Army Reserve units in Bristol have joined forces to present their specialist skills to employers from a wide range of businesses and public sector organisations.
As well as promoting the role of the specialist in the new Army Reserve at the event, they reinforced the importance of the Reserves to the new Army structure.
The plan is for 30,000 trained Army Reservists to be available by 2018 to support the Regular Army and support from employers is essential to that strategy.
The event, at Horfield Army Reserve Centre, included presentations from Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Adams, Deputy Chief Executive of Wessex Reserve Forces & Cadets Association, and from Lieutenant-Colonel Marcus Cosgrove, commanding officer of 39 Signal Regiment, based at Horfield. In civilian life he is technical manager with Crown Paints.
There were also displays and equipment demonstrations from 39 Signals, which provides a rapidly deployable communications force that can be called upon in a national emergency. They were joined by medics of 243 Field Hospital at Keynsham and by 266 Battery (Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery) Royal Artillery, based at Whiteladies Road, Clifton, and now taking on a surveillance role.
Andy Foxon, operations manager (South) for Ryder, the truck and trailer leasing and rental company with nationwide sites including Avonmouth, was among those who said his perceptions had been changed by the event.
He said: “It’s been great to talk to people, especially from the Signal Regiment – why they became reservists, and what they are going to get out of it.
“If I get a CV from a reservist now, I’ll say to myself ‘That guy deserves a chat’. Prior to the evening I had thought their approach might be a bit too regimented for Ryder. It’s definitely changed my attitude.”
Among well-known figures from the local business community was Don Cameron, founder of Cameron Balloons, who was appointed an MBE in the recent New Year’s honours for services to design and manufacturing.
Other guests at the event included the Lord Lieutenant of Bristol Mary Prior MBE JP, and the Lord Mayor Faruk Choudhury. Mrs Prior told the employer representatives: “We know how important it is for you employers to take their skills and to use them. Your support for the Reserve Forces is hugely appreciated.”
The Army Reserve is to receive £1.8bn investment in better training and better equipment as part of the expansion plans.
Enhanced conditions for reservists include the introduction of paid annual leave and pension entitlements during training and operations, plus better access to defence health services and training. Employers will be given £500 per month per reservist when mobilised, in addition to existing help such as with the cost of advertising for replacements.
To find out about support for employers of reservists and to learn how their core skills can benefit businesses, go to www.sabre.mod.uk/.
Pictured: Don Cameron and Lance Bombardier Jason Morre with a mini unmanned air system (MUAS) which will be part of a new surveillance role for 266 Battery (Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery) Royal Artillery
