Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday of June each year. This day gives us all the chance to thank and celebrate the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our way of life. Whether veterans, serving or reserve, these brave individuals deserve all our praise and thanks.
The UK Armed Forces defend the people, territories, values and interests at home and overseas. They are busy working around the world, promoting peace, delivering aid, providing security and fighting terrorism.
Focus7 has strong links to the Armed Forces. My father served in the Royal Navy, our COO Leona has served in the British Army for many years and still serving as Colonel Cadets at 7th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters East.
We have a deep respect and admiration for our Armed Forces, and we strive to help and support them in any way we can.
Like many businesses, we have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
The pledge acknowledges that those who serve – or have served – in the Armed Forces, should be treated with fairness and respect in our society and economy.
This extends to practical support, including guaranteeing interviews for veterans, reservists, cadets or spouses who apply for jobs with us. We also offer coaching, mentoring support and discounted rates for ex-service personnel.
Focus7 has provided significant pro bono support to promote the Armed Forces Day activities. We actively support the recruitment of businesses into the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
In 2015, Focus7 were awarded Bronze recognition from this scheme which was raised to Silver in 2016. But our proudest moment came in 2019 when we become one of the smallest businesses in the UK to receive the Gold Award. It is an incredible privilege to be recognised alongside some of the UK’s largest and most prestigious employers.
The transition from military to civilian life is not always easy.
X-Forces Enterprise has developed training to give cohorts within the military community the knowledge, understanding, and enterprise skills to be able to decide if they want to pursue self-employment. They help delegates understand their unique business journey and to support this transition through an extensive programme.
We are delighted to have been asked by X-Forces to support this program by creating and presenting a series of marketing masterclasses . Our very own COO Leona Bar-Jones will be delivering another X-Forces Enterprise Masterclass on 24 June ‘22 on understanding your customer and audience segmentation.
Leona and I will be running masterclasses that are free and accessible. I encourage you to keep an eye out for them on our website and social media.
Finally, if you have never thought about the benefits of employing service leavers or reservists, please consider some of their many attributes:
- Highly sought-after vocational skills
- Communication skills practised with internal and external stakeholders
- Leadership and management skills
- A high degree of professionalism
- Problem-solving skills
- Health & safety and security awareness and best practice
- Team-working skills
These brave men and women were prepared to put their lives on the line for us. We all have the opportunity to recognise that by providing opportunities once their service is at an end.
If you haven’t signed the Armed Forces Covenant or are interested in accreditation through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, please get in touch. We’ll be very happy to help you.
With passion and professionalism in abundance, Vida Barr-Jones has an impressive track record of establishing and meeting business goals. Vida brings 34 years of commercial experience, having spent eleven years as a Board Director at Europe’s largest FTSE-listed office products wholesaler. Vida is an inspirational leader known for excellent communication and engagement across all levels.