Forth Engineering (Cumbria) Ltd’s recent 25th birthday celebrations took an unexpected twist when the boss stepped down and named his successor on the spot. More than 150 guests were stunned into silence as Mark Telford, managing director of Forth, announced he was vacating the role, before moments later handing the reins to the firm’s long-standing projects director, Graham Cartwright, with the words: “Over to you, mate.”
Reflecting on his decision, Mr Telford — who founded the business with his wife, Nicola, in 2000 – said: “Our 25th anniversary felt like the perfect moment to pass the baton. I can’t think of anyone more qualified, deserving, or fitting for the role than Graham. He joined us as a young lad 21 years ago and has become an integral part of the company’s growth and success. In truth, he has been carrying out the role of managing director for the last couple of years. Now it is officially his – to shape, to make his own, and to drive the company forward.”
Mr Telford will now move into the role of CEO, offering support and strategic oversight. The 25th birthday celebration, held at Hunday Manor in Whitehaven, also raised thousands for
www.goodlives.org.uk/Goodlives, a local charity which provides personalised and comprehensive opportunities for those requiring additional support to move forward in life – the charity Forth has pledged to raise £25,000 for this year.
Humble beginningsFounded in November 2000 from the box room of Mark and Nicola’s Frizington home, Forth has grown from humble beginnings into a company with three operating bases – and a fourth soon to be opened in Malta – serving the nuclear, defence, oil and gas, subsea, utilities, agriculture, and renewables sectors.
Mr Cartwright’s journey began in 2004 as an apprentice, quickly impressing Mark with his work ethic and technical knowledge. By 2010, he was appointed projects director, taking on larger contracts and projects – most notably spearheading the launch of a £250,000 precision engineering facility earlier this year, turning concept into reality in just weeks.
Speaking about his very public promotion, he said: “I was shellshocked. I had no idea what Mark was about to do when we stepped up to welcome everyone. Being appointed managing director is a huge honour. I know how much Forth means to Mark and Nicola, and this business has been part of my life for all of my adult life. It runs through my veins, occupies my thoughts morning, noon, and night, and has shaped who I am. I cannot wait to get started and build on the incredible legacy Mark has created.”