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Manufacturers from across Kent & Medway came together yesterday at the gloriously sunny Brands Hatch Place Hotel for the latest Kent & Medway Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG), delivered as part of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).
The session provided a valuable opportunity for businesses to connect, share experiences, and explore the practical steps needed to improve productivity, drive innovation, and strengthen the future workforce across the region.
Focus on productivity, investment and innovation
The event featured a series of expert-led sessions focused on supporting manufacturers to make more informed decisions around digitalisation and automation.
Judy Diamond (Azets) delivered a presentation on productivity, cost control, and return on investment (ROI), outlining how businesses can assess the financial impact of digital and automation projects. Her session highlighted the importance of understanding both the risks and benefits of investment, and adopting a structured, data-driven approach when planning improvements.
Representatives from Made Smarter South East, William Wilsnagh and Chitra Cherodian, shared details of the support available to help manufacturers adopt digital technologies. This included access to grant funding, technical expertise, and skills development opportunities designed to help businesses implement and embed new technologies effectively.
Sue Berdo (Kent County Council) also provided an overview of the Kent & Medway Business Fund, highlighting the financial support available to organisations looking to invest in growth and innovation.
Supporting manufacturers through the LSIP
The session also included an update on the Kent & Medway Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), which is progressing towards publication this summer.
Manufacturing and engineering continue to be identified as priority sectors within the LSIP, reflecting their vital role in the regional economy and the ongoing demand for skilled talent. Engagement through groups such as KMFG plays a crucial role in ensuring that employer voices shape future skills provision and workforce development.
Key themes and takeaways
Discussions throughout the session reinforced several important themes:
Join us at the next KMFG
The KMFG continues to provide a platform for manufacturers to collaborate, share insight and influence the future direction of skills and workforce development in Kent & Medway.
The next session will take place at MidKent College’s University Centre Maidstone on Wednesday 24 June, from 10:00–12:00.
Shaping Future Talent: KMFG at MidKent College will offer an exclusive opportunity to explore how education and industry are working together to develop the future workforce. Attendees will gain insight into the college’s specialist provision, skills development offer, and how learners are supported to progress into manufacturing, engineering and wider technical careers.
The session will also highlight how MidKent College works with employers to support collaboration and respond to local skills needs.
👉 Free places can be booked here: https://www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk/events/kmfg-june-26/
Continued collaboration and engagement
The Kent & Medway LSIP team would like to thank all attendees and speakers for their contributions and ongoing engagement at KMFG.
Businesses interested in getting involved in future sessions or contributing to LSIP activity are encouraged to get in touch – lsip@kentinvictachamber.co.uk
