Kent & Medway Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG) – January

28th January 2026

*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, alternating between face to face meetings and site visits, 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.

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.

Wednesday 28th January, 12-2pm, The Village Hotel, Maidstone

Powering Progress: Make UK & Enginuity on the Future of Manufacturing

Kick off 2026 with our first KMFG of the year, where we’re thrilled to welcome two influential organisations driving the future of UK manufacturing:

Make UK

The voice of UK manufacturing, Make UK champions and supports businesses by:

  • Policy & Advocacy – Influencing government for a competitive industrial landscape.
  • Business Support – Expert guidance on HR, compliance, and productivity.
  • Skills & Training – Developing future-ready talent through apprenticeships.
  • Innovation & Growth – Helping manufacturers embrace technology and Industry 4.0.

Enginuity

A charity dedicated to closing skills gaps in engineering and manufacturing. Enginuity empowers businesses with:

  • Data & Insights – Understanding workforce needs and trends.
  • Tools & Solutions – Practical resources to build skills and thrive in a changing sector.
  • Mission – Ensuring the UK workforce is equipped for tomorrow’s challenges.

This session will provide valuable insights into skills development, innovation, and sector opportunities.  Don’t miss the chance to connect with industry leaders.

Book your place here.

Guest Speakers:

Rose Sargent, Policy Advisor (EDI Lead)
Make UK

Rose Sargent is the EDI Lead and an employment and skills policy adviser in for Make UK’s policy directorate. She was recently awarded a place on TAF’s ’30 Under 30’ List for women in trade associations and was instrumental in the organisation and reporting of Make UK’s Industrial Strategy Skills Commission, which focused on issues with the Apprenticeship Levy and wider skills system for the manufacturing sector. In her spare time, Rose volunteers as a speaker with Neurodiverse Sport, delivering workshops on improving neuroinclusive practice in this area. She spoke at British Rowing’s annual coaching conference in 2025 and continues to raise awareness on her LinkedIn.

 

 

Jeff Baker, Sector Engagement Lead
Enginuity

Jeff Baker is a skilled professional with extensive experience driving skills development and business growth across the engineering and manufacturing sectors. With over 15 Years with the apprentice training industry and number of senior roles with training and tech companies .

Passionate about bridging talent gaps, he works closely with SMEs, training providers, and national skills initiatives to create impactful learning and career opportunities. Known for his strategic approach, Jeff combines a deep understanding of industry needs with a practical, results-focused mindset.

He is equally at home engaging with teams on operational challenges as he is shaping regional skills strategies. Outside of work, Jeff is committed to mentoring the next generation of talent and supporting initiatives that inspire innovation and enterprise and a  keen golfer.

Contact us today