The Forshaw Group is delighted to announce that it has not only won Employer of the Year at the Merseyside Independent Business Awards, but the company was also awarded the accolade of the overall winner of the evening.
Held on Thursday 15 October 2026 at the stunning Rum Warehouse, Titanic Hotel, Liverpool, the Merseyside Independent Business Awards (MIB Awards) champions independent businesses across the Liverpool City Region.
Celebrating entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, resilience, and community impact, the Employer of the Year award recognises the business that has done the most to promote opportunities in its sector, building the skills of the workforce of the future.
The success of these initiatives is built on a decade of collaboration with industry partners, many of whom could otherwise be regarded as competitors. The trust, openness and cooperation demonstrated across a network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a testament to the culture and ethos of the Knowsley Schools Partnership and the INS-PIRE Academy. By putting shared purpose ahead of individual business interests, these partnerships are helping to create meaningful opportunities for young people and secure the future of the industry.
It was an honour for The Forshaw Group’s managing director, Liam Hanlon, to share the stage with Karen Owens, managing director of Structec Ltd, in recognition of what has been achieved through this collective effort.
The Forshaw Group was also awarded the honour of being chosen from the list of finalists as the overall Independent Business of the Year, selected by the judging panel of respected and experienced Liverpool-based professionals from across a wide range of sectors.
Leading the way
Based in Knowsley, The Forshaw Group works with leading national insurance companies and loss adjusters to renovate commercial and residential properties damaged by fire or flood across the North West.
Having been an ‘Investors in People’ recognised company since 2000, The Forshaw Group is dedicated to progressing its staff, to enhance inclusion, diversity and development across the business. In line with this commitment to making positive changes, through the company’s mission and values to better people, the community and the planet, members of our Senior Leadership Team have been nominated as champions within the business to embody all aspects of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).
In order to continue to attract, train and retain the talent for the future, The Forshaw Group fosters a commitment to the Knowsley Schools and Colleges Apprenticeship Partnership, providing work experience opportunities and supporting and encouraging apprentices through partnerships with local schools including All Saints Catholic High School and Kirkby High School.
Through its own apprentice training academy, The Forshaw Group has helped attract over 100 students into apprenticeships in skilled trades, including building, restoration and renovation, engineering, decorating and loss adjusting across the region, and also into office and restoration roles at its company.
The Forshaw Group fosters collaboration between industry stakeholders, promoting the importance of businesses supporting one another in developing and retaining these skills over the coming years, and ensuring skilled professionals for the future.
The Forshaw Group is also committed to supporting causes and events locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, for the good of people, the community and planet.
This includes being a key driving force behind INS-PIRE Academy, a national initiative founded in 2015 to bridge the growing skills gap in the construction industry. It is dedicated to supporting young people entering the industry, providing structured learning, training, and real-world experience, for careers in specific trades or multi-trade roles tailored to insurance-related building and repair needs, to over 1,000 young people across the UK.
Speaking of the company’s outstanding success
The Forshaw Group’s managing director of The Forshaw Group, Liam Hanlon, says, “We are delighted to be presented with the Employer of the Year award, and we could not believe it when we were awarded the overall Independent Business of the Year. To be honoured in this way, it acknowledges our passion for supporting and training not only our team, but the workforce of the future, addressing the skills shortage in the construction industry.
“These awards are a recognition of what can be achieved when businesses leave their egos at the door and work together to do what is right for the young people in our community and the sustainability of our future.
“With 75 years in business, we are committed to making positive change. We are proud as a business to invest in our team, equipping our staff with the necessary skills they need to develop their career, supporting both skill development and long-term sustainability. Our dedicated training academy helps us to achieve this, raising aspirations, and also providing opportunities for young people to undertake work experience, placements and internships.
“What a fantastic evening celebrating businesses and employers from across the region. Congratulations once again to all the winners and nominees from this year’s Merseyside Independent Business Awards, the future of our region, community and industries looks bright!”
For more information about The Forshaw Group follow us on X and LinkedIn.
