Hannah Forbes
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The Forbes Group is delighted to celebrate two prestigious wins at the ERT Awards 2026, recognising the sustainability achievements of our consumer division, Forbes Rentals, and the exceptional contribution of one of our longest-serving colleagues.
At the ERT Awards 2026, held in London on 15 October, Forbes Rentals was named Best Sustainable Independent Electrical Retailer, while B2C Sales Manager Janice Englefield received the coveted Sales Excellence Award.
These awards represent a proud moment for the entire Forbes Group, recognising values that extend across both our consumer and professional operations: environmental responsibility, product longevity, technical expertise and an enduring commitment to customer service.
Sustainability at the Heart of the Forbes Group
Sustainability and regeneration are fundamental to how Forbes operates.
Across our two complementary business pillars, Forbes Rentals and Forbes Professional, we provide rental solutions to households and businesses, helping customers access the appliances and equipment they need while supporting a more circular approach to product ownership and consumption.
Our business model prioritises extending product lifespans through ongoing service, maintenance, refurbishment and reuse.
Rather than viewing appliances and electronics as single-use purchases, we recognise their potential to deliver value across multiple product life phases. This approach can help reduce demand for new manufacturing, conserve valuable raw materials and limit some of the energy consumption and associated emissions involved in producing replacement equipment.
The Best Sustainable Independent Electrical Retailer Award was presented to Forbes Rentals, but the principles underpinning this achievement are shared across the wider Forbes Group.
One Group, One Commitment to Responsible Rental
While Forbes Rentals serves domestic customers and Forbes Professional supports commercial organisations, both divisions are united by a common philosophy.
We believe that rental is about more than providing access to equipment. It is about delivering long-term value through responsible product management, technical expertise and dependable ongoing support.
Within our consumer operation, this commitment is demonstrated through the refurbishment and reuse of household appliances, including our Preloved range, which enables suitable products to be given renewed life.
Across the wider Group, our approach to rental and service reflects the same emphasis on product longevity, efficient resource use and supporting customers throughout the lifecycle of their equipment.
Our shared expertise, people and service-led infrastructure help us deliver solutions that combine operational reliability with a commitment to more sustainable consumption.
For commercial customers, this approach is particularly relevant as organisations increasingly consider the environmental impact of their equipment choices and seek practical ways to support their sustainability objectives.
Recognising Excellence
Our second award celebrates the people whose expertise and dedication have shaped the Forbes Group over many years.
We are immensely proud that Janice Englefield, Sales Manager at Forbes Rentals, received the Sales Excellence Award 2026.
Having been part of Forbes for more than 25 years, Janice has made an outstanding contribution to our organisation.
Her leadership has been instrumental in delivering sustained growth within our consumer sales operation, built on expert advice, meaningful customer relationships and a focus on long-term value.
Janice exemplifies the customer-first culture that runs throughout the company. Whether supporting a household with an essential appliance or helping a commercial organisation identify the right equipment solution, we recognise the importance of knowledgeable people who understand customer needs and provide exceptional service.
Her achievement is a testament not only to her individual dedication but also to the importance we place on expertise, continuity and long-standing relationships across our business.
Congratulations, Janice, on this thoroughly deserved recognition.
A Shared Approach to Sustainability and Service Excellence
The two awards highlight an important connection between responsible business practices and outstanding customer service.
Extending the useful life of appliances and equipment requires more than a commitment to refurbishment. It depends on effective maintenance, skilled technical teams, responsive customer support and a business model designed around long-term relationships. These are principles that underpin the wider Forbes Group.
Our teams work together to provide dependable rental solutions and ongoing support, helping both domestic and commercial customers maximise the value of the equipment they use.
As businesses face increasing pressure to manage resources responsibly, reduce waste and improve operational efficiency, we believe that service-led rental models have an important role to play.
Our recognition at the ERT Awards 2026 reinforces the value of this approach and our continued commitment to delivering responsible, customer-focused solutions.
Celebrating 100 Years of Forbes
These achievements are especially meaningful as the Forbes Group celebrates its centenary year in 2026.
Since our beginnings in 1926, the business has evolved from its roots in electrical repair into a national rental and service organisation supporting households and commercial customers.
Throughout that evolution, the principles of technical expertise, dependable service and making the most of valuable equipment have remained central to our identity.
Today, those principles are increasingly relevant as businesses and consumers look for more sustainable alternatives to traditional purchasing and ownership.
Our latest awards are a fitting recognition of both our heritage and our continued evolution. Forbes is incredibly proud of these achievements and of the people who make them possible.
These awards are a celebration for colleagues across our entire organisation. From our sales and customer service teams to our engineers, refurbishment specialists, operations colleagues and wider support functions, our shared success is built on collective expertise and commitment.
We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Janice and our thanks to every member of the Forbes team, as well as our customers and partners, for their continued support.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to strengthening our rental solutions, extending product lifespans and supporting more responsible resource use across the domestic and commercial sectors.
