The following Official Business Supporters, Partners and Suppliers of the Armed Forces Day national event tell us why they wanted to show their support to the armed forces community. They join our Platinum Sponsor Tesco, Gold Sponsors The Royal NAAFI, NatWest Group and Holt’s Military Banking, Silver Sponsors Babcock, BAE Systems, Balfour Beatty, McCain, The Royal British Legion, Taylor Wimpey and Partner Charity and Sponsor of the Veterans Refreshment Area RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity.
The Afghan Rug Shop – https://theafghanrugshop.co.uk/
“My wife and I are veterans of 8 operational tours with a combined service of 20 years, so it’s an honour and pleasure that our business is able to support our service community for Armed Forces Day 2022
As an ex-regular and now reservist and business owner, it is wonderful to be able to help celebrate and showcase our Armed Forces community”.
Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) – https://www.alexander-dennis.com/products/plaxton-coaches/
“Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) is backing this year’s National Armed Forces Day as we are proud to see a national spotlight shone on Scarborough. As a large employer in the area, we appreciate the protections afforded to us by our armed forces who stand as the nation’s protectors, defending the UK and its interests.”
Antac Support Services – https://antac.co.uk/
Stephen Burton, Managing Director of Antac Support Services explained why it was so important for them to support the event:
“We are proud to be supporting this year’s Armed Forces Day National Event. As a company, we recognise the wonderful contributions of our Armed Forces community and we try to do what we can to support them. This will be a wonderful event to celebrate all those within the Armed Forces.”
Beyond Housing – https://beyondhousing.co.uk/
Rosemary Du Rose, Beyond Housing Chief Executive, said: “As an armed forces-friendly organisation we are committed to offering employment opportunities to service personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families. We hope that by supporting Armed Forces Day National Event 2022 we will help to raise awareness of the difficulties and barriers faced by many members of the armed forces community”.
Chess Dynamics – https://www.chess-dynamics.com/
David Tuddenham, Managing Director at Chess Dynamics said, “Chess Dynamics are delighted to support Armed Forces Day 2022. The dedication, commitment and professionalism of our Armed Forces are second to none and we owe them all a debt of gratitude for their sacrifices and service. We look forward to continuing to equip our forces with the latest Fire Control and Surveillance Systems to deliver world class capability.”
Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors – https://www.crombiewilkinson.co.uk/site/sectors/armed_forces/
Chris Myles, Director and Head of Family Law at Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors said, “Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families have in our community. We therefore take the time to understand the special circumstances many armed forces personnel and their families face and make sure we are aware of this when they contact us for legal advice. Therefore we are proud to have committed as a ‘Business Supporter’ for the Yorkshire Armed Forces Day National event taking place 24-26 June 2022 in Scarborough, encompassing Armed Forces Day on Saturday 25 June 2022”
Five Star Collection – https://fivestarcollection.com/
Five Star Collection are a local hospitality business that are proud to sponsor Armed Forces Day National Event as a way of showing their support to the Armed Forces community. They are also offering 15% off food at all their venues this Saturday for any military / ex-military to show their support and celebrate armed forces day.
Gardner Aerospace – https://gardner-aerospace.com/
“Gardner Aerospace is one of the largest international independent manufacturers of metallic aerospace detailed parts, with 13 sites worldwide. Our global footprint means that we have the ability to meet our customers’ needs both in location and low-cost sourcing. We are continually investing in the latest machining capabilities and technologies ensuring high spec products and enabling diversification into new sectors. Therefore we wanted to show our support for the armed forces community by supporting the Armed Forces Day National Event”
Green Sea Services – https://greenseasservices.com/?page_id=87
Danny Normandale of local business Green Sea Services said, “We wanted to sponsor the Armed Forces Day National Event as a good will gesture, as he always supports our forces at every opportunity.”
Halo Solutions – https://www.halosolutions.com/
Halo Solutions have a close relationship with the armed forces having provide services to the likes of The Royal Navy and they are delighted to be able to sponsor the Armed Forces Day National Event to highlight their ongoing support of the armed forces community.
