A business forum dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces Community has set out its ambition to help Derbyshire become the most Forces-friendly county for Reservists, Cadets and Veterans at its inaugural meeting.
A business forum dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces Community has set out its ambition to help Derbyshire become the most Forces-friendly county for Reservists, Cadets and Veterans at its inaugural meeting.
Organisations of all sizes, including Derbyshire County Council, MasterMover, Owen Taylor & Sons, Pektron, Rolls-Royce SMR, Toyota, and the University of Derby, came together at County Hall, Matlock, on Derbyshire Day in September for the first Derbyshire County Employer Engagement Group (CEEG) event.
The forum is part of East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association’s regional network of volunteers, helping forge meaningful connections between society and our Armed Forces.
Supporting our Forces
Luke Parker, Managing Director of Acres Engineering and Chair of the Derbyshire CEEG, said everyone has a role to play in the Government’s whole-of-society approach to Defence.
He added: “I am over the moon at the success of our inaugural event. This is about the journey, drawing on our shared bond and combined reach and influence, to make a difference.
“Given the international uncertainty we face, there has never been a more fitting time to reconnect with Defence.”
The programme included presentations on emerging opportunities in Defence procurement, the Cadet Forces’ power to change lives, and the sought-after skills of Armed Forces personnel.
The British Army provided an operational update on how it is responding to rising global threats and Rolls-Royce SMR shared lessons learnt from its journey so far in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which celebrates organisations’ Forces-friendly credentials.
Ashmere, MasterMover, Invictus Communications, and CPTED-UK also took advantage of the opportunity to publicly sign the Armed Forces Covenant.
The next meeting of the Derbyshire CEEG is set to take place on Tuesday, 9th March 2027 at Ilkeston Football Club. Organisations wishing to join can register their interest here.
