Celebrating World Entrepreneurs' Day: Honouring Our Founder, F.D. Forbes, and His Enduring Legacy

On World Entrepreneurs' Day, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on the remarkable man who laid the foundations for Forbes Rentals,Frederick Donald Forbes, and the entrepreneurial spirit that still drives our business almost a century later.

Known to many as Donald, our founder’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and innovation. Born in the early 20th century, Don contracted polio as a child and spent long periods convalescing at home. But rather than let his illness hold him back, he used that time to fuel a budding passion for electronics- building crystal radio sets in his bedroom and immersing himself in the early technology of the age.

From those beginnings, a business was born. In 1926, at just 19 years old, Don began building and servicing radios, marconiphones and charging radio batteries for local customers. What started as a solo venture soon evolved into a trusted local service; one built on reliability, hands-on expertise, and genuine care for customers.

By the 1960s, with colour televisions entering the mainstream, Don’s entrepreneurial instincts kicked in again. He opened a TV, radio, and radiogram shop in Purley, Surrey, and across the road, a domestic appliance shop. Whether customers needed their TV fixed or a new washing machine delivered, Don and his team were always ready, offering practical solutions and old-fashioned service that people could count on.

“My father believed in always putting the customer first” says Stuart Forbes, Chairman. “He taught us that long-term relationships are worth more than any quick sale. That belief remains at the heart of everything we do at Forbes today.”

Donald’s sons, Malcolm and Stuart, joined him in 1958 and 1967 respectively. Together, they expanded the business into the rental market.  At a time when a colour television could cost as much as a Morris Minor, the equivalent of thousands of pounds in today’s money, renting offered families a more affordable and flexible way to enjoy the latest technology. Forbes was there to meet that need.

As the UK's motorway network expanded, so too did the business. Forbes grew into a nationwide operation, yet remained firmly rooted in the family values and customer-centric mindset initialled instilled by Mr Forbes Snr.

Today, Forbes continues as a proud family-run company, serving thousands of households and businesses across the UK. Our customers still appreciate the benefits of leasing – affordability, convenience, flexibility, and sustainability. Many start with one rental product and quickly add more, thanks to our award-winning support and trusted service.

In addition to domestic customers, we’ve also become a trusted provider for the commercial sector  - including care homes, hospitals, universities, hotels, and shared accommodation providers - all relying on our responsive and reliable rental support.

This World Entrepreneurs' Day, we honour the ingenuity, resilience, and vision of Frederick Donald Forbes. His legacy is alive in every customer interaction, every appliance delivered, and every long-standing relationship we’ve built.

“My father didn’t just start a business,” Stuart Forbes, Chairman, reflects. “He built a philosophy – that service matters, that people matter. It’s something we’ll never lose sight of.”