BUSINESSES across the South West that have shown an unwavering commitment to hiring veterans have been recognised at a special ceremony.

19 businesses in total were handed Gold Awards at the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Awards held by the Wessex Reserves Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) at Longleat House last Thursday, November 21.

The scheme aims to encourage employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same.

The awards ceremony recognised organisations that have demonstrated outstanding support and commitment to the Armed Forces community, reflecting a growing acknowledgement of the invaluable contributions made by service members and veterans.

A Wessex RFCA spokesperson said: “This year, 19 businesses were awarded the Gold Award for their exemplary initiatives and programmes aimed at creating a supportive environment for military personnel, veterans, and their families.”

The following organisations were honoured with a Gold Award:

•    4C Strategies
•    Blacktree Technologies Ltd
•    Bootnecks in2 Business CIC
•    Day 1 People Limited
•    DSET Ltd
•    Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP
•    Infrastar Ltd
•    Livewell South West
•    North Somerset Council
•    Plymouth Citybus
•    Ruddy Nice Ltd
•    Sanderson Government & Defence Limited
•    South Central and West Commissioning Support Unit
•    Squarcle Consulting Ltd
•    Strongmind Resiliency Training Limited
•    The MLT Group
•    Turn to Starboard
•    University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
•    University of Exeter

Lieutenant General Eastman said: “The Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award represents the highest standard of commitment to those who serve, whether they are veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, or military families.

“Your dedication, encouragement and respect make a world of difference to these individuals and to our communities.

“This award is not given lightly; it is earned through a steadfast dedication to integrating Armed Forces members into the workplace and creating an environment where they can thrive.

“Your organisations have demonstrated real leadership, embracing values like teamwork, resilience and integrity, that the Armed Forces community embodies.

“Thank you for your commitment, generosity and your vision and congratulations on this well-deserved award.”

Andrew King, CEO of Day 1 People, said: “Our work in the defence sector is supported by the knowledge and experience of the armed forces community and we value the unique skills they contribute to the industry.

“We are dedicated to supporting ex-military personnel, their spouses, reservists, and cadet force adult volunteers.

“Aware of the challenges they face, we strive to support the armed forces community in many ways.

“Beyond this, we are proud advocates, committed to promoting the significance of this community.

“Receiving the Gold Award in recognition of our support is an honour, and we will continue to build on our support in the future.”

Armed Forces co-ordinator of North Somerset Council, Garry Hawkes said: “Gaining the Gold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award is a significant event for us because it shows that we value the contributions of the Armed Forces community to our society.

“As an organisation, we believe it’s important to recognise and support both our community and our employees who are part of the Armed Forces family.

“We appreciate their skills and abilities and encourage our partners to do the same.

“We are proud to support the Employer Recognition Scheme because it highlights our commitment to the Armed Forces community, both as an employer and a service provider.

“This award is important to us as it allows us to practically demonstrate our support for the Armed Forces community and cadet forces within our workforce and the public we provide services for.”

The event not only celebrated the achievements of these organisations but also reinforced the importance of fostering a culture of understanding and support for those who serve and have served in the military, Wessex RFCA said.

Wessex RFCA encourages all businesses to consider how they can engage with the Armed Forces community and join the growing network of organisations that are committed to making a difference.

For more information about the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and how your organisation can get involved, contact the Regional Employer Engagement Directors Jon Beake at wx-reed@rfca.mod.uk and Emily Kadoch at wx-reed2@rfca.mod.uk