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Company news, product updates and industry insights on the laundry, hotel, housing association and care home sectors and more.

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Hannah Forbes

As the economic crisis continues across the UK, care homes can find themselves facing acute pressures. The unprecedented rises in energy costs will now combine with the increase in National Insurance contributions and a higher minimum wage. This will impact staffing budgets and leave many care providers grappling with how to balance rising operational costs whilst maintaining the quality of care that their residents deserve. In this challenging financial climate, efficient budgeting and resource management have never been more critical for the sector.

Forbes Professional understands the pressures facing care homes today. Providing laundry and ware-washing appliances to care homes across the UK, we strive to be a trusted partner in helping care homes to navigate the challenges of delivering essential services. Our flexible, all-inclusive contracts enable clients to access highly energy and water efficient equipment without the burden of costly upfront payments. Our simple monthly payment structure makes it easier to budget and forecast long-term, offering peace of mind in an era of rising unpredictability.

In addition to our competitive pricing model, our award-winning service support is included at no extra cost for the life of the contract. This means no unexpected repair bills or downtime, ensuring that laundry operations run smoothly so that care operators can focus on delivering the best care to residents. With installations included as part of our service, we provide a comprehensive, hassle-free solution that saves both time and money.

As care homes plan for the future, it is essential to scrutinise contracts and operational costs, especially for high-use areas such as laundry facilities. If your current laundry contract is due to end in 2025, now is the time to consider how Forbes can help you reduce costs whilst maximising efficiency. We offer complimentary site surveys to identify your unique needs and discuss tailored solutions that support your financial and operational goals.

By aligning with reliable service partners, care homes can also take a proactive step towards managing budgets and ensuring the seamless operation of an essential service.

Care homes

Forbes’ Laundry Solutions Help Care Homes Navigate Rising Costs.

When it comes to laundry appliance procurement, sustainability has become an increasingly crucial consideration, with care homes striving to reduce their carbon footprints and do their bit for the environment. Laundry operations are a significant factor in this effort, especially given that. traditionally, the energy consumption of tumble dryers has been notoriously high. However, with advancements in technology, it’s now possible to achieve excellent drying results while maintaining impressive energy and cost efficiency.

Miele’s heat pump dryers stand out as an ideal solution, reducing energy consumption by up to 60% compared to traditional vented dryers. The Ecoplus technology in Miele’s dryers ensures that both energy consumption and drying times remain consistently low. Additionally, the interaction between Miele’s filter system and the maintenance-free heat exchanger prevents fluff from clogging the heat exchanger, maintaining exceptional drying efficiency.

Safety concerns have led care homes to move away from gas appliances, avoiding costly annual gas checks and enforced building adaptations for regulatory compliance. Miele’s heat pump commercial dryers are not only safe but also eliminate the need for complicated and expensive exhaust ducting and its incumbent periodic cleaning. This provides greater flexibility in machine positioning, making them even more convenient for care homes with varying spatial configurations.

Forbes Professional offers a wide range of Miele heat pump dryers, catering to different needs with models ranging from 7kg to 22kg capacities, including the slimline PDR 511 11kg. Miele’s machines are renowned for their superior functionality and reliability and help maintain the requisite hygiene standards of a healthcare environment. Forbes would advise any care operator that opting for Miele’s heat pump dryers, can significantly cut energy costs and optimise both energy and operational efficiency.

Our highly experienced account managers provide a consultative service with a complimentary site survey to help specify the right machine for each requirement. Whether clients choose to rent or purchase laundry appliances, Forbes Professional provides comprehensive services that include installation, commissioning, user training, and award-winning repair and maintenance support.

Forbes Advises on a Cost and Energy Efficient Choice for Care Homes

Yesterday, we had the honour of attending the ERT Awards at the iconic Grand Connaught Rooms in London, where we were thrilled to be a finalist for the Sustainability Award and to take home the Highly Commended Award for our consumer website. These recognitions are a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, values that have driven our company since our founding in 1926.


At the heart of our operations is a deep commitment to sustainability, an essential value that informs every decision we make. Consequently, being finalists in this category means a huge amount to us all. Our entire business approach centres on supporting the circular economy—a model that prioritises resource efficiency, increasing product longevity through multiple life cycles and incorporating responsible disposal practices. We are very selective about the manufacturers we partner with, ensuring they share our ESG focuses and produce high-efficiency appliances that minimise environmental impact. Our attention to sustainable practices benefits both our individual customers and our commercial clients, giving them access to appliances that meet high standards in energy efficiency, performance, and longevity.


