Meet our Managing Director Ciaran Mitchell
Managing Director, Ciaran Mitchell outside Number 11 Downing Street proudly represents Focus SB and British Manufacturing at a Make UK private reception hosted by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves to mark National Manufacturing Day.
Ciaran joined Focus SB in July 2025 [as MD Designate] following a role in the same industry as Head of NPD, OEM and International Business Development. Ciaran has held senior positions in product and business development at director level, with significant expertise in innovative 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, BMW 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 mechanical and electronic design with a ‘can do’ attitude, 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 across global supply chains. He enjoys nurturing a positive leadership style and forming inclusive environments where ideas are encouraged, and teams empowered.
In your new role as Managing Director as of January 2026 what is your overall vision for Focus SB?
My vision is to establish a UK-based premium production facility for design-led electrical accessories and smart home technology. Building on Focus SB’s heritage of precision engineering, high-quality finishing, and expert assembly, we will combine traditional manufacturing excellence with advanced electronics and smart integration.
By embedding intelligent technology into our high-spec product ranges, we are creating a new generation of connected, design-focused solutions - positioning ourselves at the forefront of the evolving home automation market. In other words, we will be adding high-tech into our high-spec product lines.
What were your first impressions of the business and how you felt you could enhance future growth opportunities?
At its core, Focus SB is defined by heritage, craftsmanship, and people. Proudly ‘Made in Britain’, the business is shaped by generations of skill and dedication, with many team members having spent over three decades honing their craft. This creates not only consistency in quality, but a genuine family culture that underpins everything we do.
Building on this foundation, our vision is to establish a UK-based premium production facility for electrical accessories and smart home technology. We see a clear opportunity to further enhance our market offering by integrating advanced technology into our existing product ranges - adding a high-tech dimension to our high-spec, design-led products.
With home automation representing a significant and growing market, we are uniquely positioned to capitalise on this opportunity. Our in-house expertise across manufacturing, engineering, and assembly provides a strong platform for innovation, enabling us to develop intelligent, connected products while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship that defines the Focus SB brand. Through this evolution, we aim to drive sustainable growth by combining tradition with technology.
You hit the ground running starting with an internal restructure, what instigated this and what does this mean for production efficiencies and business expansion?
The internal restructuring forms a key part of my long-term vision for Focus SB. To support this next phase of growth, both our organisation and facilities must evolve in alignment with that vision. The redesigned facility has been developed not only to accommodate the restructured organisation, but to also create capacity for team expansion and the integration of new manufacturing equipment. These efficiencies enable the establishment of three dedicated factories - metal fabrication; assembly and logistics; and high-tech CNC machining and finishing - each optimised for its specific function to enhance productivity, streamline workflow, and support scalable growth.
You recently collaborated with WePower Technologies to showcase a prototype of an innovative new power-harvesting product at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Tell us more about the product and why it’s set to be the benchmark in sustainable high-tech lighting controls with its eye-catching aesthetics and lower hidden costs.
The collaboration with WePower Technologies originated from longstanding conversations with WePower CEO, Larry Richenstein, a friend and business associate of over 20 years. We share a mutual passion for technology, innovation, and creating exceptional products, built on our experience as Tier One suppliers to major automotive manufacturers. As sustainable energy becomes an increasingly important part of everyday life, it is a natural progression to partner with Larry and harness the technology developed by his team.
WePower’s advanced power-harvesting technology, when productionised by the design and engineering team at Focus SB, enables the creation of sustainable energy solutions delivered through stylish, cutting-edge products - bringing together tradition and technology.
As a Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Export Champion, you hosted representatives from the DBT with Gary Stevens [new Chairman in 2026] for a factory tour at the end of last year. You showcased recent investments in CNC technology coupled with metal presswork, laser marking and hand finishing demonstrations by our skilled experts. How do you propose to maximise on the government’s UK Trade Strategy focusing on industry, including advanced manufacturing?
As an advanced manufacturer, we recognise the importance of playing our part in maximising the opportunities presented through UK trade schemes and government support. As we continue to develop our technology-led business, we will work closely with DBT to ensure we can access the most relevant support mechanisms, particularly in relation to our export activities.
Our Supply Chain team is actively progressing the digitisation of key processes to help secure a stable and resilient supply base, supporting our expansion plans. At the same time, increasing the use of AI across our operations remains a core focus. This is already evident in elements of our manufacturing and finishing processes, where robotics and advanced technologies are helping us achieve higher levels of quality and efficiency.
