His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mrs Julie Spence, recognised the vital role and contribution of the many Armed Forces units based in Cambridgeshire at a special dinner during Armed Forces Week.

All 15 units operating from the county—including local cadet detachments and the three officer training units within University, had the opportunity to send representatives to the first Cambridgeshire Armed Forces Dinner. The meal took place in the Old Hall at Queens’ College, Cambridge, with the support of 22 local businesses.

The Lord-Lieutenant and supportive businesses offered their thanks to the Armed Forces units for their vital work in defending the UK, protecting national security and especially their work inspiring, supporting and developing young people.

The senior military guest at the dinner was Vice Adm Andy Kyte CB FCILT, the UK’s Chief of Defence Logistics and Support, who thanked the people and businesses of Cambridgeshire for the recognition.

Vice Adm Kyte said: “The relationship between Defence and industry is one of our most critical strategic partnerships…If we are to meet the future challenges and threats with confidence, then the Armed Forces cannot do it alone.

“There must be a much closer alignment between Defence and industry, because our supply chains and industrial base are both a critical vulnerability and a decisive factor in delivering deterrence and sustaining combat power. And there must be that same alignment with academia, and with wider civil society.

“There is much to do if we are to achieve that. We must create partnerships, built on trust and shared values. With academia to develop critical thinking, to innovate and to challenge.”

Chris Parkhouse DL, speaking on behalf of dinner’s sponsors, talked about the support for Defence that existed among employers and organisations across the county. Between them, engaged employers provide regular employment for reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, veterans and their families.

Mr Parkhouse added: “The contribution [that] business makes to the work of our Armed Forces must not be overlooked. Some firms supply or work with the military, some embrace the Armed Forces Covenant, and some generously sponsor events such as this magnificent dinner. However business does it, we can all commit to supporting Regulars, reservists, veterans, and military families now, and in the future.”

The Lord-Lieutenant hopes this dinner will become an annual event to celebrate the vital work of British Armed Forces, not only in Cambridgeshire but nationally and globally, including the vital role cadet detachments and university units play in inspiring the next generation.

Bringing employers and Defence closer together can help to strengthen the understanding each has of the other’s objectives.