At Escape the Village, we are proud to have recently achieved the UK Armed Forces Covenant Bronze Award, a significant milestone that not only acknowledges our commitment to the Armed Forces community but also reinforces the core values of our business. As a veteran-owned company, the principles of loyalty, service, and community run deep in everything we do. My personal experience serving in the Army has shaped not only my leadership but also our company’s ethos.
What is the Armed Forces Covenant?
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation to ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, along with their families, are treated fairly. This Covenant recognizes the sacrifices made by service personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families, particularly in areas such as healthcare, housing, and education, and seeks to ensure they face no disadvantage in public and commercial services. In some cases, special provisions are made for those who have suffered injury or bereavement.
By signing the Covenant, businesses like ours pledge to uphold these values and ensure that the Armed Forces community is supported both within the company and in the broader community. It’s a promise to ensure equal opportunity, respect, and understanding for those who have served.
Why the Bronze Award Matters
Achieving the Bronze Award under the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme is a public acknowledgment of Escape the Village’s dedication to supporting the Armed Forces. For us, it signifies more than just compliance; it’s a heartfelt commitment backed by action.
Here are a few reasons why this award is particularly meaningful for our business:
- A Personal Connection
Having served in the Army myself, I understand the challenges faced by those transitioning from military life to civilian careers. This personal connection is woven into the fabric of Escape the Village. We recognize the skills, dedication, and discipline that service personnel bring to any role, and we actively seek to support veterans and reservists within our team. Whether it’s offering additional leave for Reservists or supporting cadet force volunteers, our policies are shaped with a deep understanding of military life. - Supporting Employment for the Armed Forces Community
One of the key aspects of our commitment is creating opportunities for members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, and their families. We ensure that they have fair access to our services and are not disadvantaged by their service commitments. For instance, Reservists within our organization receive additional days of leave to fulfill their duties, and we offer paid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers so they can complete their essential training.These actions help create a more inclusive workforce and demonstrate our belief in the value of military service. Veterans bring unique leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills to the workplace—skills that are often undervalued in traditional job markets. We are proud to promote their talents through our hiring practices. - Engagement with the Community
Our commitment to the Armed Forces goes beyond employment support. Escape the Village is actively involved in the local community, attending REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) events and supporting Armed Forces Day, Reserves Day, and the Poppy Appeal. We also provide a platform for veterans and reservists to network and support one another through our military business networking initiatives.These efforts not only show our appreciation for the Armed Forces but also foster a sense of belonging and connection within our community. Veterans and their families often face feelings of isolation or a lack of understanding in civilian life, and through events such as veterans’ breakfast clubs and local RBL (Royal British Legion) activities, we aim to build a supportive environment. - Special Services and Discounts
As part of our Covenant commitments, we offer specialist marketing support for new businesses founded by veterans, reservists, or their families. We also provide commercial discounts through the Defence Discount Service and offer flexible contract terms for those deployed overseas or moving frequently due to their service commitments. By doing this, we ensure that the Armed Forces community is not only recognized but also given practical support in their everyday lives.
Looking Ahead: Continuing Our Commitment
The Bronze Award is just the beginning of our journey. We plan to continue our efforts to support the Armed Forces community by pursuing the next level of recognition through the Silver and Gold Awards. We will expand our programs, providing additional mentorship and networking opportunities for veterans looking to start businesses or transition into civilian careers.
We are also committed to raising awareness about the Covenant and encouraging other businesses to join us in supporting this vital community. Our business will continue to be an advocate for the Armed Forces, ensuring that veterans, reservists, and their families are celebrated for their service and receive the support they deserve.
Why This Matters to Us
As a veteran, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of adjusting to civilian life. At Escape the Village, we strive to give back to the community that gave so much to me during my years in the Army. Achieving the Bronze Award under the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme is not just a badge of honor; it’s a reflection of our core values.
By supporting the Armed Forces community, we are helping to create a society where veterans and their families are valued for their service, skills, and sacrifices. For us, this is a long-term commitment, and we look forward to continuing our support for the Armed Forces in every way we can.
If you have questions about how we can potentially support you and your business reach out today and speak to us about our marketing audits, strategic action plans and marketing management services. plus of course how we can help you plan ahead for your future!
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 .