KMFG at RBLI: Celebrating Social Value and Skills in Kent Manufacturing

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Local Skills Improvement Plan
by Sarah Parrish

On Wednesday, 29th October, the Kent & Medway LSIP team was delighted to be hosted by RBLI (Royal British Legion Industries) for our latest Kent & Medway Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG). The event brought together manufacturers, education providers, and stakeholders from across the region for a morning of collaboration, learning, and inspiration.

A Warm Welcome from RBLI

We extend our thanks to Colin Harsant, Natasha Wadhams, and their RBLI colleagues for their hospitality and for sharing their remarkable story with us. RBLI’s presentation offered a powerful insight into their history, ethos, and ongoing impact as a leading social enterprise in the UK.

Founded in 1919 to support veterans returning from war, RBLI has grown into a national leader in social value manufacturing. With three factories across the UK—including their flagship site in Kent—over 70% of the RBLI team are either ex-service, living with a disability, or both. Their work demonstrates how meaningful employment can transform lives and communities.

Highlights from the Day

  • Social Value in Action: RBLI produces over 250,000 road, rail, and commercial signs each year, trusted by major clients such as Network Rail and National Highways. Every £86,000 in signage sales provides a job for a new employee, directly supporting veterans and people with disabilities.
  • Ambitious Growth: Plans are underway for a £12.5 million factory expansion in Kent, set to create up to 80 new jobs and offer 100 places at a new Training Academy each year, further boosting local skills and opportunities.
  • Award-Winning Initiatives: RBLI’s “Great Tommy Sleep Out” campaign, which raises vital funds and awareness for homeless veterans, recently won Charity Campaign of the Year at the Third Sector Awards.

Thank You to Our Attendees

We are grateful to everyone who joined us for the KMFG event, contributing to lively discussions about skills, social value, and the future of manufacturing in Kent and Medway. Your engagement and insights are vital as we work together to shape a stronger, more inclusive skills landscape for our region.

Let’s continue to champion organisations like RBLI, whose commitment to social value and skills development is making a real difference in Kent and Medway.

Coming up next…

November Kent & Medway Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG)

Wednesday 26th November, from 12-2pm, Eastwell Manor Hotel

Headline Topic – Innovation in Practice

In early 2025, Brompton Bikes, ABB, East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group), and HSSMI concluded a collaborative project aimed at addressing the challenges of deploying robotic and automated solutions in bicycle production. The goal was to increase output, productivity, quality, and sustainability of bicycle manufacturing operations through the development of new automation solutions, while maintaining the craftsmanship and quality that define Brompton’s brand.

Join us to hear from members of the team involved in the project from Brompton Bikes, EKC Group and HSSMI.

Find out more and book your free place here.

 

 

 

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