Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Firm rewarded for its armed forces backing
Airdrie decorating company Bell Group has earned an award from the Ministry of Defence for its“outstanding support” of armed forces personnel and veterans.
The Rochsolloch Road firm will receive the Employer Recognition Scheme silver award at a ceremony in Edinburgh Castle in November.
It provides flexible work packages for all staff, including those who are part of the armed forces and are supported during deployment; and the company also supports charities including the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust and the Royal British Legion.
Chief executive Craig Bell told the Advertiser: “We have a strong partnership with the armed forces and are proud to have redecorated, maintained and refurbished accommodation, service and support buildings for them for more than 20 years
“We believe this is an important part of our business activity, and we’re very proud to have been awarded one of the highest accolades for supporting the armed forces community.
“As a family- owned business we believe and invest in our employees; we provide flexibility to many staff serving with the armed forces and support them during deployment, and actively recruit from service leavers who have the skill and attitude we seek.”
The silver award is the secondhighest badge of honour available to organisations employing and supporting reservists, service leavers, veterans and their families; with each recipient organisation including Bell Group having signed the Armed Forces Covenant support commitment.
Defence secretary Ben Wallace said: “These awards recognise the outstanding support for our armed forces from employers across Britain and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.
Colin Vooght , head of engagement at the Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association – which manages relationships between employers and defence – said: “Congratulations to the organisations who received silver awards; this proves companies of all sizes and sectors can play their part in supporting the armed forces community in Scotland.”