Meet Patrick Curtis – The Forklift

Whisperer

For over 50 years, Patrick Curtis has been a well-known figure in the forklift industry across the East Midlands, including Nottingham and the surrounding areas. Known by many names—Patrick, Pat, Dad, Grandad—but most famously, the Forklift Whisperer, Patrick’s journey began in a rather unexpected place as an apprentice tailor. It didn’t take long for him to realise that his skills were better suited to the mechanics of machinery than to the fine details of tailoring.

In 1992, Patrick launched his own business, quickly becoming a trusted name in the forklift community throughout the East Midlands. Fast forward to 2017, a bout with cancer prompted him to pass the business torch to his son. However, his plan to “definitely retire” didn’t quite stick. The familiar scent of oil, gas, and diesel proved too enticing, and Patrick found himself back in the workshop, realising that life under the same roof as his wife Elaine wasn’t quite as thrilling as tinkering with forklifts!

Specialising in electric forklift trucks, Patrick isn’t just an engineer—he’s an oracle of all things lifting. With the wisdom of an old wizard and a vast reservoir of knowledge, he remains the go-to expert for forklift-related issues in Nottingham and beyond. Whether diagnosing a tricky problem or sharing tales from the good old days, Patrick brings his unique blend of expertise and humour to every task.

Though he briefly flirted with the idea of retirement, the call of the forklifts was too strong to resist. Patrick Curtis, the Forklift Whisperer, continues to be a vital part of the team, offering his invaluable experience and good-natured wit to clients across the East Midlands.