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Celebrating 100 Years of Forbes: A New Year Message from Forbes Rentals

As we welcome 2026, we proudly celebrate one of the greatest milestones in our history: 100 years of the Forbes Group.

Our story began in 1926 when Frederick Donald Forbes turned a passion for early electronics into a trusted local service repairing electrical appliances for his community. That entrepreneurial spark laid the foundation for what has grown into a national organisation comprising two unified pillars: Forbes Rentals and Forbes Professional.

Under the leadership of Donald’s sons, Malcolm and Stuart Forbes, the business expanded into appliance and television rental at a time when technology was rapidly evolving and often financially out of reach for the average household. Renting provided flexibility, affordability, and peace of mind – and Forbes became a name synonymous with dependable service.

Today, Forbes Rentals proudly serves households across the UK, offering sustainable, modern rental solutions backed by centralised operations, a nationwide engineering network, and group-wide values shared with our commercial division, Forbes Professional. Though different in focus, both pillars remain deeply connected through a commitment to service and a shared infrastructure that has evolved over a century.

We are proud to remain a family business, with members of the third generation working across a variety of roles throughout the company, continuing the legacy of service established by our founder.

Forbes Rentals continues to support households across the UK with flexible, fully maintained rental solutions backed by centralised operations and regional expertise. Though national in scale, the business remains family-run, with third-generation members contributing across various roles.

Reflecting on the milestone, Stuart Forbes, Chairman, said:

“My father taught us that service is about people, not products. His belief in long-term relationships and genuine customer care has carried this company through 100 years of change. Those principles remain central to everything we do.”

Our heartfelt thanks go to all of our incredible colleagues – many of whom have been with us for decades and whose dedication continues to define who we are.

To every customer who has invited Forbes Rentals into their home over the years – thank you for your trust, loyalty and support.

Here’s to 100 years of trusted service, and to the future.