Welsh employers recognised with Defence ERS Silver Award

Above: ERS Silver Award winners 2025. 
Copyright RFCA for Wales 

Seventeen organisations from across Wales have been presented with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2025.

Representatives from the receiving organisations were awarded at a special event held on 17th July at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay, where they were also honoured guests at the 21 Gun Royal Salute to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

Guests were welcomed by Sian Lloyd, the compere for the awards ceremony, with the opening address given by Air Officer Wales, Air Commodore Rob Woods OBE. The close was given by Brigadier Russ Wardle OBE DL, chair of the Reserves Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales.

The awards were presented jointly by Brigadier Mark Davis CBE, Commander of 160th (Welsh) Brigade, Head of the Army in Wales, Commodore Tris Kirkwood OBE ADC, Naval Regional Commander Wales, Western England and Channel Islands and Air Commodore Rob Woods OBE.

The 2025 ERS Silver Award recipients are:

• Active4Blood
• Andy Swan Driver Services Ltd
• Bulldogs Boxing and Community Activities
• Cobra Life Martial Arts Ltd
• Events Medical Team – Saltney Ltd
• Henry Williams and Son (Roads) Ltd
• Platts Group
• Riverside Retreat Veterans Camp CIC
• Shadow Response Security & Medical Ltd
• The Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum Trust
• Business in Focus Limited
• IG Doors Limited
• MPH Construction
• Powys Teaching Health Board
• R&M Williams Limited
• V3 Group (UK) Ltd
• Bridgend College

Under the Defence ERS, the Silver Award recognises employers who have actively demonstrated their support for the armed forces community through implementing practical policies in the workplace.

To achieve Silver, organisations must proactively demonstrate that the armed forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged as part of their recruitment policies. They must also actively ensure their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards defence people issues for reservists, veterans, cadet force adult volunteers, and their families and partners.

Gareth Jones, Veterans Project Manager, Bulldogs Boxing and Community Activities (BCA), said: "Bulldogs BCA is incredibly proud and deeply honoured to have been awarded the Silver Award as part of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting the armed forces community, including veterans, reservists, and their families.

"We are thrilled that our efforts to provide opportunities, understanding, and practical support have been acknowledged at such a prestigious level. This award not only highlights the values at the heart of Bulldogs BCA but also strengthens our resolve to continue championing those who have served our country with dedication and respect."

Mr Craig Middle, the MoD’s DRM for South Wales said: "Achieving the Silver ERS award has been a journey for all our deserved winners. This journey has involved an exploration into what all aspects of the defence community can do for their teams. Many congratulations to all of this year’s winners, we look forward to celebrating with them in person next month.”
Last month, The Ministry of Defence announced that the full complement of 307 organisations across the UK that had been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2025. 

Major General Jamie Gordon, Chief Executive of the Council of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations, said: "These Silver Award winners are trusted allies of defence. They don’t just talk about support, they show it, every day, through flexible policies, visible advocacy and long-term commitment to those who serve. This is about more than good intentions, it’s about practical, sustained support that strengthens our national resilience. It is very pleasing that they have been recognised for all they do for our reservists, veterans and cadets.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

The ERS is designed primarily to recognise private sector support although public sector organisations such as the emergency services, local authorities, NHS trusts and executive agencies are also eligible to be recognised.