Managing Director
shaun wallbank
Shaun Wallbank – Managing Director has T.Forrest running through his veins. He is T.Forrrest.
After more than 40 years working for the business, starting out with his Mum, Dad and Grandad, he has been at the forefront of the business for the last 25 years.
Shaun was always destined to work at T.Forrest. Even at school, Shaun would offer his spare time to work for Mum and Dad. After leaving school at 16, Shaun went straight into working for the business.
He has worked across the board in every department. He knows every square inch of the business. From production, purchasing to maintenance of the buildings and machinery.
After Mr. and Mrs. Wallbank senior decided to retire Shaun took the helm and bought the family business to keep it in the next generation. Over its history, T.Forrest has experienced many highs and some lows and Shaun has been a big part of that.
Here’s what Shaun has to say.
describe a typical day in the office
I usually get to the office around 8.30 am. We are always accompanied by our dogs Bruno and Poppy, who love to have a run around the woods before we start work.
My day usually starts with a coffee and a quick catch-up with the teams. I like to know how things are looking for the upcoming days and weeks and what we can do to improve things.
I do get involved with everything! As a small team, it has to be like that. I need to make sure I’m aware of everything so we can put procedures in place to make our lives easier. This could consist of staff-related issues, procurement procedures, pricing structures to fixing machinery.
It can get pretty hectic, but we have a great team who are always 100% behind the business.
I love to see the family business thrive. There aren’t many family businesses with such a rich heritage.
To see the kids getting involved and showing a passion for the business is heartwarming. They remind me of myself when I first started. They have some great ideas for the future and it’s really exciting.
one interesting fact about you
Not many people know this but from a young age, I was a really good squash player. So good that I was playing in the senior tournaments at the age of 10.
what do you do in your spare time?
The Lake District is our go-to place to relax and unwind. It’s a stunning place with the most beautiful scenery to go and explore with the dogs. We try to get up there as much as we can.
We love being out on the water and what a place to spend time on the lakes. During the summer we take the boat up there and spend many hours enjoying the facilities.
The kids are even getting involved which is great as I get to spend time doing what I love with the people I love. The perfect weekend for me.
best piece of advice you have received
That’s a difficult one. Over the years I had some great advice and not-so-great advice.
One thing that has always stuck with me is “The more you put in the more you will achieve.”
