A little over a year on from a successful inaugural event, Lowland RFCA once again joined forces with Trump Turnberry to host their Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) Business Breakfast for Forces-friendly employers and members of the Lowland Defence Community.
The Turnberry hotel and golf resort, which has already signed the AFC and received its Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award in 2024, opened up its ballroom on Wednesday 2 April to over 200 guests, which included Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and representatives from over 100 businesses and organisations.
Having served as an Airfield and Military Hospital during the First and Second World Wars, Turnberry has a strong historical connection with Defence, making it an ideal venue for what was not only an excellent networking opportunity for the organisations in attendance, but also a celebration and presentation of 43 ERS Bronze Awards and two ERS Silver Awards to Lowlands-based employers.
The ERS Bronze Award is given to all employers who commit to supporting current and former members of the Defence Community, including Reservists, veterans, service leavers and their families, through their signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.
To become eligible for a Silver Award, employers must demonstrate support by communicating and upholding a positive stance to their military employees via established HR policies, and by providing 5 days’ additional leave for Reservists to meet their annual training requirements.
After being welcomed into the ballroom by the hotel staff and Lowland RFCA Engagement Team, and enjoying a chance to mingle over tea, coffee and pastries, the guests were treated to a lavish breakfast buffet. This was followed by an official welcome on behalf of Turnberry by Hotel Manager Scott Anderson.
Lieutenant Colonel Lee Curson, Commanding Officer of 6 SCOTS, a Reserve Battalion within The Royal Regiment of Scotland, was next to take the stage to present the ERS Bronze and Silver Awards on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.
Among those presented was Ayr Housing Aid Centre, a charitable organisation committed to helping residents throughout South Ayrshire with housing issues by providing free and independent services.
‘We’ve always been really passionate about helping service personnel, it’s always been a fundamental part of what we believe in as a charity,’ said Suzanne Slavin, Ayr Housing Aid Centre’s CEO.
‘We help a lot of people in the local area who are either in the Armed Forces or have served previously by offering them free housing advice, so signing the Covenant was a move that just made a lot of sense to us.’
Speaking about receiving the Bronze Award for Ayr Housing Aid Centre at Turnberry, Ms Slavin continued: ‘I’ve never been here before so it’s certainly a treat and a very nice way to start the day!
‘There’s a great atmosphere in the room and it’s lovely to be recognised alongside so many other Forces-friendly companies, some of whom are also based in Ayrshire.
‘We’ve spoken with quite a few other organisations this morning, and we’re hoping that this event will help us to raise awareness around the fact that homelessness can happen to anyone, and to generate some additional support for the services we provide, so it’s been a very beneficial day on multiple fronts.’
Also present to receive a Bronze Award was ABC Executive Coach Hire, a company based near Edinburgh. Director and Operations Manager Gemma Anderson Black commented: ‘ABC Executive Coach Hire got involved with the Employer Recognition Scheme through our close ties to the Armed Forces Community, as we employ a number of veterans as drivers, and they bring a wealth of experience and professionalism to our team.
‘Midlothian Council, a strong advocate of the scheme and a participant themselves, also inspired us to take part. As a supplier of transport for Midlothian schools, it felt like a natural step for us to align with this initiative.
‘Receiving the Bronze Award was a proud moment, confirming our commitment to being a Forces-friendly employer. Networking events like Turnberry are fantastic for connecting with other like-minded businesses, sharing ideas, and finding new ways to support Reservists, veterans and their families. They foster collaboration and bring fresh inspiration and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed being here today.’
Following the award presentations, Scottish Engineering Chief Executive Paul Sheerin paid tribute to the company’s former President, Mr John Campbell, for his long-running advocacy of the Armed Forces Community across the Lowland engineering sector and beyond.
Mr Sheerin also commented on the value of events such as the Business Breakfast in ‘strengthening employers’ understanding of Reservists’ capabilities’, with emphasis on the many transferable skills they carry between their service roles and their civilian careers.
The final address of the morning came courtesy of Squadron Leader Tom McMorrow, a Special Projects Officer with the RAF Air Cadets who highlighted the valuable work of CFAVs in mentoring and supporting young people in their communities, and the many memorable experiences those young people can gain within all three branches of the Cadet Forces. He also encouraged the employers in attendance to consider the immense value that Cadets can bring to their companies and sectors as potential future employees, thanks to their confidence, resilience and dedication to ‘getting the job done.’
As the Business Breakfast drew to a close, some guests took the opportunity to have their photos taken against the stunning backdrop of the sunny Ayrshire coastline, while others continued their networking out on the golf course.
Lowland RFCA would like to thank Turnberry once again for their outstanding hospitality throughout the event, as well as everyone who joined us for what we hope was an enjoyable and worthwhile morning.
