Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore visits Focus SB
Helena Dollimore, Labour (Co-op) MP for Hastings and Rye with Gary Stevens, MD Focus SB
Our MD, Gary Stevens was pleased to welcome the Labour MP for Hastings and Rye Helena Dollimore, in advance of this year’s Make UK National Manufacturing Day.
Helena Dollimore MP was hosted by Gary for a meeting and a private tour of our main factory at Napier Road on the outskirts of St Leonards on Sea and Hastings.
Gary commented: “I was delighted to host Helena and show what Focus SB manufactures here under one roof, including our latest Renaissance product range and our success as the only company in our industry to manufacture product and sell to mainland China, an achievement recognised by our success in the King’s Awards for Enterprise Awards for International Trade.
“Helena viewed several of our manufacturing processes including our new CNC with cobot, our robotic plant for polishing switch caps, laser marking, flame polishing, metal pressing, degreasing, electrophoretic process and paint shop, as well as individual solid brass and insert components at various stages of the manufacturing process.”
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 added.
In August, Duncan Ray, our Head of Strategic Partnerships along with fellow members of the 1066 Manufacturers, 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.
Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings and Rye, said: “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. As our local MP, I will do all I can to support local businesses like Focus SB to thrive, and encourage more investment here."
