Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge, presented 22 companies with the Ministry of Defence’s highest recognition for employer support to the Armed Forces last night, including North West employer United Utilities.
The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) awards ceremony was hosted by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon at the Royal Hospital Chelsea – a retirement home for hundreds of Army veterans.
The Duke of Cambridge thanked the 22 companies for their work by presenting them with the ERS Gold Award. Recipients included firms from a wide range of sectors, ranging from large corporate companies to small and medium-sized enterprises.
The scheme is designed to recognise and thank employers who support the Armed Forces community and their families, and to inspire others to do the same.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
“Employers across the country are ensuring our military get a fair deal including helping veterans to have successful careers after leaving service. These companies are rightly being recognised for the support they offer under the Armed Forces Covenant and encouraging other firms to go the extra mile.”
Steve Mogford, CEO United Utilites, said: “It’s a tremendous honour to receive this gold status. As a company we’re immensely proud of how we support and work with the armed forces.”
The full list of employers recognised for their outstanding support for Defence personnel includes: AECOM, Atos UK Ltd, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Boeing Defence UK Ltd, Bureau Veritas, DJ Rees Decorating Services Limited, Doncaster Council, Dundee City Council, Hampshire County Council, HSBC, Kier Group, KPMG, Nationwide Building Society, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Pertemps, QinetiQ, Holt’s Military Bank/NatWest/Royal Bank of Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, Surrey County Council, TA Plastic Supplies Ltd, United Utilities and Waves Training Solutions Ltd.
For more information about the ERS awards visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defence-employer-recognition-scheme
Photo: Mr Steve Mogford, United Utlities; HRH The Duke of Cambridge; Capt Andrew Tan RLC, United Utilites; Sally Cabrini, United Utilities; and, Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, Secretary of State for Defence.