Winning the Highly Commended Award for our consumer website yesterday was an especially meaningful achievement for us, marking our second website award in recent months following our recent Best Website Award at the IER Awards. Our website is a critical part of our business, serving as an informative and user-friendly resource. Our dedicated in-house content team has worked tirelessly to develop a site that is intuitive, accessible, and valuable for all users. With engaging blogs, video demonstrations, and clear navigation paths, our goal is to provide a seamless experience that helps consumers make informed decisions. From those seeking quick tips on laundry care to those seeking specific product information on our home appliances, we strive to create an online space where all visitors can find relevant, up-to-date content that’s easy to access and understand.


As a family business with nearly a century of history, we’re proud to blend traditional values with a forward-looking approach. Our ongoing commitment to high standards in sustainability and digital innovation reflects our passion for serving our community, staying connected with our heritage whilst looking toward the future with intention and care. These accolades are not just awards; they are milestones on our journey to continual improvement and a reminder of the impact we can make.


Receiving industry awards is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the hard work of our teams. We’re excited to carry this momentum forward as we continue to push boundaries in sustainable practices and digital innovation, always with our customers and the environment at the forefront of what we do. Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way.

Award

Forbes Recognised at the ERT Awards for Excellence in Sustainability and Digital Experience

We are thrilled to announce that Forbes has been shortlisted in two prestigious categories at this year's ERT Awards. 

At Forbes, we are now eagerly awaiting the ERT Awards on October 24th 2024. We are thrilled to have been shortlisted in two prestigious categories at this year's awards. Recognised for our commitment to excellence and responsibility, we are proud to be finalists  for Best Independent Electrical Retailer Website as well as Best Sustainable Independent Electrical Retailer.

Best Sustainable Independent Electrical Retailer

With regeneration at the core of our operations, we are proud to support the circular economy and to offer both customers and commercial clients and a more sustainable alternative to outright purchase. From our water and energy efficient products to our eco-conscious business initiatives, we are dedicated to minimising the environmental impact of both our business and our customers’ homes. Our inclusion in this category is a testament to our ongoing efforts to operate responsibly, ensuring that ESG is embedded into every aspect of our operations.

Best Independent Electrical Retailer Website- Forbes Rentals

At Forbes, we always strive to deliver an exceptional online experience for our customers from within both the both the commercial and consumer markets. As with our Forbes Professional website, our consumer website has been designed  to be user-friendly,  accessible and informative.

Whether customers are looking to rent the latest appliances, explore our extensive range of TVs, access our expert support or delve into our engaging blog, our website aims to offer a seamless experience. Being recognised in this category highlights our commitment to making high-quality products and services easily accessible through an intuitive and responsive platform.We are incredibly proud to be nominated for both of these awards, and grateful for such high-profile recognition from the electrical retail industry. Being shortlisted in these categories reflects our unwavering dedication to both customer satisfaction and sustainable business practices.

As we look forward to the ERT Awards ceremony on October 24th, we are hugely appreciative of our customers and partners for their continued support, as well as our dedicated team whose hard work has made these nominations possible.

awards

Forbes is Eagerly Anticipating the 2024 ERT Awards

At Forbes Professional, we offer tailored solutions that provide access to top-quality appliances with comprehensive service contracts.

At Forbes Professional, we understand that every industry has its unique demands when it comes to laundry and dishwashing equipment. From hospitals and care homes to hotels, universities, veterinary clinics, launderettes, and more, uninterrupted service is crucial to ensuring smooth operations. That’s why we offer tailored solutions to meet the specific requirements of each sector, providing access to top-quality machines alongside comprehensive service and maintenance contracts.

Tailored Equipment Solutions- Rent or Buy

Our flexible rental options allow clients to benefit from premium commercial laundry and dishwashing machines without the burden of large upfront costs. Rental agreements include both reactive and preventive maintenance, meaning there are no unexpected repair or replacement bills to worry about. With Forbes’ award-winning support, clients have the peace of mind that appliance breakdowns will be swiftly addressed, minimising operational disruptions.

For those preferring to purchase machines outright, we offer the same trusted service support, ensuring long-term efficiency and performance.

Comprehensive Maintenance for In-Situ Machines

Forbes Professional doesn’t just stop at supplying appliances. We also provide service and maintenance contracts for in-situ machines. This is an ideal solution for clients that are looking to minimise downtime without having to replace their existing equipment. With a Forbes service contract, clients gain access to our nationwide team of expert in-house engineers wh can deliver a same- or next-day response to breakdowns.

Ensuring Compliance and Safety

In all industries compliance with safety regulations is essential. Our service contracts can include preventive measures like annual gas safety checks and duct cleaning, which help clients meet health and safety requirements, including Regulation 35 of the Gas Safety Regulations 1998. These preventive services not only ensure compliance but also extend the lifespan of appliances, reducing both operational costs and environmental impact.

