As reported today, it is 100 years since John Logie Baird first demonstrated television at what is now known as Bar Italia in Frith Street, Soho. The Times described the moment as “The ‘Televisor’ – successful test of new apparatus.”
That demonstration marked the birth of British television.
It also marked the year Forbes was founded.
While our early years focused on domestic service and appliance expertise, the rapid evolution of television technology shaped our trajectory. As television became central not only to homes but to hotels, leisure venues and commercial spaces, our expertise evolved alongside it.
Forbes Professional grew from the foundation established by Forbes Rentals - BAIRD TV built on service, technical understanding and long-term relationships. Today, we deliver integrated commercial TV, IPTV and AV solutions, alongside commercial laundry and ware-washing systems, across the UK.
From early mechanical systems to fully networked digital platforms, television has transformed dramatically. In hospitality and commercial environments, expectations now extend far beyond the screen itself - seamless connectivity, managed networks, integrated AV and scalable infrastructure are essential.
Our century of experience in television technology provides a unique perspective. We understand not only the equipment, but the importance of lifecycle management, installation, maintenance and ongoing support.
As Stuart Forbes reflects:
“My father, our company founder, did sell a few of the early Baird scanning disk televisions. From those early experiments to today’s fully integrated systems, it’s extraordinary to see how far television technology has come. What has remained constant for us is the importance of service.”
As television marks its centenary, we are proud to reflect on our own parallel journey; evolving from domestic expertise into a national commercial technology partner.
Here’s to 100 years of television - and to shaping what comes next.
