Our leadership team
Ciaran Mitchell
Managing Director
Ciaran joined Focus SB in July 2025 following a role in the same industry as Head of NPD, OEM sales and Business Development overseas. Ciaran has held senior positions in product and business development at director level, with significant expertise in developing innovative technological products and associated business development strategies.
With a background in technical and engineering, Ciaran has successfully developed new products for luxury brands in the automotive sector, such as Bentley, Aston Martin, Porsche and McLaren. He has lived and worked in the Far East and spent time in the Middle East and the USA. Ciaran has also started two companies and sold them, notably Incaar to Voxx International Europe, which he then grew as MD from a £750k start-up to a £9M turnover company within just four years.
Experienced in electronics design with a ‘can do’ attitude to customer service, Ciaran’s passion for innovation combines with his creative vision and ability to implement practical pathways to ensure sustainable growth. He prioritises meticulous project planning and implementing robust processes and procedures as well as smooth production across global supply chains. He enjoys nurturing inspiring, positive leadership in inclusive environments where ideas are encouraged, and teams empowered.
Gary Stevens
Chairman
Accomplished sales and marketing professional with a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), Gary started his career at MEM Co Ltd in Birmingham in 1979. After completing a five-year technical apprenticeship, he specialised in the design and sales of motor control gear specials at MEM before joining Santon Switchgear as a sales engineer.
In 1987 Gary joined a well-known electrical accessory manufacturer as a trainee sales representative and worked his way up to Sales & Marketing Director, before becoming MD of the same company during his 26-year career.
Gary was appointed as MD and shareholder of Focus SB in 2016 and has overseen a lot of change during that short space of time, including the successful transition from plate manufacturer and finishers to a full electrical insert manufacturer, and the bold move to design and launch a range of electrical accessories into mainland China in 2017. He became an inaugural DBT Export Champion in 2019.
Over his 43-year career, Gary has never forgotten his apprenticeship roots nor lost his passion for British manufacturing and nurturing young talent into the industry, overseeing the introduction of a successful apprenticeship scheme into the company and becoming an Enterprise Adviser in 2017. Gary won a Made in Britain Award in 2022 for introducing innovative grassroots sustainable initiatives.
In 2023, Gary oversaw Focus SB’s successful entry in The King’s Award for Enterprise International Trade category. Gary met King Charles III at a reception at Buckingham Palace and later in that year, Focus SB had a visit from HRH Princess Royal, Princess Anne at its Napier Road factory to present The King’s Awards winner trophy on the 22nd November 2023. Both events were probably the highlight of Gary’s career.
Gary’s media appearances include The Telegraph, BBC national and regional news, BBC local radio.
Andrew Lanworn
Head of Finance and Company Secretary
Having previously worked in a manufacturing company for five years Andrew joined Focus SB in 2005 as a cost accountant and within one year he was promoted to the Accounts Manager role.
In 2011 he became a Chartered Management Accountant and was promoted to Senior Management team in 2016.
Andrew likes to be involved in other aspects and projects within the business.
He studied at Sussex University and was awarded an MBA in Business Admin in 2015.
Steve Moss
Head of Sales and Marketing
Highly experienced in sales since 2002, joining Focus SB as a product consultant in October 2010.
July 2016 saw Steve promoted to senior management in the newly created role of Sales and Marketing Manager. Steve oversees both internal and external sales functions (including export) and also company marketing.
Creative vision combined with electrical wiring accessories expertise, Steve manages Focus SB’s growing product consultancy and marketing teams, whilst overseeing luxury hospitality, residential and heritage UK projects.
Jo Cloute
Head of HR and Customer Service
Jo has built a career in the electrical industry spanning over 40 years, beginning as an admin assistant at NKM Electrical/Bennett and Fountain. She joined Sussex Brassware in 1988 as a customer service adviser. After seven years in sales, Jo left to have her son, but was invited back in 1997 for a part-time role in customer aftercare.
Over the years, Jo has worked across many departments and witnessed significant company changes. During this time, she pursued professional HR qualifications, culminating in CIPD Chartered membership and achieving the role of Human Resources Manager in 2017. Since then, Jo has strived to make Focus SB a great place to work by focusing on social issues, diversity, reward, mental health, and disability awareness. She is also a qualified Mental Health First Aider and a workplace mediator.
Jo enjoys working with schools and colleges as an Industry Champion and Enterprise Adviser for The St Leonards Academy and Rye College. She believes her work is vital to the future of the business, as it encourages more young people to enter manufacturing.
However her true passion lies in helping people find employment. Jo believes that with the right training and support, there is a job for everyone. Over the last few years, she has worked with Little Gate Farm and the East Sussex Career Hub to explore new avenues for employment, resulting in a more diverse and inclusive culture within Focus SB.
Duncan Ray
Head of Strategic Partnerships
Joined Focus SB in 1999. Duncan has held positions in purchasing, internal auditing, health and safety, and quality management. Progression into senior management in 2016 as Supply Chain & New Product Introduction Manager. Duncan holds full membership of The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), via successful completion of a professional diploma with Harley Reed Ltd, London. Overseeing new product development and launch, accreditation processes, international marketing and networking, 2017 saw Duncan secure Focus SB’s successful entry into major design centres and construction supply chains in China. In April 2024 Duncan joined the Department for Business and Trade Export Champions’ programme. Duncan's media appearances include CGTN America, China Media Group international news.
Mark Curtis
Head of Technical and Product Design
With 38 years experience in the industry Mark joined Focus SB in 2017. On leaving school he served an apprenticeship with MK Electric as an instrument maker where he gained HNC qualifications in Engineering and Business Information Technology. Member of the Institute of Engineering Technology (IET). Holding various roles with a number of companies in the industry, including Tooling Design, Tooling Engineering, Project Engineer, Product Design and Principal Engineer. Represents Focus SB on BEAMA’s accessories technical committee (ATC) and is responsible for the design of new products and technical compliance.
Val Chandler
Head of Assembly
Val originally started working in our assembly department for Sussex Brassware in the eighties, she left for a short while to have her family and then re-joined Focus SB in 1997 and has over 35 years of experience in electrical manufacturing.
Over the years Val has worked her way up, gaining knowledge and the key skills Focus SB value in their managers. The great thing about Val is that she believes that everyone deserves a chance so she is always the first to offer her time to help others. She is a great advocate of employing a more inclusive and diverse workforce demonstrated by her extensive work with local charity Little Gate Farm, planning work experience for schools and colleges and employing apprentices.
Val is a force to be reckoned with and she is always looking to make improvements within the business. Respected by her staff Val always endeavours to make Focus SB a fun and productive place to work. Media appearances include BBC national and regional TV and radio news broadcasts
Rob Little
Head of Operations
Rob has over 35 years’ experience in operations and planning and senior project management in both SMEs and large multinational organisations, including Gillette and Newell Rubbermaid as well as agile SMEs like Focus SB.
With extensive, hands-on knowledge, as a supply chain specialist and department head Rob is able to listen, develop, lead and implement change in demanding, fast moving environments. Cultivating trust and create innovative, profit making solutions.
