Wirral Life July 2017 | Page 75

involvement & adventure challenge days that would support the apprentices throughout their chosen vocational qualification. The innovative success of the Apprenticeship Academy resulted in The Forshaw Group being awarded the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) SME Employer of The Year 2015, celebrating those who inspire our industry at the Pride of Construction Awards. We were also invited to the British Insurance Awards 2016 as part of the Aviva UK General Insurance team and won the Business Sustainability/Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year for the successful launch of the Insurance Industry National Apprenticeship Academy. Do you invest in people within your organisation? We are committed to the training and continued professional development of everyone involved in our business from our qualified team of surveyors and project managers, administration, accounts, restoration technicians to tradesman, apprentices and sub-contractors. We also have established working partnerships with The Chartered Institute of Building, The Construction Industry Training Board, City & Guilds, Apprenticeships UK, Sysco Business Skills Academy and Investors in People. The Forshaw Group are also accredited with The National Flood School, DisasterCare Platinum, Belfor, British Damage Management Association & Dewpoint Restoration Partners. We believe in the physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing of every member of staff and take part in regular social team building and adventure days including, sporting challenges, clay pigeon shooting and off-road quad biking. How do you see the future of The Forshaw Group? As we look towards our 70 year celebrations in 2018, we will continue to invest and innovate in all aspects of our infrastructure, technology, training, products, service and staff. We aim to retain the unique atmosphere and working environment that we believe has been so important in our success. We are currently developing our new head office premises in preparation for relocation and this purpose built development will house the latest trade skills, training centre, technologies and services for the future of an increasingly specialised industry. Since joining this fantastic industry via the CITB Youth Training Scheme in 1984 at the age of 16, I have always retained the strong work ethic, values and commitment that are evident in The Forshaw Group today. We are all excited by the prospect and possibilities for the future generations of The Forshaw Group. As a business, do you give something back to society? Yes. In 2000, we formed The Forshaw Group tri-4-life team and charitable fund. The tri-4-life team participate in many worldwide challenging sporting and community events to raise awareness of healthy living for young people, to encourage participation in Sports, Arts, Dance, Drama and Education whilst raising funds for many international, national, regional and local Charities & good causes. wirrallife.com 75