*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.
Sustainability and net zero are increasingly shaping the way manufacturers operate. This brings both new challenges and significant opportunities for growth, efficiency and competitiveness.
This session will provide a practical overview of how manufacturing and engineering businesses can take meaningful steps towards net zero, while also improving productivity and strengthening their supply chains.
Delivered in partnership with Kent County Council, the session will explore the support available through the Low Carbon Kent programme, alongside wider circular economy initiatives supporting businesses across Kent and Medway.
Key areas to be explored include:
Attendees will gain insight into the tools, support and practical actions available to help them respond to increasing environmental expectations while maintaining commercial viability.
Rob Robinson – Sustainable Business & Circular Economy Programme Manager, Kent County Council 
Heads up the Low Carbon Kent team at Kent County Council, where he’s co-designed and delivered multiple (mainly EU-funded) projects since 2016. Originally with an HND in Applied Biology and BSc in Biomedical Science, Rob worked with the NHS then in Pharmaceuticals before moving into medical casework and then the third sector. With a strong practical background in energy surveying and consultancy across a wide range of sectors, he has developed a strong passion for evidenced-based advocacy of sustainability investment.
The projects that his team run have the common aim of supporting, enhancing, promoting and growing the low carbon and circular economy across Kent, Medway and the wider South East region. This has included programme managing Low Carbon Across the South & East (LoCASE) KCC lead on South East New Energy, Upcycle Your Waste, BLUEPRINT to a Circular Economy, Shift to Net Zero and Clean Growth South East. Leads county-wide delivery of the United Circles project as part of Circular South East and chairs the LA Working Group. Is also co-chair of the KCC Food Group and links to the Kent Food Partnership among other key regional networks. Rob will seek to cut through the acronyms and theory with practical tips, workable business cases and some well-grounded concepts to transfer into your own business.
Richard Izzard – Senior Circular Economy Officer, Kent County Council
Manages day to day running of the Low Carbon Kent project portfolio, alongside leading their ISEP Training Centre. With a PGCE in teaching, extensive classroom and field experience in business and an ever-growing track record in design and delivery of community and commercial initiatives, Rich combines a practical and academic approach to communicating and resolving some real-world problems that our business and residential communities face. Originally leading the green sector support package for LoCASE, he quickly developed an aptitude for business engagement and soon led the ‘resource matching’ activities for and with Kent organisations for Upcycle Your Waste.
He now covers off all elements of Low Carbon Kent work, from web development and comms to creating grant fund processes and training courses from scratch. Here, he’ll outline some of these relevant, relatable examples from the team’s extensive archives…as well as helping you showcase the good work you’ve done to date in this sphere.
Camilla Maurice – LSIP Project Manager, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce
LSIP Update: Manufacturing & Engineering Priorities
Following the publication of the new Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan 2026-2029 Camilla Maurice, LSIP Project Manager, will share the key findings affecting the manufacturing and engineering sector. The session will explore the skills priorities identified by employers, including workforce development, digital capability and sustainability, and how businesses can help shape future skills provision across Kent and Medway.
