History

Our story so far….

Forbes Group’s story began in 1982 after Peter and Vivien Graville recognised the potential for table skirting and conference cloths in the European hospitality industry. Hotel staff used to spend valuable time pinning linen into pleats to dress banqueting tables; one Park Lane, London hotel was spending £35,000 per year on green baize cloth for its conference tables.

From the garage of their Surrey home, the Gravilles began dispatching table skirting (ready-pleated fabric that attaches to the table edge by means of plastic clips) and machine-washable sueded conference cloths. Their market spread from hotels and restaurants to the National Health Service, HM Forces, universities, sports venues, industry, the City, blue-chip companies and charities. With a go-ahead attitude to trading in Europe, the Gravilles soon had offices in Holland, France and Germany, then Benelux and Spain.

In 1992, the Gravilles left Surrey and relocated to Herefordshire. A new factory was built on Leominster’s Industrial Estate in 1994, where production continues today. The manufacture of aluminium-framed banqueting furniture began the same year, a response to demand from existing clients, and an entirely logical move. Our name change to Forbes Group in 2010, reflected the merger of our Forbes Furniture division with our textile business.

In 2009, we became the sole European distributor of the hospitality equipment range of Forbes Industries (US). The similarity of name is purely coincidental, but the range of Forbes Industries’ luggage carts, housekeeping trolleys, room service equipment, mobile bars, podiums and lecterns perfectly complements our own.

For over thirty years therefore, Forbes Group has been serving worldwide venues through the manufacture and supply of quality products designed to support professionals in the hospitality industry. Today, we proudly offer a one stop shop for our clients’ furniture, fabric and equipment needs.

We are delighted to work with some of the most highly distinguished names in our sector, but Forbes Group was founded on good service and this remains our priority. Whether yours is a multi-national chain of hotels or a village pub, we aim to afford you the same understanding and attention to detail.

Our job is to make your job easier, quicker and more efficient. How can we help you?