An engineering company is in advanced talks to open a new arm of its business – on the Mediterranean island of Malta.
Forth, which has three bases in Cumbria, was approached by the Maltese government after officials saw impressive examples of innovation on the company’s social media channels.
Managing Director Mark Telford and Projects Director Graham Cartwright were invited to meet a delegation of government officials to discuss the opportunity.
Mark, who established Forth 25 years ago, said: “Malta is small – but it packs a massive punch when it comes to ambition, foresight, and a willingness to make things happen.
“When we were first contacted by Malta Enterprise via email, we thought little of it – but agreed to an online call, during which they said enough to make us curious.
“We learned a lot during our time on the island, particularly about subsidies available to entice the type of business they are targeting.
“It is now our belief that we can create a successful operation on the island that has a meaningful impact on the local economy, brings Forth’s inimitable solutions-focused approach to an additional territory, and plays a role in the wider growth ambitions of the business.
“We are moving the conversation forward at pace, and Forth Malta Ltd could be a legal entity with a fair (Mediterranean) wind by summer.”
Malta Enterprise, the Maltese government’s official agency for business support and investment promotion, plays a pivotal role in attracting foreign investment and fostering economic growth on the island.
Malta’s economy is classified as advanced by the International Monetary Fund, with a GDP per capita of $41,738, compared to $52,423 in the UK.
Key economic strengths include its strategic Mediterranean location, an open-market economy, a multilingual workforce, and thriving finance and ICT sectors.
Major international companies operating in Malta include Playmobil, which has had a manufacturing presence since 1970; STMicroelectronics, a global leader in semiconductors; and Lufthansa Technik, which has bolstered Malta’s aviation services sector since 2003.
Forth has three bases in Cumbria: Flimby, Cleator Moor, and Barrow-in-Furness.
The company specialises in bespoke engineering solutions, serving industries including nuclear, oil and gas, and renewables. The Forth team works closely with industry leaders to tackle complex challenges through innovative technology.
Their expertise includes nuclear decommissioning, deep-water recovery, inspection services, and renewable energy projects.
The process in Malta has now reached the legal and financial due diligence stage, with work underway to ensure any agreement is correctly constituted.
Next steps, once paperwork has been signed, will include the recruitment of a managing director to oversee operations, along with an initial team of up to four colleagues.
Mark – who was alo joined on the trip by Senior Project Engineer Joshua Oakes – envisages a one-team approach when the new business starts trading, with Cumbria- and Malta-based colleagues spending time working at both sites.
He also plans to install a ‘portal’ at both locations to stream live footage, encouraging team bonding and collaboration.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for the team at Forth,” Mark said. “We have the opportunity to take our innovative approach to engineering, along with our sustainable employment model, and make a meaningful impact in a country that is willing to invest in business infrastructure and create opportunities.”
