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 the ground up.
ESCO Maritime Solutions
ESCO Maritime Solutions is a relatively new name, officially formed in April 2025 following the acquisition of Ultra Maritime by ESCO Technologies. Bringing together operations in the UK and the US, the organisation now sits within a broader aerospace and defence portfolio.
Each part of the business contributed something unique. ESCO brought its established engineering strength, while Ultra Maritime added specialist maritime capabilities. Together, they have created a more complete offering, filling a gap in the wider ESCO portfolio and strengthening its position in the defence sector.
Although ESCO Maritime Solutions had previously held Armed Forces Covenant status, the transition following acquisition meant starting again. Rather than seeing this as a setback, Mike describes it as an opportunity.
“It’s been our making. We’ve had to go back to basics and make sure we’re truly set up to support the Armed Forces community and to live up to the commitments we’re making.”
The Bronze Award Journey
One of the biggest surprises for Mike was how accessible the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award process was.
“It was structured, straightforward, and surprisingly easy to complete, but it also made us look hard at ourselves.”
The process prompted a full review of internal policies, particularly around support for veterans, reservists, and military families. With a new HR Director in place, the organisation used the opportunity to strengthen its foundations and identify areas for improvement.
Since signing the Covenant and achieving Bronze status, ESCO Maritime Solutions has seen a tangible cultural shift. Conversations around Armed Forces support are now happening more openly across the organisation. Employees with military connections have responded particularly positively.
More Than a Badge: What Bronze Really Means
For ESCO Maritime Solutions, achieving Bronze is not a tick-box exercise. It marks the beginning of a deliberate, structured journey to becoming a forces-friendly employer.
It represents:
● A clear statement of intent
● Validation of internal efforts
● A foundation for meaningful, long-term action
From strengthening policies to increasing awareness and visibility, the organisation is actively embedding its commitments into everyday practice.
From Bronze to Silver and Beyond
The journey doesn’t stop here. Over the next 12-24 months, ESCO Maritime Solutions has clear ambitions:
● Achieve Silver Award status
● Deepen and embed Armed Forces policies
● Expand internal engagement and awareness
● Grow recruitment pathways for the Armed Forces community
This includes building stronger links with organisations like the Career Transition Partnership and Forces Families Jobs, as well as exploring new initiatives such as insight days and mentoring programmes. The long-term goal is to be recognised as an employer where military-connected individuals can build meaningful, lasting careers.
The Value of Military Talent in the Workplace
One story perfectly illustrates the impact of Armed Forces experience in their workplace.
A veteran employee helped resolve a persistent operational issue affecting an engineering workflow. The problem wasn’t technical; it was organisational. Teams were working in isolation, communication was poor, and ownership was unclear.
Drawing on military experience, the individual:
● Mapped the workflow
● Identified pressure points
● Introduced daily stand-ups
● Clarified task ownership
● Implemented a simple visual tracking system
Within a week, the issue was resolved.
“They didn’t present themselves as the solution; it was just instinct. The result wasn’t just improved performance, teams felt more aligned, less frustrated, and more effective.”
Advice to Other Employers
Mike’s advice to organisations considering the Armed Forces Covenant is refreshingly practical.
1. Start simple: You don’t need to have everything in place. You just need intent to start.
2. Listen to your people: Those with military connections will show you where you can make the biggest impact.
3. Recognise the value: Military talent brings leadership, resilience and technical expertise.
4. Focus on small, meaningful actions: Review policies, raise awareness, and create space for conversation.
“I wish I’d known how straightforward it was. Bronze is about taking that first step. It helps you understand where you need to go.”
For ESCO Maritime Solutions, that first step has already sparked meaningful change. With strong foundations in place and a clear vision for the future, the organisation is well on its way to becoming a leading forces-friendly employer.
