Change at the top at HT Forrest

LANCASHIRE construction and services group Herbert T Forrest has appointed Lee McCarren as chief executive to drive its growth plan.

Mr McCarren, who joins from Manchester’s Bardsley Construction, is the first non-family member in 54 years to lead the Preston-based group.

Forrest, which in 2008 grew its turnover 20% to £45m, said in July it had won £50m in contracts in the social housing sector, has been targeting the Midlands, Yorkshire and the North East for growth in recent years.

Mr McCarren said: “I’m honoured to have been appointed. Coming from another family-run business, I am aware of the strong values that Forrest has and I intend to continue growing the company in the manner that retains these values and I am very excited about working with the team to ensure they continue to be successful.

“The company’s scale, skills and track record make it a perfect partner for public sector organisations looking for best value, customer-focused support.”

Former chief executive Tim Forrest, who has been at the helm since 1993, will remain on the board of directors, but will focus more of his time on his passion for promoting training and skills development within the construction industry.

He said: “Lee has a strong operational background in construction, especially in the education and new-build housing sectors and he brings a vast amount of industry experience to the company.”

In the last two months alone the company has won contracts with Salford City Council, Contour Housing, Leeds Federated Housing, Connect Housing, Lancashire County Council and the State of Guernsey among others.