An engineering company is preparing for a year of significant growth and expansion to complement an increase in demand for its bespoke services, creating job roles within the community. Purchase orders for work carried out by Cumbrian-based engineering specialists Forth are flooding in and the increase in workload will lead to the creation of new jobs and further collaborative work opportunities with local companies.

The company provides bespoke solutions to problem statements across all industries, particularly nuclear, oil and gas and renewables, and is making significant inroads into the agriculture and utilities sectors.

Mark Telford, Forth’s Managing Director, said: “2023 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for Forth, and it is always pleasing to have a healthy order book at this point of the year so we can plan ahead to ensure all work is carried out to the very highest standard.

“There’s many exciting and innovative projects in the pipeline with long-established clients and new ones, and we are proud of our reputation of successfully providing world-first solutions to industry problems, no matter what they may be.

“One of the most pleasing benefits of the extra workload is that we are in a position to create direct job opportunities in the local area to help us fulfill our order book, and also provide further unique work for a wider network of Cumbrian SMEs through collaboration.

“Not only are we passionate about keeping jobs in Cumbria, we also want to bring as many new employment opportunities and pioneering projects to the county to further boost the local economy.”

A major project Forth is currently working on in collaboration with other local firms is the construction, and subsequent demolition, of a replica of part of the Pile 1 chimney at Sellafield to test if the new methods can be successfully, and safely, used for the final demolition job in years to come.

Forth, which is facilitating the work at its base on Leconfield Industrial Estate in Cleator Moor, is working to bring similar projects to the county in 2023 which will bring numerous benefits to the community.

As an increased workload will demand, numerous job vacancies will be created at the company and Forth is looking to facilitate new jobs through various avenues.

In addition to recruiting new staff through the more traditional methods, the company has recently introduced its own tailored apprenticeship programme, in partnership with Lakes College, which will see a yearly intake of young people learn their trade within the business.

Forth has also started internal training courses to upskill its current workforce.

Mark said: “We’re always on the lookout for talented people who are a good fit for the business and share the company’s ambitions. Often, we see a spark in people and understand they may need development and training in certain areas, and we are happy to provide that to help people progress as professionals, as well as socially.

“It’s important that staff members feel valued and we believe that providing professional development helps motivate staff, and that in turn benefits the business in the long run.

“We run an extensive work experience programme to run alongside our newly launched apprenticeship scheme because we want to provide job opportunities to all people, particularly those just starting out in their careers.”

Community is at the heart of all Forth does, and the company regularly donates time and money to help local causes and organisations.

Forth will be at the forefront of plans to help reinvigorate Whitehaven Marina in the coming year, with new initiatives for the town set to significantly boost tourism to West Cumbria.