St Leonards company opens to public as part of National Manufacturing Day

Focus SB, based in Napier Road, on the Castleham Industrial Estate, held the event as part of Make UK’s National Manufacturing Day celebrations.

The firm opened up to schools, colleges and the community to showcase first-hand the variety of careers that are available in Britain’s manufacturing sector.

During the day, visitors to Focus SB’s head office and main factory were welcomed for a presentation in the company’s meeting room, with the opportunity to network and ask questions, followed by a guided factory tour for small groups.

Visitors were able to view a working robot, laser marking, milling and hand assembly demonstrations and a display of completed bespoke finished products featuring some of the more unusual items the company is asked to make.

Career seekers also had the chance to talk directly to members of staff about how the company works and what opportunities might be available for them.

Focus SB has been part of the Hastings and St Leonards communities, manufacturing electrical accessories for more than 40 years.

Hastings mayor, Judy Rogers came to the event, together with Nick Hayler, director of member services and head of building electrical systems at BEAMA, which is the UK trade association for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure technologies and systems.

Duncan Ray, head of strategic partnerships at Focus SB, said: “We were delighted to invite local schools, recruiters, the Hastings Mayor, local businesses and industry organisations in to see our company to show them what we do and the diverse range of careers we offer. Manufacturing jobs pay above the national average wage and provide great job security, and interesting opportunities to develop skills.

“As a growing company, we are continuously seeking creative designers and innovative engineers to get involved and help us to produce some ground-breaking products. We can offer opportunities from administration and management logistics, design, engineering, finance, HR, IT, product development, marketing and communication, production, research and more.

“It was invaluable to have the chance to meet our potential new employees and talk to the people who live on our doorstep about what we have to offer in a career that is both exciting and rewarding.”

Fhaheen Khan, senior economist at Make UK, the manufacturers' organisation in the UK, also attended the event at Focus SB's factory.

He provides insights and analysis on various economic issues affecting the manufacturing sector, including the impact of government policies, economic trends, and challenges such as inflation and energy costs.

Fhaheen said: “Manufacturing in the UK is one of the most diverse sectors around, contributing over £200bn to our nation annually. National Manufacturing Day is about showcasing that value and how this industry excels in creativity and innovation, whilst providing high quality jobs that, for many, lasts a lifetime.

“I am always amazed how efficient and sustainable manufacturers like Focus are as I watched laser machines cut metal like paper and whilst being supported by over 300 solar panels for their energy needs.

“Manufacturers in the South East employs nearly 300,000 people in highly skilled, highly paid (21 per cent more than the regional average) jobs. It's critical to the region and tackling the skills shortages will play a significant role in the region's economic development.”