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An army veteran who has trained more than 10,000 serving Armed Forces personnel to skydive is launching a new business venture.

Matthew Holford, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, has medically retired from the army after 22 years to set up Workplace First Aid Training Solutions.

The 40-year-old began his military career with the Royal Logistic Corps where he served twice in Iraq and moved into various roles before eventually becoming the chief instructor and director of operations with the Joint Service Parachute Wing Netheravon for Adventurous Training Group (Army).

During his career, Matthew – who was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct medal and a medal for serving in Iraq – was the only chief instructor for parachuting in the army – out of 82,000 soldiers. He also pioneered a new training concept which is being rolled out and will revolutionise student and instructor training in the forces going forward.

Now he has launched Workplace First Aid Training Solutions to offer a wide range of bespoke first aid training and health and safety courses.

He said: “I had an amazing career and I absolutely loved what I did. I had fantastic experiences teaching parachuting and skydiving around the world and am still working privately as a skydiving instructor, but arthritis means it’s time for a new way of life."

He added: "During my time in the army I underwent a huge amount of training in terms of health, safety and first aid and I’ve spent my whole career coaching people. I will miss the army, especially the dedicated teamwork and camaraderie, but I’m really looking forward to using my skills and experience to help others and building a great new business.”

Available courses include health in the workplace, paediatric first aid, first aid in the workplace, first aid for schools, teachers, motorcyclists and drivers along with health and safety and manual handling.