Every month, we shine a light on employers across the West Midlands who are going above and beyond to support the Armed Forces community. These stories provide valuable insight into what it means to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. This month, we spoke to Traffix, a leading temporary traffic management and events management company.
Operating from three strategically positioned depots across Central England, Traffix provides traffic management for complex infrastructure schemes, construction projects, highway maintenance, utilities, and high-profile events such as Birmingham Pride.
“We have a wide variety of work. A big part of what we do is traffic management for events. We work on several football clubs, festivals and events, so there’s a real variety in the work we do. The football clubs we work with, as well as our directors and wider workforce, are all made up of people from mixed backgrounds.”
Traffix was founded in 2006 with a mission to do things differently. The Traffix way is the family way.
“We’re completely unique and different, not just in the work that we do, but in the values we bring to our staff. We have a one-to-one, open-door policy, and we really care about our people and their families.
“We offer a support network not just for our staff, but for their wider families as well, and that’s where I think we’re different. We’re not just employers who expect people to clock in and clock out. Anyone can approach any of our directors, and we’re always here to listen and offer support.”
Traffix and the Armed Forces Covenant
Director of Operations Vinnie comes from a military background, as do his brother and the company’s Health and Safety Executive. Around ten years ago, the business found itself asking the same question: how can we better support veterans and Reservists?
“We did some research and contacted a Major, who was fantastic in guiding, helping and supporting us through joining the Armed Forces Covenant. Without that support, we’d have been lost. Speaking to soldiers and sitting down with their families is one thing, but getting on that first step of the ladder is another. The support Sam Brittle has given us, right up to today, has been invaluable throughout the whole process.”
Being ex-forces themselves means Vinnie and others within the organisation understand the broad range of skills Reservists and veterans bring to the workplace.
“Reservists are fantastic. They bring punctuality, professionalism, attention to detail, communication skills and the ability to liaise with clients. We’ve had people like Prince William turn up at Aston Villa, as everyone knows he’s a big fan, and the first people these VIP guests see are our Traffix team. So appearance and attention to detail are really important. Whether they’re speaking to VIPs or members of the public, they know how to deal with the situation straight away and provide support and advice.”
Traffix’s Journey to Gold
It took Traffix seven years to achieve Gold in the Employer Recognition Scheme. Vinnie believes that’s a positive thing because organisations shouldn’t see it as just another award to display on their website.
“It’s important that the process isn’t a quick fix. You have to demonstrate what you do and put a lot of work and effort into it. For me, it’s more than worth it.”
Traffix hasn’t just achieved Gold; they’ve also encouraged other businesses to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.
“Our advice is that getting to where you want to be takes hard work and commitment. You’ll need continued support throughout the process. It takes time, but it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Supporting Forces and Families
The Employer Recognition Scheme doesn’t end once an organisation achieves Gold. Employers must continue supporting Reservists, veterans, volunteers and military families. Traffix understands that commitment and ensures its people are well looked after.
“Some people who joined us from other companies had to take annual leave or weren’t paid when attending Reservist duties. We don’t do that. They keep their annual leave, and we pay them when they need time off for Reservist training and activities.”
Thank you to Traffix for going the extra mile to support veterans, Reservists and other members of the Armed Forces community. Gold Award holders proactively advocate for and support Defence, demonstrating their commitment through established policies and by championing the Armed Forces community both within their organisation and across the wider community.
Are you thinking about signing the Armed Forces Covenant? Or are you looking to take the next step towards Silver or Gold in the Employer Recognition Scheme? If you’d like to find out more, please click here.
