The Rt Hon The Earl of Derby has been honoured for his support to the Armed Forces Community.
Lord Derby, who runs Knowsley Safari Park, Knowsley Hall stately home and several other Merseyside enterprises, has received a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award.
The scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The award honours those which have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, are Armed Forces-friendly, and open to employing Reservists, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military spouses or partners.
The Earl, who was in the Grenadier Guards, also has strong family connections to the military. His uncle received the Military Cross in the Second World War, and his great grandfather was Secretary of State for War in the First World War while his two sons fought in the trenches.
As President of the Liverpool and Sefton, and the Knowsley Chambers of Commerce, Lord Derby says he recognises the qualities and transferable skills that veterans and Reservists bring to business.
He said: “Those who have served and are serving as Reservists bring a whole new dimension to business and our communities. Whilst not always coming with industry knowledge, they are quick learners and very creative; calm, confident, good communicators usually with great senses of humour and team loyalty. And of course, the notion of strategy, planning, process and objectives are second nature to all ranks.
“I am delighted that the Knowsley Estate has achieved its Bronze Award in the Defence Employers Recognition Scheme. We will continue to support the Armed Forces community in every way we can and are already looking at how we can achieve the Silver level.”
