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Cadet excels in specialist training course

A Cadet from Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force embraced the unique opportunity to attend the Cadet Signaller training course in Blandford. Cadet Sergeant Thomas McKenzie was fortunate to be selected to attend the course, and successfully complete the programme. Demonstrating an outstanding performance, Thomas was further recognised for his excellence by being awarded The Royal Signals Institute “For Excellence”…

Going for Gold 2025: Championing Forces-Friendly Employers

This year’s Going for Gold 2025 event invited forces-friendly employers to explore how they can climb the ladder of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). Held at DRP Group’s creative Studio 212 in Hartlebury, the event was a vibrant celebration of collaboration between businesses and the Armed Forces. In partnership with DRP Group, we delivered an action-packed day full of inspiring experiences, hands-on…

Celebrating International Women’s Day

In early March we hosted an inspiring International Women’s Day event at HMS Forward, bringing together local organisations, military personnel and community networks to celebrate the incredible contributions of women in our Armed Forces and business communities. The day focussed on championing the achievements, skills and lived experiences of women, while opening up space for powerful conversations around gender equality and women’s issues….

Refurbishment improves experience for Cadets

   Two Cadet centres in Sutton Coldfield have received a fresh makeover thanks to a refurbishment project led by our Estates team. The buildings, home to the Sutton Coldfield Detachment Army Cadets and 495 (Sutton Coldfield) Squadron RAF Air Cadets, saw tired exteriors and interiors upgraded and modernised, and the internal and external structures of the building refurbished. Overseen by our Estate Manager,…

Reserve Centres go green

Eight Army Reserve Centres in our region are helping to reduce their carbon footprint after the installation of new EV Chargers at their sites. The project, managed by our Estates team and overseen by our Estates Officer Soft FM, saw secure plug-in charging stations installed at each centre to charge the unit’s official military vehicles and white fleet. Working in conjunction with the…

New Royal Navy section launched at The Hereford Academy

A residential adventure training course and getting up close to F35 Lightning II Aircraft at RAF Marham are just two of the exciting opportunities that Cadets from The Hereford Academy Combined Cadet Force (THA CCF) have recently enjoyed. Launched in September 2024, the Academy’s newly formed Royal Navy section currently has 30 eager Cadets supported by five staff members. Tackling high rope and…

1500th Armed Forces Covenant milestone reached

We are pleased to announce our 1500th Armed Forces Covenant signatory as NESO, the National Energy System Operator. The signing took place on 9th December at their Headquarters in Warwick. The Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. A national initiative for governments, businesses,…

Employers go behind the scenes at School of Technical Training

Businesses from Shropshire and Staffordshire were given a special ‘behind the scenes’ glimpse into the roles and work of No. 1 School of Technical Training and No. 605 (County of Warwick) Royal Auxiliary Air Force based at RAF Cosford. Hosted by No. 1 School of Technical Training and No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron, with support from Shropshire Council and our Association, the…

Breakfast with the Army

Canley Army Reserve Centre opened its doors to invite Coventry-based businesses to join them for a morning of breakfast networking. In partnership with the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, we explored the benefits of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, with the help of insights from our own Employer Engagement team. Keely Hancox, Operations Manager at the Chamber,…

Life as an Army Reserve soldier

Asking people why they joined the Reserve Forces always brings up different answers and motivations.  Annabel Pushman, a Reservist with 214 (Worcestershire) Battery 104 Regiment Royal Artillery, shares her perspective about what it’s like to be an Army Reserve soldier and the unique opportunities it has given her. “But, why?” Is often the reaction I receive when explaining to people what I have…