About Us
Founded in 1999, Forward Education is your education supplies expert, giving you the confidence to perform and the expertise to achieve. With a focus on second-to-none service, quick delivery, and solutions that fit your school’s unique needs, we make managing your school supplies easy, efficient, and even a little bit fun. From stationery and exercise books, to cleaning supplies and furniture, we’ve got you covered - so you can focus on what matters most: inspiring the next generation!
Today, Forward Education is the supplier of choice for hundreds of schools and offices across the Midlands, and is still a family-owned and run company based in Bromsgrove, North Worcestershire.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support your school's success by offering world-class service to provide an unparalleled buying experience and make a positive impact on educational environments.
Where It All Started
Forward Products began when Nigel Francis noticed that schools were suffering from poor delivery of paper and stationery, often disrupting teaching and learning. He set out to offer a reliable service, and quickly built a loyal customer base who valued his dependability and fair pricing. As the company grew, this commitment to service remained central, becoming our core value: “World-Class Service. Always.”
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1999
Forward Products Founded
Started by Nigel Francis and his wife, supplying paper and
stationery to schools and colleges. -
2003-2005
The Family Business Grows
Nigel's three sons join Forward Products
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2006
The Start of Forward Furniture
Product range increased to include educational furniture.
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2006
Premises Expansion
Moved to a larger premises in Bromsgrove
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2008
John Knight Office Furniture Acquired
Forward Products acquired John Knight Office Furniture, enhancing the furniture ranges and capability
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2013
New ERP System Implemented
Allowing us to provide better stock management services
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2015-2018
Substantial Team Growth
The company grows its team to ensure our high class service can continue
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2019
The Start of Forward Hygiene
The product range is expanded to include cleaning and hygiene products and services for schools
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2022
Relocation, Relocation
Site relocation to a much larger Bromsgrove head office facility
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2024
Parkmere Acquisition
Parkmere is absorbed into our Forward Furniture brand, further growing our catalogue and expertise in educational furniture
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2025
Welcome to Forward Education
Same world class service, but a new name - putting our commitment to education at the forefront of our business.
What Makes Us Different
Our People
People are at the heart of our business; behind every quote, email, and phone call, there is a real person here to help you solve your problems and make your job easier.
Our Service
We invest in our own drivers to ensure you get your goods when you need them. Same day, next day, we can ensure your school is never left without the resources it needs.
Our Expertise
Experts in exercise books, cleaning and hygiene, and furniture. Our team of experts can solve your problems. From reducing costs to visualising your next furniture project within a 3D space.
Experts in...
Paper
The foundations of how Forward Education started, paper is always in stock in multiple weights and sizes. Available for same-day and next-day delivery.
Exercise Books
When it comes to exercise books, we can help with any option you may need. Handwriting lines, personalised covers - we can even split the orders into departments when delivered.
Stationery
With thousands of products available, from pens to rubber bands, we have everything a classroom needs. We can even do bespoke orders if you can't find what you are looking for. Just ask!
Cleaning & Hygiene
Our cleaning experts can not only obliterate those bathroom smells, but also save you money whilst doing so. Learn more about our cleaning services at the link below.
Furniture
From concept to completion, our bespoke furniture solutions transform school environments. With full project management and professional installation.