Two Fermanagh employers have joined the growing number of organisations across Northern Ireland making a public commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
Enniskillen Airport and Severfield signed the Armed Forces Covenant during the RAF Town Show at Enniskillen Airport. The Armed Forces Covenant gives businesses and organisations the opportunity to make a voluntary public commitment to supporting serving personnel, Reservists, veterans, Service families and the wider Armed Forces community.
For employers, signing the Covenant is a practical step that can bring genuine business benefits, including access to a pool of skilled, disciplined Reservists and veterans, and a clear framework for supporting staff who serve.
Enniskillen Airport’s Covenant includes commitments to provide additional leave for Reservists carrying out their duties, create employment opportunities for veterans, support Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and offer insight opportunities to older Cadets.
For Managing Director Alan Cathcart, the commitment has a strong personal connection. Alan brings many years of Army Reserve experience and understands first-hand the skills that Reservists and veterans can bring to civilian employment.
Alan said:
“I am keen to provide employment at the airport to Reservists and fellow Veterans. They have the skills that are needed in an airport.”
Severfield, the UK’s largest specialist structural steel contractor, has a significant Northern Ireland presence through its manufacturing facility at Ballinamallard. Through its Covenant, the company has pledged support for Reservists, veterans and Service leavers, Cadets and Armed Forces charities, alongside commitments to engage with the Career Transition Partnership and work collaboratively with organisations supporting the Armed Forces community.
The company’s local heritage stretches back more than 75 years to Fisher Engineering, founded by Tommy Fisher after his wartime service, which included RAF service at Castle Archdale in Fermanagh.
Air Marshal Sean Reynolds signed both Covenants on behalf of Defence. Alan Cathcart signed for Enniskillen Airport, and Heather Williams signed for Severfield. The event was also attended by Lord Coaker, Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence, and Baroness Foster, alongside representatives from Defence and RFCA NI.
Mike Murdoch, Chief Executive of RFCA NI, said:
“It was fantastic to see two Fermanagh employers make their Armed Forces Covenant commitments on the same day.
“Both organisations have genuine connections with the Armed Forces community, whether through their experience or their history here in Fermanagh.
“Signing the Covenant builds on those connections and makes a clear public commitment to supporting those who serve, have served and their families. We look forward to working with Enniskillen Airport and Severfield as they put those commitments into practice.”
Could your organisation be next?
Defence Relationship Management works with employers of all sizes and sectors across Northern Ireland, helping them understand the Armed Forces Covenant and identify practical ways they can support the Armed Forces community.
To find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant and how your organisation can make its own commitment, contact the Northern Ireland Defence Relationship Management team at ni-reed@rfca.mod.uk.
