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*PLEASE NOTE* There are a limited number of places available due to capacity restrictions and as a result of these constraints we are only accepting one representative per organisation at this specific event and we will be prioritising manufacturing and engineering organisations in the first instance.
You will receive an email one week before the event to confirm your attendance. If we reach full capacity, a waiting list will be established, and those on the list will be notified accordingly.
** 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, 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.
Kent & Medway Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG) Site Visit – Wire Belt Company Ltd
Castle Road, Eurolink Industrial Centre, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3RF
Join us at our next Kent & Medway Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG), hosted at Wire Belt Company Limited in Sittingbourne for a light breakfast and refreshments, as well as a tour of the Wire Belt factory. Gary Allen, Managing Director, will lead the tour of the factory, whilst discussing topics surrounding apprenticeship best practice.
Gary will cover what Wire Belt do in terms of the workforce they employ, the local schools/colleges/universities and education providers that they engage with via presentations to students, inviting potential apprentices to open days, as well as the skills and staff retention that the company has built up over many years. Wire Belt will also show how they have improved their recruiting skills – an ongoing challenge in the manufacturing sector.
10.15am – Full Site & Factory Tour including Marketing, Sales, Technical, Manufacturing, Stores & Dispatch
11:30am – Overview, questions, discussions and feedback
11.45am – Depart
We will also be joined by Vickie Pinnell from the Kent & Medway Careers Hub who will explain the role of the Hub and how they can support engagement between business and education and what has worked well with Wire Belt.
*IMPORTANT* There are a limited number of places available due to capacity restrictions and as a result of these constraints we are accepting one representative per organisation and will be prioritising manufacturing and engineering organisations in the first instance.
You will receive an email one week before the event to confirm your attendance. If we reach full capacity, a waiting list will be established, and those on the list will be notified accordingly.
The event is free to attend and a light breakfast will be provided.
Wire Belt Company Ltd is a family owned and run company. Founded in 1962, we have a long history of producing steel mesh belting under the Flat-Flex® trade name. Our vision is to become the most preferred, respected, and trusted metal belting company in the world.
Wire Belt has since expanded its product portfolio to offer different styles of metal conveyor belts, conveyors, drive components, and accessories to our customers. Our product offering helps our customers improve their manufacturing processes and increase efficiency and allows them to find suitable solutions to many different applications.
Wire Belt Company Ltd are located in Sittingbourne, Kent and is part of the Wire Belt Group, an international family run company. The Wire Belt Group has manufacturing facilities located in three countries, United Kingdom, USA, and Germany and employs around 239 people.
Our strong global presence and worldwide network of partners, means we can provide first class customer service, fast and simple distribution, ensuring on-time deliveries around the world
Gary Allen, Managing Director
Gary is the Managing Director and has worked at Wire Belt for the past 10 years, with his previous roles including Commercial Manager and Commercial Director. Gary is passionate about working with local educational providers to promote apprenticeships in the workplace and offering hands on work experience to young students from the local community.
Wire Belt has been successfully recruiting apprentices since 1978 and continues its commitment to young people and apprenticeships today. The company prides itself on developing and nurturing the next generation of talent for the future. This commitment was rewarded in 2016, when Wire Belt won The Kent Excellence in Business ‘Apprenticeship of the Year Award.’
Gary’s hobbies and interests outside of the workplace include a passion for high board diving he is a trained Level 2 Coach, coaching both children & adults. It is also quite likely you will catch Gary at The Valley, watching his beloved Charlton Athletic on a Saturday afternoon!
Vickie Pinnell, Kent & Medway Careers Hub
Vickie is a dedicated Careers Consultant at the Kent and Medway Careers Hub, one of 40 hubs nationwide, co-funded by The Careers & Enterprise Company, The Education People, and Medway Council. Part of a national initiative, the Hub focuses on enhancing careers education and guidance for young people, equipping them with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in an evolving job market.
In her role, Vickie is committed to working with secondary schools and colleges across the South and East of Kent. She collaborates with Careers Leaders, Headteachers, Governors, and business volunteers to provide tailored support, training, and resources for the development of careers education. Vickie also partners with local businesses to create meaningful connections between education and industry. These partnerships inspire and offer valuable real-world insights, opportunities, and skills development for the future talent pipeline.
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Commercial Manager and Commercial Director. Gary is passionate about working with local educational providers to promote apprenticeships in the workplace and offering hands on work experience to young students from the local community.
The Careers & Enterprise Company, The Education People, and Medway Council. Part of a national initiative, the Hub focuses on enhancing careers education and guidance for young people, equipping them with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in an evolving job market.