The Army Benevolent Fund is proud to support Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) as it embarks on an exciting new chapter with the development of a state‑of‑the‑art Learning Academy and manufacturing facility in Kent. As part of this commitment, the Army Benevolent Fund has awarded an initial grant of £250,000 towards this ambitious project, which is expected to be completed in early 2028.
Building on a long-standing partnership, this new initiative represents a significant step forward in helping veterans overcome barriers to employment and rebuild their lives. The new 50,000 sq ft enterprise will sit alongside RBVE’s existing Centenary Village and will become a hub of opportunity, bringing together learning, training and employment in one purpose-built space.
At the heart of the project is the RBVE Learning Academy, which will expand the charity’s highly successful Lifeworks programme. Designed to provide employability training, skills development and accredited qualifications, the Academy will support veterans as they take meaningful steps towards sustained employment.
Each year, RBVE works with over 1,000 long-term unemployed veterans across the UK. Many face complex challenges, including physical and mental health issues, homelessness or difficulties transitioning from military to civilian life. Through expert coaching and tailored support, RBVE helps around 80% of those engaged move into employment or training.
The new facility will significantly enhance this work, offering modern classrooms, one-to-one coaching spaces and opportunities for hands-on experience within Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Co., where a large proportion of the workforce are disabled veterans. By bringing learning and employment together under one roof, the Academy will create a supportive and inspiring environment where veterans can build confidence and develop practical skills for the future.
Over its first five years, the Academy is expected to support more than 1,000 Army veterans in person, providing access to qualifications, vocational training and employment pathways. It will also create opportunities for gradual reintroduction to working life, particularly for those who have experienced long periods of unemployment or ill health.
Lisa Farmer OBE, Chief Executive of RBVE, said:
“I am absolutely thrilled about this fantastic grant, and we are all so excited to create the new Army Benevolent Fund Learning Academy. The new project will more than treble the number of work, coaching and training opportunities we can provide for long-term unemployed veterans, and veterans who are managing visible and invisible disabilities. It is impossible for me to overstate how proud I am of everyone who works
at Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Co. where over 70% of the workers are disadvantaged. As well as injury and ill-health we support veterans overcoming homelessness too. In fact, the new enterprise is walking distance from RBVE’s homes!”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer of the Army Benevolent Fund, added:
“The Army Benevolent Fund is delighted to support RBVE as they launch this ambitious and forward-looking project. The new Army Benevolent Fund Learning Academy will provide veterans with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to move into meaningful employment and regain their independence. We are proud to play a part in helping RBVE expand its vital work and reach even more members of the Army family.”