A Stoke-on-Trent-based security and risk management company whose CV includes saving Network Rail £1.5 million from cable theft is a champion of veterans’ rights.
Former Royal Marines working for Black Onyx Concepts (BOC) delivered a Rapid Response Cable Theft Prevention Team to patrol a section of the railway network and identify hotspots.
The company’s rapid response solution proved an outstanding success, resulting in 12 arrests and earning a Letter of Recommendation from Network Rail.
The professionalism shown by the veterans shaped Black Onyx Concepts’ business model and there are now 27 ex-Forces personnel in their workforce of 46.
As holders of a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, Black Onyx is a keen advocate of those who serve, veterans, reservists and their families.
Working with Money and Me Solicitors, BOC has teamed up with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to organise a veteran networking event on behalf of the Veteran Support Network (VSN) at Commerce House on April 4.
The VSN engages with local infrastructure in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire to aid in the transition of the armed forces into the veteran community.
Former Royal Marine Lee Sheldon, CEO of the security company which is also signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, said: “We are big advocates regarding the employment of veterans and reservists, due to the continued high professional standards and transferrable skills they offer and highly recommend the recruitment of veterans and reservists to all businesses.”
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is a Gold Standard member of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme which is run by the Ministry of Defence to recognise employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community.
It is also signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise to acknowledge that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.
Chris Plant, Deputy Chief Executive of the Chambers, said: “We are happy to support businesses like Black Onyx Concepts and we would urge others across the region to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant.
“The Chamber fosters a Policy of Support for the Armed Forces and Reservists and actively champions the importance of transferrable military skills and standards appropriate to the civilian workplace.”
Money and Me Solicitors of Warrington have an Armed Forces Champion who supports veterans and their families through his association with the Armed Forces Covenant.
