A Business Breakfast with a difference

Firms across Leicestershire and Rutland are invited to learn how recruiting from the Armed Forces makes sound business sense.

Blaby District Council is organising a Business Breakfast with a difference at Leicester’s Marriot Hotel, Grove Park, on Wednesday 19 November from 8am to 10.30am.  

The aim is to connect regional support organisations with Leicestershire and Rutland businesses and show employers how they can tap into the skills, experience and talent of current and former Armed Forces personnel.

Highlights of the event will include: 

• A veteran sharing their journey from deployment to employment
• The chance to learn about the transferable skills reservists bring to the workplace
• Guidance on support for businesses recruiting from the Armed Forces community
• How to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant and achieve recognition through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS)  

Blaby District Council already has a Silver Award in the ERS and is striving to achieve Gold.

Drawing on the Council’s own experience, members of the Community, Business Work and Skills team, will outline how they support the wider Armed Forces community.

Armed Forces Wellbeing Coffee Mornings are held each month, supported by Blaby District staff volunteers. Here veterans, serving personnel and their families can find fellowship, take part in various activities and find support and signposting to partner organisations on issues such as health and wellbeing and benefit and pension guidance.

This support is also offered to anyone from the Armed Forces community who works at the authority or is seeking a job there.

Councillor Nick Chapman, Portfolio Holder for Community and Economic Development, said: "We know from our own experience the benefits of tapping into military talent. We also know how rewarding it is to support our Armed Forces community.  

"At this event we will share our expertise as well as offering connections with local and regional organisations. We want to showcase the value of recruiting from the Armed Forces, demonstrating how military talent can strengthen your workforce. Recruiting service leavers and reservists isn’t simply good practice – it’s smart business."

One veteran speaking at the Business Breakfast, Frazer Stark, will share his experience of transitioning from military to civilian life, exploring the importance of leadership, adaptability and purpose beyond uniform.

A former Warrant Officer Class 2 who served in the British Army for more than 16 years, Frazer now works for the University of Leicester as Project Manager (Placements) within the Careers and Employability Service and is the University’s Armed Forces Champion.  

He said: "The Armed Forces community brings a wealth of skills to any sector -discipline, teamwork and a problem-solving mindset. My goal is to help employers and institutions recognise this potential and create pathways where veterans can thrive."

You can book your place at this special event here: Armed Forces Business Breakfast

Councillor Nick Chapman
Portfolio Holder for Community and Economic Development