Thirteen companies across Wiltshire have been recognised for their commitment to supporting veterans and members of the Armed Forces community through employment. These organisations were recently awarded the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award at an awards ceremony held at Devizes Town Hall.
The award is part of a national programme that recognises employers who actively support the Armed Forces by employing at least one member of the defence community and promoting a positive environment for service personnel, veterans, and their families.
The businesses in Wiltshire receiving the Silver Award include:
WBL Services Ltd
Intel Corporation (UK) Ltd
Whiteflare Ltd
Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon & Wiltshire ICB
MilUX Ltd
The Armed Forces Equine Charity
AXIAH Ltd
Voluntary Action Swindon
Aspire Defence Limited
Regent’s Park Healthcare Limited
Resilient Operations
Cervus Defence & Security Ltd
Armishaws Removals
Among them, Armishaws Removals, which operates depots in Wincanton and Salisbury.
A spokesperson for Armishaws expressed pride in the company’s continued commitment to employing ex-service personnel, commenting: “We’re delighted to support and receive our second award from the Employment Recognition Scheme. A number of our staff are ex-service personnel, and they’re an integral part of our team. We encourage other regional employers to get involved in the ERS and sign the Armed Forces Covenant – it’s a simple process that brings you into a network of like-minded organisations.”
Speaking at the ceremony, the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Troughton, praised the recipients for their remarkable achievements and contributions, noting, “it is with great pride that I give out all of the awards tonight. There are thousands of Cadets in the South West, supported by thousands of adult volunteers, so to you, and the Reservists, and the companies who employ adult volunteers and reservist, I thank you sincerely for being involved.”
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme continues to play a crucial role in fostering relationships between the Armed Forces and local businesses, ensuring that the contributions of Defence personnel are acknowledged and valued.
Alongside employers, Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers were awarded His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificates for Meritorious Service, recognising their outstanding contributions to the Defence community. Four Cadets were appointed as Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets for Wiltshire for the coming year. A Chief of the General Staff Commendation was presented and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers were recognised for long service with the presentation of Cadet Force Medals and Clasps.
The awards ceremonies, organised by Wessex RFCA on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant, celebrate exceptional contributions to the Reserve and Cadet Forces in the Wessex region. These prestigious awards acknowledge the dedication of individuals and organisations that support military readiness and community engagement. By honouring excellence in leadership and service, the event promotes appreciation for the vital role of Reserve and Cadet Forces in both local and national contexts, strengthening the bond between the military and the communities they serve.
The ERS Silver Award recognises organisations that actively support Defence personnel and have undergone rigorous assessment by the tri-Service Regional Employer Engagement Board.
To discover how your business can support the Armed Forces community, please contact Regional Employer Engagement Directors Jon Beake at wx-reed@rfca.mod.uk or Emily Kadoch at wx-reed2@rfca.mod.uk.
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