B&M Honoured to Receive Armed Forces Covenant ERS Scheme Silver Award

B&M is proud to announce it has been awarded the prestigious Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award!

Within this acclaimed scheme, organisations can be awarded bronze, silver, and gold awards by pledging or demonstrating to advocate and support the defence and armed forces community. This accolade recognises B&M's strong commitment to supporting members of defence community by implementing meaningful policies, initiatives, and support.

"We are honoured to receive this Silver ERS Award," said a B&M spokesperson. "It is a reflection if the values we live by as a business - inclusion, respect, and meaningful support for those who have served and continue to serve our country."

Since signing the Armed Forces Covenant in July 2024, B&M has made dedicated efforts to guaranteeing interviews to all ex-military service personnel and providing ongoing support to reservists and cadet corps volunteers across the UK.

From September 2024, B&M officially identified and employed 127 individuals with a military background and is humbled to provide stability, support, and purpose to those needing direction following their military career.

Ex-Royal Navy Officer, Michael Deans, is a shining example of how B&M has made a difference to his life after servitude. Michael served in the Falklands War, where over time, he made his way up through the ranks and was eventually promoted to Warrant Officer, a position he held until 1995. He also received an MBE in the Queen Elizabeth II's birthday Honours list. He commented:

"After leaving the Navy, I found myself at a crossroads. I wasn't entirely sure what direction I wanted to take in my career. That's when I came across an opportunity with B&M and decided to take the leap."

"Reflecting on my journey with B&M, I realise that, although I didn't know what direction to go in initially, I've found a place where I can continue to grow and make a real impact."

Alongside providing employment-focused support, B&M has also branched out to the wider armed forces community by contributing to veteran's HQ charity Northwest - collaborating to produce Christmas hampers which were lovingly delivered across the Northwest and consisted of items donated from B&M buyers, before being carefully packaged by B&M's employability and legal teams. To demonstrate respect and appreciation for the community of defence, B&M also takes pride in hosting special armed forces discount days, where all B&M stores across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland opens their doors and offers 10% discount to active service personnel and veterans.

B&M has also been extremely passionate about working with individuals who wish to enter the world of work, and now interview individuals who may be rehabilitating from custodial sentence or ex-military personnel who struggle with PTSD and adapting to life after war.

One of B&M's leading store managers, Andy Daly, found stability at B&M following his RAF military career, having been deployed in places like Basra, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. Following his challenging experiences in the military, he struggled to reintegrate back into civilian life but has since found purpose again after being taken on by B&M, where he has since worked his way up to being a successful and award-winning store manager. He noted:

"Transitioning back into civilian life was incredibly difficult. People were different, and I struggled a lot with adapting to a world that no longer felt familiar."

"B&M didn't just give me a job - it gave me purpose again. And for that, I'll always be grateful."

Through aligned values and sustained efforts with the community of defence, B&M is incredibly honoured to receive this endorsement and everything it represents in creating more positive and inclusive communities. Through consistency and dedication, B&M will continue to work closely with the armed forces and build on the momentum of this esteemed accolade.