In the East of England, 22 businesses have earned recognition from the Ministry of Defence and been awarded a Silver ERS Award in 2023; a prestigious accolade highlighting their continued support to the Armed Forces community.
Held at Madingley Hall on Thursday 19th October, the RFCA organised a special celebratory dinner hosted by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Mrs Julie Spence and Lt Col Jim Turner, Dep Comd HQ Centre, inviting all the new Silver ERS award holders to connect with like-minded employers.
The 336 businesses across the UK receiving the Silver award in 2023 bring the total number of Silver ERS award holders to 1670, 157 of which are based in the East of England. Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Reserves & Cadets) Major General Marc Overton said: “The number of winners this year yet again shows that the Armed Forces family talent pool is also providing tangible business benefit.”
Maria Whiteman is the Managing Director of Anglia Tours, she said: ” Anglia Tours was founded with the core purpose of delivering battlefield tours to France and Flanders, to tell the stories of those involved and to mark the service of all members of the Armed Forces. We recognise the attitudes, behaviours and leadership qualities Armed Forces people bring to the business, both in the office and as part of the guide team.”
Military guests included the commanding Officer of 158 Regiment RLC Lt Col Anna Swales, Colchester Garrison Commander Lt Col Ed Rankin Squadron Leader Gary Martin Officer Commanding RAFP (Reserve) Squadron, Cambridge UOTC’s Lt Col Matt Helsby and RSM 254 Medical Regiment WO1 Aran Rushe.
The RFCA Employer Engagement team assists businesses to pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to Defence and the Armed Forces community. The Employer Engagement team printed a commemorative Silver ERS 2023 booklet for the event, detailing each company and how their business is enjoying the mutual benefits of partnering with Defence.
Mr Christopher Walkinshaw spoke on behalf of the RFCA about the importance of the support employers give to Defence people. RFCA members from the RFCA Employer Engagement group from each county in the East of England assisted with hosting the evening. A few weeks earlier, eleven East of England businesses received Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards at an RFCA-organised event at the Cabinet War Rooms in London.
If you would like to explore how your company can become involved and receive recognition, please contact Regional Employer Engagement Director, Kristina Carrington on ea-empsp@rfca.mod.uk
