North West businesses honoured by Armed Forces

North West companies ranging from a motor manufacturer to a construction company have been honoured at the first ever Armed Forces Business Awards.

More than 200 people, most of them from the business community, attended the event at the Imperial War Museum North, Salford.

But the awards also recognised the commitment shown by businesses and other organisations to supporting wounded, injured and sick personnel and the Cadet Force.

“But we also hope to raise awareness of what Reservists can offer the business community and show, as the Armed Forces transform, that there is an important role for the business community to play.”

Seven awards were presented on the night:

• Support to Reservists on Operations – Grantreel Construction, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
• Support to Reservists on Annual Training (Small Organisation) – Nationwide Safety & Training Ltd, Wigan
• Support to Reservists on Annual Training (Medium Organisation) – LA Bowl, Warrington
• Support to Reservists on Annual Training (Large Organisation) – The University of Chester
• Support to the Cadet Force – Vauxhall Motors, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
• Support to Wounded, Injured and Sick Personnel (a shared award)- Carillion plc, offices in Manchester and Aintree, Preston Specialist Mobility Rehabilitation Centre, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust

"The company’s MD Michael Vesey said: “Our Reservists are very committed members of our staff and bring a variety of skills back with them into the workplace, for example Jonathan drove HGVs out in Afghanistan and now does the same for us here. We’re very proud to have won this award.”

"They come in with specialist knowledge, leadership and management experience, a whole range of knowledge and qualifications they have gained during their time with the Reserve and we find that valuable and a close match to the kind of people we are looking for. Its fabulous to recognised like this and we hope this is one of many more to come.”