Acres Engineering thanked for helping Armed Forces

An engineering business has received the highest accolade from the Ministry of Defence for its support of people looking for work after leaving the Forces.

Acres Engineering, a family business based on the Castle Lane Industrial Estate, in Melbourne, Derbyshire, has received a Gold Award as part of the Armed Forces Covenant. The award is given to employers who provide exceptional support to the armed forces community above and beyond their Armed Forces Covenant pledges.Bruce Spencer, the MOD’s engagement director, visited the Acres Engineering workshop to review progress on its application for Gold status in April. This month, Major Steve Goodwin visited the site to officially recognise the success following the efforts made.

Luke Parker, managing director at Acres Engineering, said: “Acres Engineering proudly supports the Armed Forces Covenant and pledges to support the Defence community within the business, ensuring those who have served in the armed forces are treated fairly.We always wanted to exceed the agreement and progress our engagement to the Gold Award and we are proud that our work here has been recognised by the MOD.

“We enthusiastically endorse the hiring of reservists and veterans at Acres Engineering and we stand by those who have served our nation.”

The Covenant is an agreement that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect across the communities and society they serve.The covenant ensures that every individual that has served in the armed forces receives the same access to opportunities and assistance, including education, having a home, starting a new career, access to healthcare, financial assistance and discounted services.
Major Goodwin said: “Acres Engineering is a great example of how employers are putting the Armed Forces Covenant into action to support the wider Armed Forces community.

“As Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold award holders they have raised the bar for Derbyshire employer support and are well placed to share best practice and inspire other employers to follow their lead and experience the benefits of partnering with Defence.