Nationwide Expertise and Support

We are proud to service leading brands such as Miele, IPSO, Heubsch, Primus, Girbau, and Speedqueen. Our nationwide network of engineers is always on hand to provide expert advice, whether it’s a routine maintenance check or an emergency repair. By working with Forbes, clients can be confident that their laundry and dishwashing equipment will remain fully operational and compliant with industry standards.

Flexible Service Solutions for Every Need

Whether you’re looking to rent, purchase, or simply need maintenance for existing equipment, Forbes Professional offers flexible and comprehensive service solutions for appliances.  With our proactive approach to maintenance and our award-winning support, we ensure that your machines are always operating efficiently and in full compliance with safety regulations.

Best Customer Service

Forbes’ Service Contracts Ensure Compliance and Operational Efficiency.

This summer, Forbes Professional was approached by Dan Newton, an entrepreneur with a vision to create a state-of-the-art launderette. 

 

Transforming a Vision into Reality with Forbes Professional

This summer, Forbes Professional was approached by Dan Newton, an entrepreneur with a vision to create a state-of-the-art launderette in Shepton Mallet. Dan envisioned a cutting-edge facility that not only provided premium laundry services but also delivered a seamless, high-tech experience for customers. To bring this vision to life, he partnered with Forbes Professional.

Tim Ledger, National Account Manager at Forbes, worked closely with Dan to ensure all his specific requirements were met. Tim commented: "It was a pleasure to help conceptualise Dan’s launderette. By combining our industry expertise with his entrepreneurial vision, we were able to create a highly user-friendly and efficient laundry facility for Shepton Mallet."

A thorough site survey was conducted by Tim, who then produced detailed, to-scale layout drawings in 3D renderings. Forbes also provided expert guidance on the plumbing and electrical requirements, installing all necessary services, including ducting, to ensure the facility was commissioned for safe and optimal use.

 

A key aspect of the project was the integration of an innovative contactless payment system. Forbes installed the Airwallet contactless payment solution, simplifying transactions with a one-step process to ensure a smooth and efficient customer experience. Additionally, an app-based system was incorporated, featuring tools like Happy Hour promotions and Loyalty discounts. These features allow for dynamic pricing strategies that can be scheduled in advance or adjusted in real-time, offering flexibility to attract and retain customers.

Forbes Professional’s support extends beyond the initial setup. We will provide ongoing maintenance for both the IPSO appliances and the payment systems, ensuring continuous efficiency. Our award-winning service response guarantees timely and effective solutions should any issues arise throughout the rental contract.

Dan’s launderette, now known as Splash Launderette, has been transformed into a modern, customer-friendly facility. With advanced payment and promotional technologies in place, customer satisfaction and loyalty are optimised. Splash will also benefit from our continued support, allowing it to deliver consistent, high-quality service to its clientele.

Reflecting on the project, Dan Newton, Owner of Splash Launderette, said: “From the moment I started looking at laundry equipment, Forbes has helped me turn an idea into a reality. The sales and installation teams have been available every step of the way, providing advice and support. The quality of equipment and the professionalism of the installation team have been second to none. I look forward to working with Forbes on many future projects.”

Dan's collaboration with Forbes Professional has not only brought his dream to life but also set a new benchmark for launderette services in the local community.

Commercial Laundry Equipment

Transforming a Vision into Reality with Forbes Professional

Forbes delivers innovative products with multi-award winning service support to a diverse and expanding client base.

Leading laundry, catering, TV & AV, and digital signage solutions provider. Offering commercial rent, lease and purchase options throughout the United Kingdom.

Forbes Professional | Your leading rental, leasing and purchase provider for Commercial and Industrial Laundry, Catering, TV, Audio Visual and Digital Signage.

We offer leading commercial rent, lease and purchase options throughout the United Kingdom for laundry, catering, TV & AV, and digital signage solutions.

A Leader in Commercial Laundry, Catering, TV & AV, and Digital Signage for Rent, Lease or Purchase.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022
Following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, all of us at Forbes continue to reflect upon this unique moment in history. In observance of the state funeral, we will be closed for the Bank Holiday on Monday, 19th September. We thank you for your patience as our staff pay their respects.

F Donald Forbes & Co Ltd T/A Forbes Professional

Gatton Park Business Centre, 7 Wells Pl, Merstham, Redhill RH1 3DR

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Forbes Advises on a Cost and Energy Efficient Choice for Care Homesself.__wrap_b(":R6clb93f6:",1)

Forbes Recognised at the ERT Awards for Excellence in Sustainability and Digital Experienceself.__wrap_b(":R6ctb93f6:",1)

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