Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ambition Magazine

Darren Niven – Defence Relationship Management NI FEATURE Strengthening Community

well positioned to benefit from this whole of-society approach. GRAHAM Group, one of Northern Ireland’s leading construction companies, exemplifies this approach perfectly. Having signed the Armed Forces Covenant and earned the prestigious MOD Gold Award, GRAHAM actively employs reservists, veterans, and military spouses, offering flexible working arrangements and additional paid leave for military duties. “Supporting the Armed Forces Community is not just a commitment; it is an honour.” The business benefits are tangible – improved recruitment outcomes, enhanced reputation in public sector bids, and strengthened community partnerships through supporting local cadet units and military charities. Defence Relationship Management NI offers employers exclusive experiences that demonstrate military excellence in action. Recent visits such as those to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst have given business leaders first-hand insight into leadership and training methodologies they can apply in civilian contexts. A visit to Perthshire in Scotland on exercise with the Royal Marines provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for employees to train alongside elite forces, developing resilience and teamwork skills. For those preferring different experiences, Royal Gun Salutes and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo offer cultural engagement delivered by reservists, while ship and aircraft visits, including a recent on-board tour of the A400 transport aircraft, showcase cutting-edge technology and logistics. As one senior business analyst described her experience: “insightful and inspiring, particularly the Sandhurst visit and the Everest 2026 Army expedition briefing.” TAKING ACTION Whether through signing the Armed Forces Covenant, supporting local reservists, employing veterans, or engaging with cadet forces, Northern Ireland businesses have multiple pathways to participate in this shared commitment. The Strategic Defence Review’s emphasis on regional engagement and community partnerships makes this an opportune moment to act. Defence Relationship Management NI stands ready to support businesses in becoming forces-friendly employers, providing guidance on best practices and connecting organisations with opportunities to make a meaningful difference. UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

I n today’s fast-evolving landscape, resilience isn’t just a military objective; it’s a business imperative. From economic pressures to workforce challenges and cyber threats, employers in Northern Ireland are navigating growing complexity. But within that challenge lies opportunity: a chance to support people, strengthen communities, and unlock long-term strategic value. At the heart of this approach is the Armed Forces Covenant, a voluntary commitment from businesses and organisations to support those who serve or have served and their families. In return, signatories gain tangible benefits: access to skilled talent, improved procurement outcomes, and stronger community connections. The Covenant is a voluntary pledge that members of the armed forces community should not face disadvantage due to their service. For employers, this might mean offering flexibility for training, recognising military-transferable skills, or supporting families during deployments. Many businesses that sign the Covenant report clear returns: improved staff engagement and retention, better performance in public procurement with social value demonstrated through armed forces community support, enhanced reputation and community trust, and access to a diverse and capable workforce. It’s a practical, values-led commitment that sets businesses apart in a competitive marketplace. WHAT IS THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT? With the UK’s Strategic Defence Review emphasising expansion of reserve forces, reservists play an increasingly crucial role in defence capability while holding civilian roles across Northern Ireland’s businesses and public services. They typically train around 27 days per year, gaining leadership, teamwork, and problem solving skills that directly benefit their civilian employers. The advantages for employers are substantial: employees gain nationally RESERVISTS: A STRATEGIC WORKFORCE ASSET

recognised qualifications at no cost, teams benefit from enhanced resilience, adaptability, and professionalism, government support is available during mobilisation periods, and businesses gain access to specialist skills and diverse perspectives. Hiring or supporting a reservist isn’t a disruption; it’s a strategic business advantage. SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE Northern Ireland is home to a vibrant cadet force community, with the Strategic Defence Review highlighting increased investment in youth organisations that develop confident, resilient citizens. Cadets aged 12 to 18 develop confidence, resilience, and civic pride through structured, community-based activities. Employers can support cadets by hosting workplace visits, sponsoring events, or providing staff volunteering time. This creates powerful connections with young people and helps nurture future talent for Northern Ireland’s economy. Equally valuable is supporting Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) – the dedicated individuals who lead these programmes. Employers can offer flexible working arrangements for CFAV training and activities, recognising that these volunteers develop exceptional leadership and mentoring skills. In return, businesses gain employees with enhanced people management capabilities, stronger community networks, and demonstrated commitment to youth development. A SHARED COMMITMENT TO PEOPLE AND PLACE Supporting the armed forces community is fundamentally about people. It’s about recognising transferable skills, removing barriers, and creating opportunities that strengthen workplaces and communities alike. Over 13,000 organisations across the UK – from multinationals to local SMEs – have already signed the Covenant, including growing numbers in Northern Ireland. As defence spending increases to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and procurement reforms reward innovation and social value, Northern Ireland businesses are

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