Celebrating the Armed Forces Community... from within industry

Mission Community- Recognising, demonstrating and celebrating the Armed Forces community in UK society- is part of a concerted effort by the third sector, government and veterans themselves to change the narrative around veterans and the wider Armed Forces community. We have a shared belief that service is recognised, valued and underpins UK society. This Armed Forces Week, we stop and reflect on how we are making great progress.

Our starting point was to begin this vital work within business, through our ‘sector initiatives’; Armed Forces engagement campaigns linked to a UK industry body or trade association. The UK government has recognised our model for change, endorsing through the creation of the veterans industry engagement programme, delivered by us on behalf of the Office for Veterans' Affairs and funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

How do we do what we do? This week's newsletter gives us a look at just one of the results of our work: championing the Armed Forces Community within trade shows and expos!

Many will already know that Mission Renewable is the Armed Forces engagement initiative for the Renewable Sector. And last week, by working closely with RenewableUK we were able to introduce Veterans and Service Leavers to the Global Offshore Wind (GOW) event in London. This was not a jobs fair, nor was it a CTP event, but a chance to engage with industry from within. Indeed, these events within industry give us a chance to advocate for Career Transition Partnership directly with business.

This year, GOW focussed on the urgent actions needed to reach UK and global offshore wind deployment goals for 2030. Their programme "Mission: Possible",  highlighted the urgency and ambition of reaching our clean energy missions over the next few years, while emphasising they are within reach. Offshore wind is a crucial part of the UK Government’s “missions” for the energy sector and economic growth, but also for development around the world. And Mission Renewable, is right in the mix at this pivotal moment.

Today, during Armed Forces Week, we continue our march into Manufacturing at the MTC - Manufacturing Technology Centre celebrating Armed Forces event—a national event recognising the dedication and sacrifices of the British Armed Forces, including serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and cadets.

MTC are committed to supporting the Armed Forces Community and showcasing the vital role our military plays in national security, global peace efforts, and the wider industry. This event provides a unique opportunity to connect with military personnel, discover the benefits of reservist roles, and strengthen collaboration between organisations within Ansty Park, West Mids. Watch this space for the development of Mission Manufacturing in the wake of such positive advocacy from within industry. This follows previous advocacy work with Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) where we had the privilege of exhibiting at the NEC at MACH24. We will be back with them next year with MACH26!

And of course, this all started with our relationship with the Automotive sector and Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) : Mission Automotive our first Sector Initiative. This is why we found ourselves at the beginning of the month at Automechanika Birmingham, the UK’s leading exhibition for the automotive aftermarket and vehicle production sector. This bi-annual trade event recognises the strength of UK automotive sector, and offers a trusted platform for UK automotive suppliers and manufacturers to network and do business. And this included the Armed Forces for the very first time where we were able to advocate to industry.

The UK Armed Forces spent decades countering insurgencies across the globe. And as this generation and future generations become Veterans and integrate into society, events like this give us an opportunity to create an insurgency of our own- only this time as a force for good. Such an approach is not only innovative, but helps UK industry to uplift and harness a national strategic asset - our Armed Forces communities.