzhou China, at an exclusive launch event, Mr Javid enjoyed a private tour around the head office and factory premises based on the outskirts of Hastings, accompanied by local Conservative Party candidate Sally-Ann Hart, to discover how the British premium electrical accessories manufacturer has risen to the challenges of forthcoming Brexit, deal or no deal, and local issues impacting business operations.

Mr Kemp was delighted the British manufacturer had attracted the attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid, who requested a tour behind the scenes to learn about the success story behind the business which saw it become the first and only UK and European manufacturer in its industry to gain CQC factory accreditation to sell directly from Europe to mainland China and achieve a full CCC licence for all its products for the Chinese marketplace in 2017.

Kemp commented: “We are pleased to welcome Sajid Javid to our factory today. It gives recognition to all the hard work put in by our employees and our partners in China to make a success of opening up the China market for our electrical accessories, where we now have seven showrooms and 10 sub distributors.”

Focus SB’s research and development into a new product range for China is just one in a recent string of ongoing major investments made by the company since managing director Gary Stevens’ appointment in January 2016, which have included the purchase of an advanced 3D printer; robot cell; expansion into additional premises and growing the workforce. Recently awarded 'Most Dynamic Employer' by local charity Little Gate Farm, the company’s impressive future plans were of considerable interest to Mr Javid as Focus SB looks set to provide real prospects to resident job seekers in Hastings, which is one of the more deprived coastal towns in Sussex, despite being one of the richest in culture and diversity.

Not his first time to Hastings, Sajid Javid MP, the then Culture Secretary, visited the Jerwood Gallery in early 2015, Hastings (now Hastings Contemporary) accompanied by Amber Rudd, MP for Hastings & Rye, and former Home Secretary, who visited Focus SB last March.

Mr Javid himself is no stranger to coastal communities and the challenges to businesses in these areas, and delivered a £40 million cash boost in 2017 announcing “this latest investment delivers on the government’s manifesto commitment to support fishing and coastal communities, and create an economy that works for everyone”. The then Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said: “We’re backing the Great British Coast with £40 million to create new jobs, boost economic growth and increase tourism.”

To arrange an appointment at one of the company’s showrooms, or a presentation at your design studio in China please find Focus SB’s international contact details.

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.

In 2017 Focus SB made history in its industry 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.

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