Meet The Team
Get to know the leadership team helping to shape the future of Apex. Discover their roles, experience, and vision for the business as we continue to build on more than 35 years of excellence in the fastener industry.
Managing Director
Steve Forbes
[Steve Forbes, Managing Director Apex Stainless Fasteners]
Role & Responsibilities: Steve Forbes is the Managing Director of Apex. He leads the organisation and, with the support of his leadership team, sets out the strategic direction for the business. His responsibilities also include ensuring Apex is a great place to work, as well as delivering excellent service to customers.
Time at Apex: Steve joined Apex as Managing Director in July 2025, bringing a fresh perspective and a wealth of leadership experience to the business.
Vision for Apex: Steve's vision is to grow the business sustainably, both organically and through acquisition, expanding in the UK market and abroad, underpinned by a culture of continuous improvement and customer-centricity.
Background, Career & Education: Steve brings a strong track record of leadership across multiple international roles. Most recently, he served as Group Managing Director at StH Group, a multinational plumbing and heating supplier to the trade market, where he oversaw rapid expansion of the business in both the UK and international markets.
Commercial Director
Gareth Whiteford
[Gareth Whiteford, Commercial Director Apex Stainless Fasteners]
Role & Responsibilities: Gareth Whiteford is the Commercial Director of Apex, leading the company's commercial strategy across sales and sourcing. He oversees sales, pricing governance, commercial enablement, key account development, sourcing and the supply chain, working cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Sourcing, Finance and Operations.
Time at Apex: Gareth is Apex's longest-serving full-time employee, having first joined in 1997 and completed more than 28 years of service, recently returning after 24 months at Bufab Group.
Vision for Apex: Gareth is focused on driving Apex's next stage of growth by first listening to its branches and customers, then aligning priorities across the business to build sustained momentum. His vision is one of a stronger, more customer-centric and commercially resilient Apex.
Background, Career & Education: Gareth joined Apex as a Sales Administration Apprentice in 1997 and has held numerous roles over three decades, spanning Sales, Operations, Marketing, and most recently as Global Category Manager and Regional Sourcing Director at Bufab.
Finance Director
Ed Wilson
[Ed Wilson, Finance Director Apex Stainless Fasteners]
Role & Responsibilities: As Finance Director, Ed Wilson oversees Apex's finances, monitors performance against targets throughout the year, and drives key financial decisions that shape the business's direction.
Time at Apex: Ed has been with Apex for 15 years, being appointed Finance Director in 2025. Before stepping into this role, he served as the company's Finance Manager for four years, from 2021.
Vision for Apex: My vision for Apex is to build a financially strong, sustainable business that continues to invest in its people, innovation and customer experience—ensuring we create long-term value for our customers, colleagues and stakeholders.
Background, Career & Education: Having joined Apex as a graduate, Edward has built his entire career with the company, progressing through a series of roles to become Finance Director. This journey has given him an unrivalled, inside-out knowledge of the business and a deep understanding of how the Company works.