Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG): 3rd November 2026

You must be an Ignite Plus Member or above of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce to attend this event.

The Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG) is a one-stop shop for local businesses to discuss the future of Kent development, giving companies access to local knowledge, expertise and contracts. KCFG promotes the future role of Kent land development and construction businesses in the growth and development of Kent and its environment.

Hosted by members of the KCFG committee, Cheryl Causebrook and Ella Sandall, attendees can enjoy a full English breakfast at the Mercure Tunbridge Hotel, served from 7:30am, alongside speaker presentations and networking opportunities throughout the morning.

This month’s guest speakers:

Glen Lishman, Babcock International Group 

Glen Lishman is a training manager with Babcock at the Royal School of Military Engineering (RSME), Brompton Barracks, Chatham. The school is one of the largest construction, engineering ‘further education’ schools in Europe and is where the Royal Engineers are trained for the British Army.

Glen attended the RSME as a trainee back in the early 90s, which helped lead to a successful career in the Royal Engineers spanning five decades of service, using his trade skills all over the world. After a brief spell in the wine industry Glen is now the interface between the civilian contractors and the military trainee bringing his knowledge and expertise to the fore, in ensuring the British Army’s Royal Engineers are ready to deploy all over the world in an ever-changing environment. His practical insight into delivering engineering solutions at short notice, often with limited resources, makes him a respected voice in military engineering and training.

Tudor Price, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

Kent and Medway are entering a period of significant political and economic change, with important implications for businesses operating across the county. In this timely talk, Tudor Price, Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, will explore the changing economic landscape and what devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) could mean for Kent and Medway, with a particular focus on the construction and development sector.

Devolution could create significant opportunities, including greater local influence over infrastructure, transport, skills, housing and economic development, potentially allowing investment decisions to better reflect the needs of Kent and Medway. For construction businesses, this could support a stronger pipeline of regeneration, housing and infrastructure projects.

However, change also brings risks. New governance arrangements, shifting responsibilities, planning reform and the transition to new local authority structures could create uncertainty, particularly around decision-making, procurement, investment priorities and the pace at which projects progress. Tudor will consider both the opportunities and the challenges, placing them within the wider economic pressures facing businesses and asking what the construction sector should be doing now to prepare for the changes ahead.

Andrew Metcalf, Maxim PR

Andrew Metcalf is Managing Director of Maxim, the Tunbridge Wells-based PR, marketing and public affairs agency which is currently celebrating 30 years in business. Andrew is also Chair of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, and he represents business on the Kent & Medway Economic Partnership.

His economic commentaries provide a snapshot of what’s going on around the county, with a focus on the progress of major game changing projects for Kent and Medway, and what they mean for the construction and development industry.

A committed Francophile, well more a lover of red wine and cheese, Andrew’s not shy when it comes to giving an opinion on all things Kent.

• Please be aware that you must be logged in to your Member Account to access Members Tickets.
• Bookings will remain open until the event itself, but please note that if you book with less than 24 hours to go, your name won’t be on the “List of Attendees” or the “Signing-in Sheet”.
• As a Chamber Member, you will have exclusive access to the “List of Attendees”.

Speaker Opportunities:

Are you in the construction industry and would like to keep members up to date on the latest developments and knowledge? Fill out the Speaker application form here to participate in one of our breakfast meetings.

Please see our full Event Terms and Conditions.