European freight specialist Pall-Ex has pledged to support ex-military personnel with jobs, training and fundraising after signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
To show its commitment to the cause, the logistics giant is providing roles, training and access to qualifications at its national hub near Coalville, in Leicestershire.
At the same time it is raising money for military mental health charity Combat Stress.
The Pall-Ex Group was formed by Dragon’s Den star Hilary Devey CBE in 1996 to provide a network for hauliers to share space on their trucks.
It has since expanded into Europe and beyond, now operating in countries such as Bulgaria, Spain, Portugal, Romania, Italy, France, and the Benelux regions.
Ex-serviceman turned Pall-Ex maintenance manager John Bebbington said: “All ex-military personnel have transferable skills, such as teamwork, attention to detail and problem solving, and these are valuable to the logistics industry.
“The skills I learned during my military career enabled me to fix tanks and armoured vehicles, but I now use the same skills and knowledge in my role as maintenance manager at Pall-Ex.”
Group managing director Kevin Buchanan said: “Pall-Ex is a committed Armed Forces employer and is actively looking to help ex-military personnel find meaningful careers in civilian life.
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“We’re incredibly grateful for the contribution they have made to serving and protecting our country and we want to give them something valuable in return.
“We have a wide range of opportunities for the right people and can provide the training and qualifications they need to establish a new career in the logistics industry.
“Many veterans hold a Class 1 driver’s licence – a requirement for driving an HGV – which is a great asset to the logistics industry and could help to tackle on-going driver shortages.
“We also have opportunities in transport, accounts, sales, IT and customer service.
“As a team we will also be raising money for Combat Stress, who we have selected as one of our chosen charities.
“They provide vital services to support veterans and we will be raising money to support their work throughout the year.”
Corporate fundraising officer Darren Jackson said: “I’m delighted that Pall-Ex has chosen Combat Stress as charity of the year.
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“The money raised will help to transform veterans’ lives, giving the men and women Combat Stress supports fast and direct access to the tools they need to treat their mental health conditions.”
Combat Stress helps veterans with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Armed Forces Covenant promises fair treatment to those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, helping them to gain access to support and services, including new careers.