Charles Forte, Baron Forte (1908-2007), Businessman; President of Forte PLC

Sitter in 6 portraits
Italian-born hotelier; President of Forte PLC. Educated at Dumfries College after moving to Scotland with his family. He opened the first milk bar in in London in 1933 and expanded into catering and hotel businesses. A merger created Trusthouse Forte in 1970, of which he was Chief Executive from 1971 to 1978. The multi-billion pound business included the Little Chef roadside restaurant and Crest, Forte Grand, Travelodge and Posthouse hotels. He became Chairman of the company from 1982 when he was made a Life Peer. His son Rocco Forte became Chairman in 1992.