Focus SB opened its doors on Make UK’s National Manufacturing Day 2024

An action-packed day of activities and careers advice to show how Focus SB attract the next generation of talent
Focus SB welcomed visitors from Beama, Make UK, and the Mayor of Hastings as part of National Manufacturing Day 2024. Across the country, British manufacturing companies invited their local communities to see the potential careers and jobs available in the dynamic and diverse sector. These opportunities range from skilled labour to high-level management, offering a promising future for many. Additionally, members of the local 1066 manufacturers group were also present.
During the fun 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.
Local Labour Councillor and Hastings Mayor, Judy Rogers attended the event together with Nick Hayler, Director of Member Services & Head of Building Electrical Systems at BEAMA, the UK trade association for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure technologies and systems of which Focus SB is a member.
Fhaheen Khan, Senior Economist at Make UK, the manufacturers' organisation in the UK also attended.
Commenting on National Manufacturing Day, 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.”
National Manufacturing Day 2024 was open to all age groups, from school leavers to more experienced workers looking at reskilling to consider the possibilities of a career in manufacturing and also gave companies the chance to let their whole community understand more about the businesses on their doorstep.
Duncan Ray, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Focus SB said:
“We were delighted to invite our local and national guests 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 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.”
Focus SB has been part of the Hastings and St Leonards on Sea communities, manufacturing innovative premium electrical accessories for high end residential, hospitality and heritage interiors for over 44 years.
Manufacturing covers a wide range of sectors including aerospace, engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical, food and drink, defence, automotive and renewable technologies.
Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers organisation added:
“This is a really exciting day where the manufacturing sector came together to celebrate the amazing things that Britain designs and makes.
“Britain’s manufacturing companies are at the forefront of global renewable technology development and some of the most innovative engineering developments seen anywhere around the world. This is a sector with amazing opportunities and we hope this first National Manufacturing Day has given people who have never had the chance to see inside their local businesses just what is going on and the opportunities available to them.”