Armed Forces Week, taking place from 21 to 29 June, is a chance to show support for the forces community - from serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is a proud advocate of the forces community through its relationship with the West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (WMRFCA).
This page highlights several organisations and individuals with personal connections to the military.
Read exclusive interviews with Armed Forces personnel
SMEs are perfectly positioned to offer what many veterans value most — purpose-driven work in environments where individual contributions matter.
They can provide mentorship opportunities, recognise transferable skills, and create cultures where military values like integrity and service align naturally.
One common misconception is that service leavers might struggle to adapt to civilian life or business environments.
In truth, they are among the most adaptable individuals. Their leadership skills, work ethic and ability to work under pressure are second to none.
Some businesses also assume that employing reservists means frequent absence when in fact their presence brings discipline, teamwork and a sense of duty.
We need to challenge the stereotypes and shine a light on the contribution that former service personnel can make, not just in defence or security, but across the economy and public life. That’s why it’s vital for leaders — in business, in politics, and beyond — to advocate for veterans and ensure they get the opportunities they’ve earned.
Too often, military personnel struggle to translate their skills into civilian language. You could have an engineer who’s worked on some of the most advanced equipment in the country, but that gets lost in translation. OP Ascend is helping to bridge that gap — it’s already supported 3,500 veterans and matched over 400 with employers. If businesses are struggling to find talent, this is a ready-made pipeline they should be tapping into.
Signing the Armed Forces Covenant offers several benefits to employers, primarily enhancing their reputation as a "Forces-friendly" employer and providing access to a pool of talented individuals with valuable skills and experience. It also demonstrates a commitment to fairness and equality for members of the Armed Forces community.
Members of the Armed Forces community are highly skilled, disciplined, motivated and resilient. They perform well under pressure, are used to juggling numerous demands and come with great leadership skills. They also often embody the core values of any good business, such as integrity, honesty and accountability.
Discover more about Armed Forces Week
