08 Aug Proud to be part of the first RED conference

Here at Wills Consultants, we take great pride in supporting the UK military, so we were elated to be invited to take part in the recent inaugural Regional Engagement with Defence (RED) conference.

We were one of an exclusive list of handpicked forces-friendly employers, including household names such as Boots and Toyota, chosen to join senior military figures to talk about championing people in the Defence community.

The event was the first of its kind in the East Midlands and we were wowed by the attention to detail and the warm welcome we received.

Keynote Speech

In the opening keynote, General Sir Richard Barrons KCB CBE set the pace for the day, illustrating the increasingly dangerous world we face, giving context to ongoing global conflicts and the importance of Reserve Forces.

The former Commander of the Joint Forces Command made the compelling case for why Britain’s own Reserves should be bolstered to play a more significant role in national defence and security, describing it as a cost-effective repository of advanced skills which has the ability to deploy on mass.

Supportive employers are essential to building that important deterrence, said the retired General, who served in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

A chorus of thanks to the Forces-friendly employers in the room followed General Barrons’ speech as senior figures from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF took to the stage.

Incredible insights

We were very proud to be included in such a special event and it was both a pleasure and a privilege to be invited. The experience only cemented our pride in the Armed Forces, which we are vocal and passionate about supporting.

The incredible insights provided by the conference prove that the mutually-beneficial relationships between business owners and UK Defence can be so impactful and we are proud to be a public supporter of our military, proven with our recent signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.

In the audience at the RED Conference were His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Professor Veronica Pickering MBS and His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness PhD, as well as dozens of representatives from Silver and Gold Award holders of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

ERS is for employers who demonstrate excellent support and advocacy for Reserves, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, military spouses and wider forces families.

Successful pilot event

The event was described as a ‘great success’ by Stuart Williams OBE, Chief Executive of East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.

He said: “Our keynote speakers provided incredible insights into what mutually-beneficial relationships between Defence and business look like and why they are so important.

“It has also been a rewarding networking opportunity for our region’s greatest Armed Forces ambassadors to share ideas and best practise.

“We look forward to making the conference even bigger and better when it returns in 2025.”

Warrant Officer Janice Scott, SO3 Engagement Officer (East Midlands) in the Royal Navy, added: “This was an extremely successful pilot event that raised employers’ awareness of the threats and difficulties facing the nation.

“It was great to hear that industry partners and employers are keen to have more engagement with the services and discuss how we can better support each other in the future.”

We hope to be involved in the event again next year.

If you are former military personnel who would like help to find your perfect role on leaving the Armed Forces, contact us today on 01536 512202 or visit www.willsconsultants.com/