Kent Construction Focus Group (KCFG) – 4th March

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 Brocklebank. Enjoy a Full English Breakfast at the Village Hotel, served from 7:30am, accompanied by speaker presentations and networking opportunities throughout the morning.

Guest Speakers:

Matthew Barker, Baxall Construction

Matthew is the Technical Manager at Baxall, overseeing all design activities with a focus on technical compliance, sustainability, technology solutions, and digital transformation. As a Chartered Engineer, he has extensive experience across key business functions and a deep understanding of the design process. His career showcases his ability to manage and deliver technically complex projects while ensuring they meet compliance standards and contribute to a sustainable built environment.

Matthew takes a collaborative approach to delivery, building strong relationships with internal and external clients, stakeholders, consultants, and suppliers to drive lean, cost-effective, and innovative solutions. His expertise in compliance, sustainability, and digital change has established him as an industry leader, playing a key role in shaping the future of construction at Baxall.

Michael Chun Wai Chiu, Baxall Construction

Michael is the Digital Collaboration Data Scientist at Baxall. He uses AI/ML to improve wellbeing in built environments and make construction processes more efficient. His work builds on his role as an Associate of a KTP project between Baxall and the University of Kent, where he connected academic research with practical construction needs, adding value to Baxall.

Michael received his PhD in machine learning for data streams from the University of Birmingham and his BSc in Computer Science from the University of Leicester. He has solid experience in data analysis, AI research, and teaching. His research interests include data stream mining, time-series forecasting, and using deep learning, such as LLMs, to solve practical problems. He developed skills to explain complex concepts clearly while he was a teaching fellow at Keele University. Now, he works closely with Baxall’s teams and external partners to create innovative, data-driven solutions. His efforts help Baxall embrace digital change, improve efficiency, and stay committed to sustainable, tech-forward construction.

Clare Witcher, University of Kent

Clare joined the University of Kent in 2008 to develop the University’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme. During the past 17 years, she has been instrumental in helping numerous businesses in Kent and nationally secure KTP funding to address their strategic challenges through accessing cutting edge academic expertise and knowledge.

As an expert in KTP, Clare works across a wide portfolio of different projects drawing upon the world-leading expertise within the University of Kent. She enjoys the varied nature of KTP, having worked on projects ranging from manufacturing through to genetics and everything in between! The KTP Team at Kent is proud of their 100% success rate in securing funding for KTP projects, and are always looking for interesting, new opportunities.

• 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” and you won’t have a “Name Badge” on arrival.
• As a Chamber Member, you will have exclusive access to the “List of Attendees”.
• You must be based in Kent and In the Construction Industry to attend. Those that book to attend that do not fit this criteria will be contacted and a joining link will not be given/a refund issued.
• As a Non-KCFG Member, you may attend this event twice before being required to become a Member. For any enquiries, please email [email protected]

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