forefront forefront /ˈfɔrˌfrənt/

noun

1. The position of greatest importance or advancement; the leading position in any movement or field  ( forefront , vanguard , cutting edge )
   the position of greatest importance or advancement; the leading position in any movement or field
    The Cotswolds were once at the forefront of woollen manufacturing in England
   the Cotswolds were once at the forefront of woollen manufacturing in England
    The idea of motion was always to the forefront of his mind and central to his philosophy
   the idea of motion was always to the forefront of his mind and central to his philosophy
   
2. The part in the front or nearest the viewer  ( forefront , head )
   the part in the front or nearest the viewer
    He was in the forefront
   he was in the forefront
    He was at the head of the column
   he was at the head of the column