We’re thrilled to share some incredible news, Escape the Village has been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for our ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
The Silver Award is one of the highest levels of recognition an employer can receive from the Ministry of Defence, celebrating businesses that actively back defence personnel, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and the wider Armed Forces community through employment, advocacy, and community support.
A Special Evening in Devizes
The official presentation took place at a prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s Award Ceremony held at Devizes Town Hall, attended by representatives from the Armed Forces, veterans, local businesses, and community leaders.
Both Liz and Izzy Graney, the mother-and-daughter team behind Escape the Village, attended the event to accept the award in person. It was a proud and emotional evening, celebrating the achievements of just 10 businesses across Wiltshire and 50 across the wider Wessex region (which includes Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Bristol, Gloucestershire, and the Channel Islands).
“Receiving the Defence ERS Silver Award is an incredible honour,” said Liz. “At Escape the Village, we don’t just support the Armed Forces community in name, it’s part of who we are. From helping veteran-owned businesses grow to offering flexible employment for reservists and cadet volunteers, through to sponsorships, work experience, and community events, we are committed to creating real opportunities and recognising the value that the Armed Forces community brings to society and business alike.”
Supporting Those Who Serve
Our connection to the military runs deep. As a veteran-founded business, Escape the Village is proud to work closely with veterans, reservists, cadet volunteers, and military families across the UK. We offer flexible employment and freelance opportunities for those transitioning from military life, and we’re strong advocates for collaboration, understanding, and visibility of the skills the Armed Forces community brings to civilian business life.
Beyond our day-to-day work, we also support military-linked charities and community groups including REME, the Royal British Legion, and veteran business networks. You’ll often find us getting involved with local events, fundraising, and community projects that make a difference. We are also members of the Trust-A-Veteran business directory!
“Our Armed Forces community contributes so much to our country and to local economies,” Liz added. “We’re proud to be part of a network of businesses that actively recognise that value — and we’ll continue to do everything we can to make a difference.”
A Big Thank You
We’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Wessex Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for their continued support, guidance, and recognition. Emily Kadoch, Defence Relationship Manager at Wessex RFCA, commented on our award:
“Escape the Village are a great example that you do not have to be a large organisation to truly look to make a difference within our Armed Forces Community. The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support the Armed Forces community and inspire others to do the same. It acknowledges employers who demonstrate a commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and it’s principles. The Scheme offers Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, recognising different levels of support.
Escape the Village have gone above & beyond the Silver ERS Award criteria this year. A big congratulations once again to Escape the Village and I look forward to working closely with you around progressing your organisation to a Gold ERS Award in the future!”
At Escape the Village, our values of community, courage, and empowerment run through everything we do — whether that’s helping a rural business grow online, supporting a veteran entrepreneur, or cheering on our local cadet unit. We’re proud to stand alongside others making a difference in the Armed Forces community — and this Silver Award is just the beginning.
Over the last thirty years Elizabeth has start up and run a number of successful businesses in a variety of industries including events management, restaurant, webdesign, business training and gardening! This has led to extensive knowledge of business startup, management and marketing.
She is also a qualified and experienced business and life coach with a passion for supporting small business owners. In addition to all of this she is an experienced and qualified further education lecturer, having taught face to face courses and workshops across England, as well as a range of online courses in a range of business and marketing topics .
