We want to say a big congratulations to all our 2026 Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award recipients across the West Midlands. These organisations have gone above and beyond in their support for the Armed Forces community, helping to create more forces-friendly workplaces and recognising the values that Reservists, Veterans, the Cadet movement, military families and service leavers bring. There are 31 Silver Award…
Every month, we are shining a light on employers across the West Midlands who are going above and beyond to support the Armed Forces community. These stories offer a valuable insight into what it means to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. This month, we spoke to Jon Sykes, Veteran and Partnerships Coordinator at Serve and Protect Credit Union. Serve and Protect Credit Union…
On Friday 10th April, Black Onyx Academy proudly delivered its first Operation Mindset workshop, designed to highlight the importance of communication, teamwork, and resilience among young people in the local community. As a veteran-led organisation, Black Onyx Academy is deeply committed to passing on the valuable skills and experiences gained through service to the next generation. The session saw fantastic engagement throughout the…
Every month, we will be shining a spotlight on employers across the West Midlands who are going above and beyond to support the Armed Forces community. These stories offer valuable insight into what it means to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. This month, we’ve spoken to Mike Sykes of ESCO Maritime Solutions, a business that is rebuilding its Armed Forces Covenant journey from…
“Transitioning from military life to a civilian career can feel daunting, especially when you’re unsure how your experience will translate.” Squadron Leader Luke Horobin, a senior leader at The Phoenix Collegiate, shares his journey from a military to civilian career with us. In the article below, he talks about the qualifications he has since gained, and why having the support of his employer…
ESCO Maritime Solutions proudly hosted a public signing ceremony to formalise its pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant, reinforcing its dedication to supporting members of the UK Armed Forces community. The event, held at ESCO’s headquarters, brought together senior leadership, employees, and representatives from the Ministry of Defence to witness the company’s commitment to ensuring fair treatment and opportunity for those who serve,…
On 23rd October 2025, nineteen organisations from across the wider West Midlands region gathered in Shropshire to receive their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards, acknowledging their outstanding support for the Armed Forces community. The prestigious ceremony took place once again at Lilleshall House and Gardens – home to one of the UK’s National Sports Centres and the Royal British Legion’s Battle…
More than 200 employers from across the UK – spanning FTSE 100 companies, emergency services, local councils and high street names – have been recognised with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award for their exceptional commitment to the Armed Forces community. The Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for employers who go above and beyond in supporting Defence and…
Thirteen Herefordshire businesses signed the Armed Forces Covenant at NMITE’s sixth annual Military to Business Showcase in the summer. As sponsors of the event it was inspiring to see such a high number of Armed Forces Covenant signings. The event provided a space to connect the military community with potential civilian employers and educational opportunities. Over 250 attendees had the opportunity to visit…
Over 100 guests gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to celebrate thirty-six regional employers who have gained a prestigious award presented to them on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. Hosted by the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (WM RFCA), the forces-friendly employers were presented with their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for demonstrating exceptional support towards…
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