Phoenix Private Ambulance Services and Randex-Vigilant Security Services – https://www.phoenix-ambulance.co.uk/ and https://www.vigilant-security.co.uk/
Phoenix Private Ambulance Services and Randex-Vigilant Security Services joined forces to support the Armed Forces Day National Event 2022. Mike Colton, Operations Coordinator Randex-Vigilant Security (SW) ltd said:
“We are supporting Armed Forces Day National Event 2022, primarily due to the fact that we employ a number of Ex-military and serving reservists from various countries, we feel that by supporting the event it will show a small amount of appreciation for the work they have carried out and for the current serving members of the Armed Forces.”
PortaKabin and Shepherd Group – https://www.portakabin.com/gb-en/ and https://www.shepherd-group.com/
PortaKabin and Shepherd Group stated, “As a national business, it’s important for us to ensure we support initiatives in our community which reflect back the lives of our people, customers and local community”.
Red Lea Hotel – https://redleahotel.co.uk/
The Red Lea Hotel wanted to support the Armed Forces Day National Event because they wanted to thank the Armed Forces community and they were proud that Scarborough had been chosen to host such a prestigious event.
RIFT Group – https://www.riftrefunds.co.uk/tax-rebates/military/
RIFT Group said, “RIFT are corporate sponsors of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, and have supported over 60,000 Armed Forces personnel in reclaiming over £100m in overpaid tax. We are strong advocates for the military community, and Veteran employers. As Gold Award holders of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, RFIT are proud to sponsor the National Armed Forces Day celebrations.”
Secure Events UK – http://www.secureeventsuk.com/
Secure Events UK is an Events Security Agency that supply Events Organisers and Venues with Professionally trained Security Personnel. Stanley Awoh, Executive Director said, “We recognise the brave sacrifices these men and women put themselves and their families through, the least we can do to appreciate such bravery and commitment is to support events like the Armed Forces Day National Event”.
SWC Trade Frames – https://www.swctradeframes.co.uk/
Susan Richings, said: “SWC is supporting the Armed Forces Day National Event in recognition of the dedication of the Armed Forces & want to extend our unconditional gratitude to all involved present & past. We have colleagues and family members who have previously served & want to demonstrate & celebrate our indebtedness to them.”
Zalaris – https://zalaris.com/country/uk/
Zalaris spokesperson said, “At Zalaris, we recognise the value of Serving Personnel, Veterans and military families who all contribute to our business and community.
So, we are proud to support Armed Forces Day National Event 2022 at Zalaris UK & Ireland and have committed to honour the Armed Forces Covenant.
Through this commitment, we aim to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant by ensuring no member of the Armed Forces community faces any disadvantage in the provision of services. We commit to: working with the Career Transition Partnership to establish a tailored employment pathway for Service Leavers, actively support the employment of Service spouses and partners, offer flexible working conditions for Service Partners before, during and after a partner’s deployment, actively support our employees who choose to be members of the Reserve forces, actively participate in Armed Forces Day, actively support our local cadet units”
Our Official Partners are also passionate about showing their support for the Armed Forces Community:
The Boys’ Brigade – https://boys-brigade.org.uk/
Mike Colbeck, Company Captain, The Boys’ Brigade, 5th Scarborough Company said, “It is an honour and a privilege to be part of this celebration of our Armed Forces; The Boys’ Brigade and our members are delighted to be supporting the day and are very much looking forward to being there. Mike Colbeck, Company Captain, The Boys’ Brigade, 5th Scarborough Company”
The Bradley Lowery Foundation – https://bradleyloweryfoundation.com/
“Before Bradley went with the angels, he spent an amazing time in Scarborough and he was invited to armed forces day, he had an amazing time and was made to feel so welcome. We are honoured to now be attending to represent the charity set up in Bradley’s name.” – The Bradley Lowery Foundation.
Defence Discount Service – https://www.defencediscountservice.co.uk/
Defence Discount Service CEO, Tom Dalby, said: “While the pandemic meant that many of us were unable to go about our lives as normal, the Armed Forces have remained an integral part in helping to keep communities safe and have played a vital role in supporting efforts to adapt and respond to the ongoing challenges.
“We always endeavour to help those who’ve served our nation both at home and abroad, which is why we’re proud to help our members save that little bit more every time they shop.”
