Kent And Medway Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG) – 24th Sept

*PLEASE NOTE* KMFG is now a CLOSED GROUP specifically set up to support the Manufacturing & Engineering organisations in Kent & Medway, including education providers.   

** Only registered attendees will be admitted to the event ** Please book your place now to avoid disappointment.

Pictures may be taken at this event. If you do not wish your picture to be taken, please let us know ahead of the event.

Kent & Medway Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG) is a networking and business group for Manufacturing & Engineering organisations across Kent and Medway offering a unique access to peers and colleagues, sector specific information, advice and support.

The group meets every last Wednesday of the month, alternating between face to face meetings and site visits, see our website for details of future events https://kentemployerskillsplan.org/

KMFG is open to all manufacturing and engineering organisations in Kent & Medway alongside education providers, whether they are chamber members or not.

Lunch will be provided on arrival with tea and coffee as well as the opportunity to network with other local business representatives before our keynote speakers.

KMFG will enable the Manufacturing & Engineering sector to influence in a more concerted way the different agenda’s that are key to business growth and success.

Headline Topic – Employment Law & The Employment Rights Bill

Patrick Glencross, will deliver an expert briefing on recent developments in employment law, including the Employment Rights Bill, with a particular focus on the implications for manufacturing and engineering businesses operating across Kent and Medway.

Gain expert, sector-specific insight into how these changes could impact your workforce, compliance obligations, and HR strategy and find out what you can do now to stay ahead.

Patrick Glencross, Senior Employment Lawyer – Furley Page

Patrick has over 20 years’ experience as a specialist employment lawyer supporting clients, both employers and individuals, across the full spectrum of employment law. His practice ranges from day-to-day advice on employment relations issues to handling complex Employment Tribunal litigation. He has particular experience and interest in working with clients in the higher education, local government, and charity/not-for-profit sectors.

Patrick’s areas of specialism include: employment contracts, consultancy agreements, policies and procedures; disciplinary cases and grievances; reorganisations and redundancies; settlement agreements and negotiated exits; business transfers and TUPE; maternity rights and family-friendly legislation; holiday pay and Working Time Regulations issues; discrimination law and whistleblowing; Employment Tribunal claims; enforcement of post-termination restrictive covenants and confidential information; and data protection for employers.

Patrick frequently has articles and commentary published in HR publications and the national press, and has appeared on local television and radio. He has lectured for the CIPD (the professional body for Human Resources and people development) and regularly leads training events. He is ranked in the Legal 500 directory (Employment: Kent, Surrey, Sussex) and the Chambers and Partners directory (Employment, The South). These describe his strengths that he is “driven by a problem-solving mindset and is invariably able to offer solid, practical advice on the trickiest employment relations matters”.

Business Spotlight:

Tym Wright, Managing Director – Simtek EMS

Tym Wright is the Managing Director of Simtek EMS, a leading Margate-based contract electronics manufacturer.  Founded in 2004, the company specialises in producing life-enhancing and life-saving electronics for sectors where precision and reliability are essential. Clients span medical devices, marine navigation, automotive systems, industrial controls, instrumentation, and leisure technologies.

Appointed in 2024, Tym leads the company with a clear focus on strategic growth, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.

At Simtek, Tym is committed to expanding market reach while maintaining the company’s reputation for speed, flexibility, and quality. He fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring Simtek remains a trusted partner for clients with critical manufacturing needs.