UMi signs the Armed Forces Covenant with Durham Business Group
As part of Durham Business Group’s ‘Executive Group’ UMi joined the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defences’ North of England Employer Engagement Team at HMS Calliope on the 8th August for an official signing ceremony and celebration of their commitment to The Armed Forces Covenant
As champions of North East businesses, Durham Business Group brought together 16 of its member organisations to commit and proudly support the Armed Forces community by signing the Covenant.
On the day the group were joined by Commander Kev Stockton RN and Commander David King RN for co-signing and presenting the certificates.
UMi was proudly present as one of the 16 organisations. Being a B Corp, employee-owned business, UMi has seen first-hand the power of a community working together and breaking through barriers. The business upholds strong values of adventure, responsibleness and togetherness, and are always looking to inspire others to do the same.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a perfect match for these values. It is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The UK Government is committed to supporting the armed forces community by working with a range of partners, including businesses, local authorities, charities, and the public.
UMi recognises the contribution that service personnel, reservists, veterans, the cadet movement, and military families make to businesses, their communities, and to the country. As an equal opportunities employer that does not positively discriminate, UMi seeks to support the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.
UMi’s Chief Commercial Officer, Suzanne McCreedy, was there on the day to sign the covenant. She said: “It was such a proud day joining the other sixteen member businesses at HMS Calliope to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. It is a great example of how businesses can come together to create a meaningful difference to the communities they are part of.
“At UMi, we believe in providing equal opportunities for all and what better way to demonstrate that commitment to the armed forces community than pledging our support and joining the over 700 businesses in the North East that have signed the Covenant.”
Gary McLafferty, Director of Engagement for the North of England Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association said: “Defence is extremely proud that the sixteen organisations, all associated with The Durham Business Group, Executive Group, have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, on what was a wonderful day with our colleagues from the Royal Navy. The Armed Forces Covenant is simply a voluntary pledge of support focusing on helping members of the Armed Forces community having the same access to public and commercial services and products as any other citizen. By signing their own company Covenant these organisations are promoting the fact that they are proud to be Armed Forces friendly and signifies a significant step in demonstrating their commitment to the men and women who have served our country and their families. I, and Defence are tremendously grateful and thank them for their support.”
For more information on the Armed Forces Covenant visit: Home - Armed Forces Covenant or contact NE – Defence Engagement team at ne-engagement@rfca.mod.uk