Kent & Medway Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG)

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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 organisations operating or directly supporting the Manufacturing and Engineering sector in Kent & Medway, whether they are chamber members or not.

Join us for our August in-person KMFG.  Topics covered will include support available to ambitious and innovative SMEs, specifically the opportunities available via Innovate UK EDGE, including examples of tailored support and a case study as well as an introduction to the wider Innovate UK ecosystem.

Lunch will be provided on arrival 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.

Lunch will include a selection of savoury options and will be served with tea/coffee on arrival.

This months guest speaker:

Daren Booth, Innovate UK EDGE

Daren Booth is a local Kent based Innovation and Growth Specialist providing tailored coaching and advisory support to innovative businesses in the South East as part of the Innovate UK EDGE national service.

Daren has extensive experience of working with SME businesses and start-ups having worked on several core national and regional business support programmes. This has included a 6 year period supporting around 250 manufacturers and food and drink producers in Kent and East Sussex on the Manufacturing Growth Programme.

Daren brings a practical approach to working directly with manufacturing businesses and facilitating innovation and growth aspirations and application in the workplace.

Daren has a Level 7 Executive Coaching and Leadership Mentoring qualification.

Local Skills Improvement Plan Update

The Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP, Secretary of State for Education, has approved the Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan 2023 (LSIP) highlighting the key sectors and skills needs of the region.

The Local Skills Improvement Plan provides a roadmap to support the region in addressing skills needs and shortages and will enable further collaborative working and joint initiatives. It builds on the trailblazer LSIP published in 2022 and the work of the Kent & Medway Employment Taskforce and other regional skills analysis.

LSIPs are a valuable tool for improving the skills system in England, and Kent and Medway is at the forefront of this. By working together, employers, training providers, and other stakeholders can ensure that the workforce has the skills the region needs to succeed in the 21st century economy.