Business Group Armed for Success

A North East business collective has celebrated its support for the Armed Forces at a ceremony under the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle.

Members of Durham Business Group’s Executive Group joined the Royal Navy and Ministry of Defences’ North of England Employer Engagement Team at HMS Calliope for the official signing ceremony of The Armed Forces Covenant.  

Durham Business Group is a not-for-profit membership and office services business which has committed to supporting the Armed Forces community and 16 members were present at the celebrations, which also included a tour of the Royal Navy’s HMS Trumpeter which was moored in Newcastle.  

The group were joined by Commander Kev Stockton RN and Commander David King RN for co-signing and presenting the certificates.  

Alison Gittins, chief executive of Durham Business Group, said: “Eight years on, the Executive Group returned to HMS Calliope on the Tyne, which is home to more than 100 Royal Naval Reserves and Royal Marine Reserves.

“It was such a proud day to invite sixteen member businesses to HMS Calliope to sign the Armed Forces Covenant during our Executive Group lunch.

“The occasion was up there with when I signed the covenant on behalf of Durham Business Group at Catterick Garrison in 2019, and for us to go on to achieve the prestigious Gold Award in 2022 was a huge honour for us, as a small not for profit business.”

“The tour of Royal Navy’s HMS Trumpeter, and finding out about life on board from her captain and crew was the icing on the cake of a very special day.

“We continue to encourage all members of The Executive Group and our wider Durham Business Club to work with The North of England Employer Engagement team.

“There is no better time to bring communities together, pledge your support, and join over 700 businesses in the North East who have made a promise to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, along with their families, are treated with fairness and respect”.

Gary McLafferty, director of engagement for the North of England Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, said: “Defence is extremely proud that the sixteen organisations, all associated with The Durham Business Group, Executive Group, have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, on what was a wonderful day with our colleagues from the Royal Navy.

“The Armed Forces Covenant is simply a voluntary pledge of support focusing on helping members of the Armed Forces community having the same access to public and commercial services and products as any other citizen.

“By signing their own company Covenant these organisations are promoting the fact that they are proud to be Armed Forces friendly and signifies a significant step in demonstrating their commitment to the men and women who have served our country and their families. I, and Defence are tremendously grateful and thank them for their support.”

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

The UK Government is committed to supporting the armed forces community by working with a range of partners, including businesses, local authorities, charities, and the public.

Durham Business Group, which is based at Portland House in Belmont, Durham, was established in 1981 to support and champion businesses in the region from one-person start-ups to large corporations.  

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