Helena Dollimore, Labour MP for Hastings and Rye, recently met with Focus SB’s MD, Gary Stevens, to mark Make UK National Manufacturing Day.
Employing 65 people, Focus SB Ltd was set up in 2000 and is a manufacturer of wiring devices.
In 2017, the company made history in its industry when it became the first and only European manufacturer to gain CQC factory accreditation to supply and sell wiring accessories directly from Europe to mainland China, also gaining full CCC licence for all of its products for the Chinese marketplace.
In November 2023, Focus SB managing director, Gary Stevens accepted The King’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of the company’s achievement in the international trade category from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
Helena was hosted by Gary for a meeting and a tour of the company’s main factory at Napier Road on the outskirts of St Leonards on Sea and Hastings.
Helena and Gary discussed the value of apprenticeships - something the Labour government is prioritising - as well as improved local transport links would be beneficial to businesses like Focus SB.
“The future of any industry is the people and skills that underpin it, and that is no more a true fact than in manufacturing and whilst there is still a requirement for the old traditional crafts skills in manufacturing, there is a growing demand for people with IT skills, skills in robotics and AI, design and creative skills, sales and marketing skills, HR, accountancy and administrative skills,” Gary said.
In August, Duncan Ray, Focus SB’s Head of Strategic Partnerships, along with fellow members of the 1066 Manufacturers, a not-for-profit group serving Hastings and Rother, had the honour of being invited to Westminster to meet with Helena.
Duncan commented that it was a fantastic opportunity to forge relationships and strengthen the manufacturing sector within the community of Hastings and Rye and the villages.
“I was delighted to visit Focus SB, and hear about their pioneering work entering the Chinese market which won them a King’s Award for Enterprise. It was great to meet some of the local employees who have been with the firm a long time, and hear about the employment opportunities being created here,” Helena said.
“As our local MP, I will do all I can to support local businesses like Focus SB to thrive, and encourage more investment here.”
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