Forbes Appoints Regional Sustainability Champions to Embed ESG Across UK Operations

At Forbes, our commitment to sustainability runs deeper than words; it’s about action, accountability, and embedding change into everything we do. That’s why we’re excited to announce the appointment of our first team of Sustainability Champions: regional leaders who will work closely with Hannah Forbes, our Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy, as she leads our Environmental, Social, and Governance direction.

These new appointments are an important step in continuing to ensure that sustainability is woven into the daily fabric of our service depots and offices across the UK.

Meet the Sustainability Champions:

• Luke Edwards – Depot Manager, Exeter
• Elizabeth Hodges – Customer Care Supervisor (Commercial), Redhill, Surrey
• Warren Lovegrove – Deputy Warehouse Manager, Derby
• Stuart Rasburn – Depot Manager, Wigan
• Gordon Strathearn - Manager, Glasgow Depot

Each of these individuals brings operational insight, local knowledge, and a shared commitment to helping Forbes achieve its sustainability goals. They will play a critical role in driving green initiatives, integrating ESG principles into everyday operations, and supporting ongoing review and implementation of our Sustainability Policies.

“This is a powerful step forward in ensuring sustainability remains a living, breathing part of our culture,” says Hannah Forbes. “By working with local leaders across our business, we can continue to drive change from the ground up.”

Driving Daily Change Across Depots

The Champions will actively engage with teams to implement new initiatives, champion responsible practices, and foster a tangible feedback loop - allowing ideas to move freely between the frontline and our ESG leadership. This structure ensures that sustainability isn’t confined to policy - but lived and evolved daily by our stakeholders.

As an example of a nationwide, collaborative initiative, when rental items are transferred between depots, staff now add bags of clothing or second-hand books to the pallets. These donations go directly to our charity partner, Demelza, where they are sorted and distributed to local charity shops. It’s a small operational adjustment with a meaningful social impact - and exactly the kind of grassroots thinking this initiative is designed to inspire.

Embedding ESG into Operations

This isn’t just about individual efforts - it’s about systems. With Champions on the ground, our Sustainability Policies will be reviewed regularly and translated into clear, actionable initiatives for all teams. Whether it's reducing waste, rethinking packaging, or supporting local causes, this initiative ensures that Forbes is continuously improving and staying aligned with its ESG vision.

Together with Hannah’s leadership, our Champions are set to energise sustainability from Glasgow to Exeter - delivering positive change with purpose, passion, and impact.