Forth has rounded off its 25th anniversary year with a remarkable hat-trick of achievements — surpassing a £25,000 charity fundraising target, winning three major business awards, and ushering in a new era of leadership for the Cumbrian engineering firm.
The family-run SME, renowned for developing world-first technologies that remove people from hazardous environments, hit its ambitious goal of raising £25,000 for
Goodlives West Cumbria. The year-long campaign featured a gruelling National Three Peaks Challenge alongside a series of other initiatives, underlining Forth’s strong commitment to social value and community impact.
CEO Mark Telford said: “This milestone year has been about more than business success – it has been about giving back. Raising £25,000 for Goodlives shows what can be achieved when a team pulls together for a cause that matters. At the same time, winning three prestigious awards demonstrates that our values-driven approach resonates across the industry. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished.” The accolades include Family Business of the Year at the
in-Cumbria Awards – announced on Forth’s actual 25th anniversary – and two honours at the
BECBC Awards for Social Value and Business of the Year.
Looking ahead, Forth has unveiled a new leadership structure. After more than two decades at the helm, Mark Telford has stepped into the role of CEO, handing day-to-day operational leadership to Graham Cartwright, who began his career at Forth as an apprentice 21 years ago.
Culture of trustMr Cartwright said: “Forth has always been about solving problems and creating opportunities — for our clients, our people, and our community. Having started here as an apprentice, I know first-hand the culture of trust and innovation that defines this business. Leading Forth into its next chapter is an honour and I am committed to building on the incredible legacy Mark, Nicola and the team have created.”
The fundraising success has also been warmly welcomed by Goodlives West Cumbria, which supports some of the region’s most vulnerable people. Karen Jones, managing director of Goodlives, said: “Forth’s support has been transformational. £25,000 represents real, lasting change for individuals and families across West Cumbria. We are grateful to every member of the Forth team for their determination and generosity. But I must give a special thank you to Mark for his unwavering support and guidance. He has been committed to us and believed in everything we do, every step of the way. Forth’s commitment to social value is inspiring and sets a powerful example for other businesses.”
With new leadership in place, a string of awards to its name and a proven track record of community impact, Forth enters its next 25 years stronger than ever, continuing to deliver cutting-edge engineering solutions while championing social responsibility at every turn.