Dementia Forward – https://www.dementiaforward.org.uk/
“Dementia Forward is proud to be a part of Armed Forces Day 2022. It is wonderful that this national event is being celebrated in the county where we provide support, and it is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation to the men and women who serve our country, and to raise awareness of the work we do and the support we can offer.
Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity to come together to recognise the incredible people who have protected our country in the past, who are serving in the present and who will make that commitment in the future.
As a charity we are backing Armed Forces Day 2022 as we have supported many ex-service men and women. We have heard stories, both uplifting and heart-wrenching, from our clients about their own personal experiences and understand the huge value in reminiscence around this subject. We also are aware of the importance of recognising and learning about the culture within the forces to ensure we provide person-centred support. We have had clients proudly bring in their service medals to show to us and their fellow group members and we believe it is important to give people opportunities to talk about this time in their lives, and to say thank you for the sacrifices they made for us.
East Yorkshire Buses – Official Transport Partner – https://www.eastyorkshirebuses.co.uk/
They are supporting the Armed Forces Day National Event by providing transport support via an event Park and Ride scheme and local public transport services.
Parkdean Resorts – https://www.parkdeanresorts.co.uk/corporate/
Steve Richards, Parkdean Resorts CEO, said: “As a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Silver Award achiever in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, we are thrilled to be a key partner of Armed Forces Day 2022.
“As a business, we very much recognise and value the role of the UK’s Armed Forces, those who serve and have served, and their families for providing unwavering support.
“We champion the Armed Forces community, employing many veterans, reservists and volunteers, and are rewarded by the impressive skillset that they bring to our business.
“We are delighted to sponsor the Armed Forces Day National Event Evening Concert, performed by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood.
“Sponsoring this event is a great opportunity for us to show how proud we are to support our service people and thank them for their tremendous contribution to our country.”
Ryedale District Council – https://www.ryedale.gov.uk/
Margaret Wallace, Director of People and Resource for Ryedale District Council, said: “We are proud to support Armed Forces day to recognise the brave people we have in Ryedale who have prioritised their country. We have staff, Councillors and residents who have served as heroes, or who have supported friends and family to do so. We are deeply grateful for their service.”
Scarborough Spa – Official Venue Partner – https://www.scarboroughspa.co.uk/
“We are proud to be an official partner of Armed Forces Day national event 2022 and we look forward to hosting all the members of the Armed Forces Community”
Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT) – https://www.sjt.uk.com/whatson
The Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough is always a popular attraction and SJT Executive Director Caroline Routh added: “We’re delighted that Scarborough is – finally! – getting to host the Armed Forces Day National Event in 2022. It’s a great way of bringing attention to our beautiful town and all its fantastic events and resources.”
Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity – https://www.yorksbtc.org.uk/Home
“We are honoured to support Armed Forces Day National Event. This will be a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of our charity’s work across the region, as well as raising funds that will go directly towards funding research and supporting the patients and families who need it most.” Nicki Hood, Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager.
York St John University – Official Education Partner – https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/
Grant Saker said, “Military service children are a third less likely to enter higher education than their peers, despite evidence of high academic attainment amongst this group. We are at the forefront of the sector in working to improve the access of military service children into higher education. We have a long-established recognition of the way the military lifestyle – high mobility, separation and frequent parental deployment – impacts on the education of many children from armed forces families. We deliver specific interventions for military service children to increase their knowledge of higher education and enable them to plan their future and have fostered a collaborative approach across local universities and other agencies to ensure this underrepresented group is a focus within our region”
BFBS – Official Media Partner – https://www.bfbs.com/
BFBS is a pioneering military charity with a mission to entertain, inform, connect and champion the UK armed forces, their families and veterans.
Our armed forces do a tough yet invaluable job, often working in extreme conditions – so we believe they deserve our unfailing support.
Greatest Hits Radio Yorkshire Coast – Official Media Partner – https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/yorkshire-coast/
“Greatest Hits Radio Yorkshire Coast are delighted to be supporting the Armed Forces Day National Event in Scarborough this year. Being Scarborough’s local radio station and having such close ties to the community, we are thrilled it can now finally take place after 3 years of planning and the Covid-19 pandemic.
