Kent Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG) Launch

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.

Bookings will remain open until the event itself, but please note that if you book with less than 24 hours to go, your name won’t be on the “Signing in Sheet” and you won’t have a “Name Badge” on arrival.

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.

The Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce are delighted to announce the relaunch of the Kent & Medway Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG), building on the Chamber’s history of supporting the Manufacturing & Engineering sector.

The Event will be hosted by Jo James OBE, CEO of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.  Lunch will be provided on arrival as well as the opportunity to network with other local business representatives before our keynote speakers.

KMFG is a networking and business group for Manufacturing & Engineering organisations across Kent and Medway.  The group will offer a structured calendar of events encompassing both in person and online interaction that will give businesses operating within these sectors unique access to peers and colleagues, sector specific information, advice and support.

KMFG will also enable the Manufacturing & Engineering sector to influence in a more concerted way the different agenda’s that are key to business growth and success.

This months speakers include;

Jo James, OBE, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce 

Jo James, OBE is the Chief Executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the county’s only accredited Chamber of Commerce that serves more than 1,300 members’ businesses across Kent.

Jo James also represents business on the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, and in recognition of her 25 years work at the chamber she was voted a National Woman of the Year 2015.

Lucy Druesne, Local Skills Improvement Programme (LSIP)

Lucy is the Skills Programme Manager and Kent & Medway Locals Skills Improvement Plan lead at Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, focusing on the employer voice in the skills agenda and taking forward the Kent & Medway Skills Improvement Plan (2022-2025)

Lucy grew up in France and came to the UK to work on a European project for Kent Invicta Chamber after which she moved to roles in Higher Education and has spent the last 20 years working at the interface of education and business in her roles, in particular as Deputy Director of Innovation at the University of Kent and as Manager of GOETEC, a partnership of Kent & Medway Higher and Further Education and public sector organisations.

Jonathan Shaw, Kent Further Education

Jonathan is the Strategic Director for Kent Further Education (KFE) leading the strategic advocacy and collaboration plans for KFE which comprises the three Kent colleges; EKC Group, MidKent, and North Kent that have a combined student population of 25,000.

Jonathan was previously Chief Executive of the think tank Policy Connect. Jonathan’s variable career has included being a farm worker, care assistant, social worker and local councillor before being elected to Parliament for three terms between 1997-2010.

During his time as an MP he was: a member of the Environmental Audit and Education Select Committees; Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Education; Government Whip; Minister for Marine, Landscape and Rural Affairs; Minister for Disabled People; and also Regional Minister for South East England.

Jonathan is Chair of the Kent-based charity the Blackthorn Trust which assists people with mental and physical rehabilitation.

Lunch will include a selection of savoury options and will be served with tea/coffee on arrival.