We are delighted to award a £35,900 grant to X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) towards its Enterprise Training Delivery workshops for Army veterans.
Helping veterans to use their skills and experience and find new and rewarding civilian careers is a priority for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. Veterans who want to work for themselves often need to know how they can get government agency support and help in managing and protecting their businesses from economic and financial challenges.
John Burfield, an engineer, Royal Artillery and Navy veteran, started an award-winning heating, cooling and hygiene services business in 2019, Sand Lizard Technical Solutions. John completed XFE’s start-up skills training, funded by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, and is a member of XFE’s Military in Business network.
John says: “XFE’s events are valuable to enhance skills, connect with other entrepreneurs and get impartial feedback. When I was getting started, there was a lot to learn quickly in areas I wasn’t familiar with, for example accounting and marketing. XFE’s initial workshop gave me an overview of all the aspects I needed to consider. There is a can-do attitude among veterans that you can spot a mile away, and I’ll always advocate employing from the military community if you want a job done well.”
X-Forces Enterprise Founder and CEO, Ren Kapur MBE, said:
“In 2015, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity was quick to recognise the importance of enterprise training to increase opportunities for veterans in their pursuit of rewarding careers post-Service. Since then, the charity has continued to support our delivery of extensive training, which helps individuals decide if business could work for them and, subsequently, plan their launch with our supportive package of services. This valuable collaboration sits at the heart of XFE, and we extend our sincere thanks for this grant.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer at ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, added:
“XFE provides excellent training platforms for veterans aiming to set up their own businesses as they transition to civilian life. This can bring both opportunities and risks, but the key point is that veterans are enabled to drive their own life goals. Our charity is committed to helping veterans put their skills and experience to best use.”
Read all about XFE’s work helping veterans on its website here: https://www.x-forces.com/