23 Scottish employers have received a top award from the Ministry of Defence for their outstanding support for the Armed Forces.
- Animo et Fide Ltd.
- Connect Driver Solutions Ltd.
- Fares4Free
- Green Cross Training Ltd.
- Lady Haig Poppy Factory
- Loganair
- MERT International Ltd.
- Mister Singh’s India
- Officers’ Association Scotland
- Prime Secure
- Scotia Surface Hardening Company Ltd.
- Skyrora Limited
- St Andrews Timber & Building Supplies (EAST)
- MGA Academy of Performing Arts
- Brodie Engineering
- Burness Paull LLP
- Edinburgh College
- Elprosys UK Ltd.
- Iron and Pine
- Lothians Veterans’ Centre
- Vigilant Security (Scotland) Ltd., T/A Croma Vigilant
- Menzies Aviation
- Primal Adventures
17 of the recipients were presented with the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award by General Officer Scotland Major General Bill Wright CBE at the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle on 20 October 2022. David Tanner, the renowned Scottish journalist, compèred the evening.
The following 14 organisations had their Silver ERS Award revalidated, demonstrating their long-term commitment to the Defence community.
- Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce
- City Cabs (Edinburgh)
- Glasgow City Council
- Mortgage Advice Bureau
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
- North Ayrshire Council
- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
- Scottish Prison Service
- South Ayrshire Council
- The University of Glasgow
- NHS Borders
- David MacBrayne Limited
- South Lanarkshire Council
- Currie European Limited
Serenaded by music from the Royal Marines Band Scotland, the guests were celebrated for their willingness in supporting their employees who have served or continue to serve in the Services.
The prestigious accolade is the second-highest badge of honour available to organisations that employ and support Reservists, service leavers, Veterans and their families.
Each Silver Award winner has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a commitment to supporting Defence through services, policy and projects.
Employers have gone above and beyond with their support through engaging with initiatives such as employing veterans, supporting individuals transitioning out of the Armed Forces into a new career and providing flexibility for Reservists.
On receiving the Silver ERS award, Loganair’s Maurice Boyle (Chief Operations Officer), said: ‘Loganair recognises the skills, experience, and values that are instilled in members of the Armed Forces which are the positive traits that Loganair recognises as desirable in the safety and time critical environment of running an Airline.
‘Our Engineering and Flight Operations teams already employ significant numbers of veterans and active Reservists, and we are keen to welcome more into our company.’
Burness Paul LLP, one of Scotland’s top commercial law firms, also received the award. Tamar Tammes, a Managing Partner at the firm, said: ‘We are delighted to have been awarded Silver ERS status. Respect and inclusion is at the heart of who we are as a law firm and as an employer and we are committed to equality of opportunity for all.
‘Our recruitment and employment policies ensure that Reservists, veterans and their families are supported through their careers. We’re committed to being a business that recognises individuality, creating a culture where all of our people can succeed.’
With a personal connection to the Armed Forces, Dumfries and Galloway-based construction company Iron & Pine Ltd. were particularly pleased to win the award. Luke Mazs, Director and Owner of Iron & Pine, said: ‘As a veteran myself, I know the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and I am delighted that Iron & Pine is able to offer opportunities to other members of the Armed Forces Family who are embarking on their own journey.
‘I am absolutely delighted that Iron & Pine has earned the Silver award through the Employer Recognition Scheme. We remain dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces Family, and look forward to furthering our involvement over the coming years.’
Colonel Ted Shields MBE DL, Chief Executive of Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, said:
‘I congratulate and thank all our Lowland Silver Award winners on their commitment to our Service personnel and Cadets. The superb support these businesses and organisations freely offer and deliver to all those in the Defence community is second to none and hugely valued. I cannot thank them enough.’
To find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme, click here.
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