We are also exploring new areas of growth that align with the advanced trade agreements currently being negotiated by the government. In addition, we continue to collaborate with several government departments that provide valuable regional data and support, enabling us to further strengthen and accelerate our export growth strategy.
What is the key industry issue right now in your opinion?
The industry is currently facing significant challenges due to volatility in raw material prices. The cost of copper, brass, plastics, components, and semiconductors continues to fluctuate, with a general upward trend. This makes forward planning and strategic budgeting for large-scale projects increasingly difficult.
In a highly competitive market, margins are already under pressure, and it is not always possible to pass these unexpected cost increases on to the end customer.
In your opinion, how do you think the electrical accessories industry will evolve over the next few years?
Traditional manufacturers of electrical accessories such as switches, sockets and outlets are expected to evolve into providers of smart, solution-based and connected products. In addition, many will increasingly need to offer integrated technology platforms, software systems, and ongoing technical support as market expectations continue to advance.
Smart functionalities - including lighting scene control, occupancy sensing, and energy monitoring - are set to become standard requirements rather than premium or high-end features.
As a result, electrical accessories will no longer be viewed as standalone components, but as integral elements of building and home design from the earliest stages of planning.
The growing focus on sustainable energy, energy monitoring and EV charging will significantly influence innovation, accelerating both product development and technological advancement within the residential and commercial built environment.
Your first new strategic hire sees you bring on board new Business Development Manager, Midlands and Home Counties, Chris Pereira, who is an expert in KNX and 230V systems. Well known in the industry, Chris’s expertise will positively impact Focus SB’s presence in the home automation market.
Chris is a highly experienced Business Development Manager, and his background in KNX as well as home automation makes him an excellent fit for our future plans. Having worked with Chris previously, I was already familiar with the calibre of his work and the respect he commands within the industry, so I had no hesitation in supporting his appointment once our Head of Sales and Marketing, Steve Moss, proposed it.
What’s one of the favourite things about the industry that motivates you?
What I value most about this industry is the space it creates for innovation and creativity. I’ve always been driven by product development, and working with the team at Focus SB has me genuinely excited about what we’ll build together in the years ahead.
There’s a powerful connection between heritage and the integration of future technology. It’s in that intersection where I believe our skills can really stand out and make a meaningful difference in a competitive landscape.
People-focused, Focus SB has consistently led the way in its industry when it comes to investment, innovation, diversity and inclusion. What are your plans for building on this and on brand reputation?
The level of investment is evident across the factories at Focus SB. Building on the legacy established by my predecessors Roger Kemp and Gary Stevens, I intend to continue this commitment and have already made significant investments in new high-capacity CNC machines, which will double our capacity for high-spec products.
We are also investing in our people, with team members undertaking robotics and AI training over the coming months as we further integrate advanced systems into our efficiency and quality processes.
This week, we welcomed two new female team members into our production and engineering teams. Sophia joins us in production and engraving, while Emma takes on the role of Production Planning Manager. I look forward to the fresh energy, ideas, and experience they will bring to help further advance our processes.
We recently completed our new demo/meeting room, which will serve as a central hub for monthly team gatherings, as well as a space to host clients and partners for product discussions and collaborations.
In addition, our assembly team has begun using the new ‘Vision Factory’ system, providing improved visibility of capacity and workload, and supporting better planning and coordination across the team.
An accomplished martial artist in your spare time you’ve mentioned sharing your knowledge with the ‘Focus SB family’, offering self defence sessions.
Over the past 30+ years, I have trained, competed, and coached across multiple martial arts disciplines including Full Contact Karate, Kickboxing, Jujutsu and Boxing. This journey has not only developed my physical capability, but more importantly has instilled discipline, emotional control, resilience, and focus - qualities that translate directly into professional performance and workplace wellbeing.
I am also a certified Self-defence instructor, and I plan to propose the creation of a voluntary Focus SB Martial Arts Club for staff and their families.
In Japan, martial arts practice is commonly integrated into corporate culture, not as sport alone but as a method of building character, respect, and collective discipline. Given my long-standing training in Japanese martial arts traditions, this philosophy strongly aligns with how I believe such a programme could benefit Focus SB.
