Behind the Doors

Behind the Doors: The Forshaw Group

The Forshaw Group is a Knowsley-based property restoration specialist, working closely with insurance companies and loss adjusters, to renovate commercial and residential property across the UK, which have been damaged by fire or flood.

History of the business

The Forshaw Group was founded by Les Forshaw, who started as a painter and decorator after WWII, helping the post-war regeneration of the bombed city of Liverpool. Over the years, the company has grown and developed to become one of the UK’s leading property restoration specialists. It was honoured with a royal visit by HRH The Princess Royal to celebrate its 70th Anniversary in October 2018 and has since then celebrated 72 years in business in 2020.

Who are they?

Based on the Knowsley Industrial Park, The Forshaw Group is an engaged fixture within the local community. The company takes part in, and organises, numerous local charity and fundraising initiatives, as well as encouraging the region’s next generation into skilled trades.

As part of the Knowsley Apprenticeship Partnership, and in collaboration with over 50 local businesses, The Forshaw Group has helped train and assist more than 100 apprentices into roles across Knowsley.

Its own apprenticeship academy is recognised by the CIOB, BDMA and other leading institutes. It has provided apprenticeships in plumbing, plastering, painting, joinery and electrician work.

Many of these apprentices have since become full-time employees at The Forshaw Group, showing the company’s commitment to young people and future generations across the region.

Current snapshot

Managing director, Liam Hanlon, is also a leading member of Knowsley Chamber and sits on the Board. He recognises the importance of supporting local people and businesses, for the well-being of the industry and the wider community.

Liam Hanlon said: “Following a recent annual review, we are delighted to announce that The Forshaw Group has retained its accreditation against the ‘We Invest in People’ framework. In the past year, our staff numbers have increased to nearly 100 employees. This is in part due to our acquisition of the neighbouring warehouse, which has created more new jobs for the people of Knowsley.”

How COVID-19 has impacted the business

The past 12 months have been difficult for all businesses. However, throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, The Forshaw Group has continued to provide a full emergency, urgent and essential works service. This has been achieved, whilst ensuring the continued safety of its staff and customers and adding positive value in this difficult situation.

Looking to the future

Although the pandemic is not yet over, 2021 will see The Forshaw Group embrace a large-scale post-COVID-19 operational, financial, and social commitment. This has the aim of revolutionising its specialist niche in the utility management and insurance repair market, by working closer with global insurance brands.

The business is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint through its environmental measures and its Smart-Carbon protocols. It will roll out Phase II of its ongoing Re-Imagine Project, as part of the World Economic Forum roadmap for The Great Reset.

Liam explains some of the innovations the company has introduced: “As part of our commitment of environmental improvements, we have recently invested £500,000 in a new ‘green fleet’ of electric Tesla vehicles.

“We are also proud to have opened new premises in Manchester and North Wales, which will in turn reduce travel distances for some of our staff and materials.”

The Forshaw Group is also committed to furthering improving its processes and procedures with new technological developments and enhanced digital integration, for the benefit of its people, community and planet.

For further information on The Forshaw Group, please visit the website: CLICK HERE