UK military bridge manufacturer, WFEL, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze Award, which acknowledges the company’s support to defence and the wider Armed Forces community.

In 2018, WFEL signed the Armed Forces Covenant, affirming its pledge to uphold the Covenant. This is a promise by the nation, enshrined in UK law, to those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, that they are treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and the society they serve with their lives.

WFEL demonstrates its support through a number of initiatives, such as employing former service personnel and also reservists who continue to serve their country, as well as actively supporting Armed Forces charities such as Combat Stress.

The Bronze Award, signed by both UK Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson and Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nicholas Carter, was presented to WFEL’s managing director Ian Anderton during a ceremony at WFEL’s military bridging manufacturing facility in Cheshire.

On receiving the award from Major Anthony Turner of Army Headquarters North West, Anderton said, “It is hugely beneficial to have in the WFEL team former military personnel with extensive knowledge and experience of using our rapidly deployable bridges during their military life. We are delighted that our commitment to supporting the armed forces has been recognised with this Bronze Award and we are extremely proud to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant.”

Regional employer engagement director at the North West of England and Isle of Man Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (NW RFCA) Geoff Nuzum added: “On behalf of the Ministry of Defence we are delighted to present WFEL with an Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award. There is much to be gained on both sides from a partnership with defence and the commitment from WFEL is a testament to that. We look forward to further opportunities to collaborate in the future.”