In The Forshaw Group’s 12 posts ‘til Christmas, we have been enjoying looking back on an amazing year! From breaking ground for WABC to addressing the skills gap, and winning at the Knowsley Business Awards, find out what 2025 had in store for The Forshaw Group:
January
We start at January, where we joined by local dignitaries, community, family and friends on Sunday 19 January at 10 am to witness the groundbreaking ceremony for the Wallasey Amateur Boxing Club’s new building.
The event was an opportunity to not only thank everyone who has supported the project so far and mark the start of the next stage in the construction of the new club building, but also to explain and demonstrate the role that the club has, through short presentations and sparring demonstrations.
The new club, with its modern facilities will ensure that Wallasey ABC remains relevant and able to provide the local community with a place to go to learn a fantastic sport.
February
Looking back to February, we promoted the way we support our apprentices and encourage pupils from local schools through our INS-PIRE Academy and our partnership with Knowsley Apprenticeship Partnership Scheme during National Apprenticeship Week 2025 around the theme of ‘Skills for Life’.
The Forshaw Group is committed to sharing its success and trade skills with the next generation. It is therefore helping to bring about positive change and bridge the increasing skills gap found in our industry. It has done so to great success since it started.
March
We look back to March, where we celebrated the women that operate across our workforce and within the construction industry not only on International Women’s Day, but every day.
With this year’s theme of #AccelerateAction, around breaking down barriers to gender equality, it is fitting for us to promote our commitment to increasing diversity by promoting gender equality, both internally and externally, with all our company does.
The Forshaw Group helps to enrol, train and support women who are interested in starting a job within the construction industry and help them achieve their goals. Many of our female members of staff are now progressing into leadership roles within the business.
April
Going back to April in The Forshaw Group’s 12 posts ‘til Christmas, The INS-PIRE Academy relaunched at an industry-wide collaborative event, which included representatives from the insurance and construction industries.
Held at The National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon, on 24 April 2025, the relaunch event provided an exciting opportunity for attendees to come together to create an important legacy for the construction industry.
Designed to bridge the growing skills gap, the INS-PIRE Academy is dedicated to supporting young people entering the industry, providing structured learning, training, and real-world experience tailored to insurance-related building and repair needs.
More than just a training initiative, INS-PIRE fosters collaboration between industry stakeholders, ensuring skilled professionals for the future.
Businesses interested in signing up to providing opportunities for apprentices and trainees alongside the INS-PIRE Academy’ aims, objectives and ethos of supporting the future should contact Liam Hanlon, who will help and guide businesses through the commitment charter:
INS-PIRE@theforshawgroup.com
May
Thinking back to May, we welcomed eight students from Kirkby High School for a week’s work experience. During their work experience with us they spent time with and learnt from various trades, including decorating, joining, plastering and plumbing.
This collaboration is part of our commitment to the Knowsley Schools Apprenticeship Partnership, which sees The Forshaw Group investing a lot of time in supporting and encouraging apprentices.
It is hoped that these youngsters will form part of our Attract:Train:Retain initiative, to address and bridge the growing skills shortage within the construction industry and ensure industry talent for the future.
June
Going back to June, where INS-PIRE apprentices and trainees take part in the first Enhancement Day of 2025. This was a Mountain Adventure Day, with the team tackling Blencathra, in the picturesque Lake District.
The challenge was to summit Blencathra and our managing director, Liam Hanlon, was one of the route guides.
It was a fantastic day, with some great achievements for those taking part. A number of those attending had never climbed a mountain before. Everyone achieved the summit and were rewarded with fantastic views.
July
We go back to July, where we were delighted to attend Kirkby High School. This was in order to congratulate the students who had successfully completed their work experience with our company.
Our collaboration with Kirkby High School, which partners with us for work experience and apprenticeship opportunities, coincides with our part in the Knowsley Schools Apprenticeship Partnership and the recently relaunched INS-PIRE Academy offering.
August
Back in August, we were extremely proud of one of its tilers, Darren Lahive, who abseiled down Liverpool’s Anfield football club stadium to raise money and awareness for Down’s Syndrome Association.
Darren successfully completed the 100ft descent down the side of Anfield stadium, passing the iconic Liverpool football club crest.
Darren set a target to raise £500 through his JustGiving page, but has now raised over £2,000 for Down’s Syndrome Association.
September
Looking back to September, our IT manager and ESG Champion for AI & Automation, Phil Barnes, successfully completed our Windows 11 asset integration.
This roll-out is part of a phased investment to upgrade and align our IT infrastructure and support our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments, making positive changes through our mission and values to better people, the community and the planet.
October
Back in October, we were proud to have launched the 2026 INS-PIRE Academy Apprenticeship Recruitment Campaign.
Over 50 Year 11 students from All Saints Catholic High School attended this initial introduction meeting, with Alex Hay, Head of Careers Services at All Saints Catholic High School and our managing director Liam Hanlon.
We hope to see members of the class of 2026 taking up the key roles required for the future of our industry.
November
Looking back on November, in The Forshaw Group’s 12 posts ‘til Christmas, Ben Scott, a BDMA claims technician, surveyor and project manager and our ESG Champion for Environment and Sustainability, had been proudly supporting the future of the business and industry.
Ben was pleased to recently attend the Subsidence Forum with our managing director, Liam Hanlon, where they listened to a presentation by Heidelberg Materials on the world’s first carbon-captured cement.
One of The Forshaw Group’s main clients was also interested in the reports Ben has been producing and the steps we have made to reduce our carbon production as a business.
December
In our final post of The Forshaw Group’s 12 posts ‘til Christmas, we are delighted to announce our win for Developing Future Skills at the Knowsley Business Awards!
The Knowsley Business Awards recognises and celebrates the fantastic achievements of businesses within Knowsley, supporting the community and highlighting positive change.
The Developing Future Skills award is designed to recognise the business that has done the most to promote opportunities in its sector, building the skills of the workforce of the future.
Speaking of The Forshaw Group’s success, our managing director, Liam Hanlon, says, “We are delighted to be presented with this award in Developing Future Skills. It acknowledges our passion for supporting young people into the construction industry and addressing the skills shortage.”
“What a fantastic evening celebrating employers from across the region. Congratulations once again to all the winners and nominees from this year’s Knowsley Business Awards, the future of our region, community and industries looks bright!”
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! See you in 2026!
For more information about The Forshaw Group follow us on X and LinkedIn.
