Member Article

British soldier to address North East businesses on military skills

A former British Army soldier who received catastrophic injuries in Iraq is to tell his story of courage and determination to businesses in South Tyneside this week.

Corporal (Cpl) Rory Mackenzie will showcase how skills, knowledge, work ethic and attitude instilled during a military career can be replicated to benefit businesspeople.

Cpl Mackenzie survived a bomb attack in Basra ­ losing a leg ­ five years ago that killed a colleague, and now offers inspiration to businesses on how to beat the odds through courage and determination.

The free event, ‘Minefields and Motivation’, on Wednesday 19 at Customs House in South Shields, will include Nissan sharing with the audience details of the skills former military personnel have brought to their team and the variety of roles they occupy.

Cpl Mackenzie said: “By the end of my presentation, I hope the delegates and local businesses feel more reassured and at ease about their decision to employ ex servicemen. I hope they are inspired by the examples of companies that already employ ex servicemen and have seen the benefits to it.

“It is crucial that Councils are aware of ex servicemen seeking employment and make any potential job opportunities for ex servicemen and women known, as they will benefit from an individual who will segway easily into an environment where they continue to give back to the community.”

After being badly injured in the bomb attack, Cpl Mackenzie undertook a rigorous programme of recovery, including rowing regularly. He went on to speak at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics.

The event will be introduced by another former soldier, James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC).Minefields and Motivation will also include talks from the Army Presentation Team, who will be present about the strengths of ex service people and what they can positively bring to your workforce.

In December 2011, South Tyneside Council signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant, showing its active support for serving personnel, veterans and their families. The Council organises regular events in the Borough including its annual Armed Forces Day in June.

Councillor Ed Malcolm, South Tyneside Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “This month’s event promises to be inspiring, moving and to some people it could even be life changing. We are lucky to be given an insight into Lance Corporal Mackenzie’s incredible journey, and it should be a poignant way for service and non­service personnel to learn from somebody who hasachieved a great deal in their life, to date.

“Minefields and Motivation ideally represents the kind of projects being delivered in the Borough by South Tyneside’s Armed Forces Community Covenant steering group. It shows the varied level of commitment and support we are providing to people and the partnership work we are orchestrating to help make a difference in the region.”

Local employer, Port of Tyne, will also have a presence at the event where they will be able to provide details about the employment opportunities available at the company.

BT South Tyneside are pledging their support to the event. They have a vested interest, as the business hosts a “Mydonate” website, which allows people to make charitable donations.

One of the charities on the website is Hire a Hero ­ a service that provides help for soldiers, sailors and Air Force personnel to make the transition from the Forces back into civilian life. The scheme highlights how assistance is available with employment, training, housing and specialist support for the injured.

The event will take place from 8.30am. To reserve a place and find more information, see here.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Graham Vincent .