We want to help spread the word with our listeners to help the Borough of Scarborough celebrate our incredibly brave and dedicated Armed Forces, Defence Staff and their families; as well as making the most of the opportunity to showcase our wonderful towns and coastlines. The current terrible situation in Ukraine has brought home what an important role our Armed Forces play in maintaining our security and safety on a daily basis, so we can go about our daily lives. Added to that their peacekeeping and humanitarian aid roles provided across the world means we can work towards a brighter future for our children.
We know many thousands of people plan to travel into the Scarborough borough from all over the country so we will be increasing our traffic and travel updates throughout the day itself; Saturday 25th June. If you plan to visit, be sure to tune into Greatest Hits Radio Yorkshire Coast on 96.2FM or DAB to ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.”
Pathfinder International Magazine – Official Media Partner – https://pathfinderinternational.co.uk/
Pathfinder editor, Mal Robinson said: “It is a huge honour to be involved once again for Armed Forces Day. As a veteran I know how important it is to have the support and backing of our nation and it is tremendous to see everyone come together once more for this unique annual occasion.”
Bremont Watch Company – Official Supplier – https://www.bremont.com/
Emily Johnson, Military and Special Projects at Bremont Watch Company, said, “Bremont are incredibly proud to support those who serve in the Armed Forces and the growth of our military division over the years is testament to this. As a British brand, working with the British Armed Forces has been a hugely important part of our military journey; we’ve enjoyed a close connection with Her Majesty’s Forces which has been a great privilege. We’re thrilled to be supporting the Armed Forces Day National Event, continuing this long-standing partnership.”
Crofts Chocolates – Official Chocolate Supplier – https://croftschocolates.com/
Showed their support for the Armed Forces Community by kindly donating the handmade chocolates for the Gala Dinner.
Fells and Symington Family Estates – Official Port Suppliers
The Armed Forces & Port:
Fells is widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest wine distributors.
Following the acquisition of the business by the Symington Family, Fells is now considered the category specialist for Port. Here Anthony Symington tells us of the links between the forces and Port…
“There has long been a strong relationship between the Symington Family and the British Armed Forces with several members of the family serving in the British Forces over many years. There are two particular stories which come to mind and reinforce this strong link between our family, the Armed Forces and Port.
Firstly, during the First World War Maurice Symington had Vintage Port with him in the trenches in 1916 and when Churchill was sacked from the Cabinet after the Dardanelles fiasco, he served with the Royal Scots Fusiliers, close to where Maurice was stationed with the Royal Field Artillery. One evening in 1916 Churchill was visiting Maurice’s billet at the front, and they enjoyed a few bottles of Dow’s Port. Years later, in 1920’s Maurice was in London and bumped into Churchill on the pavement in Knightsbridge, Churchill took one look at Maurice and said ‘Port’.
Secondly, it was during the liberation of Portugal from Napoleon during the Peninsula Wars that the relationship between Port wine and the Army was cemented. Lord Wellington himself being a big fan. He instructed William Warre who was serving in his army at the time to write to his father asking ‘Lord Wellington will be much obliged to you if you could have the Pipe of Port Wine bottled for him, marked with his name, and taken care of in a good place till his return, as he wishes to keep it as a bonne bouche’.”
Fells and Symington Family Estates are Official Exclusive Port Suppliers for the Armed Forces Day National Event 2022 and kindly donated a 4.5L bottle of Graham’s 10-years old Tawny Port to the Gala Dinner Charity Prize Draw to help raise funds for The Royal British Legion.
Find out more information at https://fells.co.uk/ and https://www.symington.com/
Harrogate Spring Water – Official Water Supplier – https://www.harrogatespring.com/
“We are honoured to be supporting the Armed Forces Day National Event 2022. It’s so important we show the Armed Forces community how valued they are and we are delighted to be involved in the upcoming celebrations.” Charlotte Holmes, Community Manager, Harrogate Spring Water.
House of Townend – Official Wine Supplier – https://www.houseoftownend.com/
“As a family business established over 116 years ago who was heavily impacted by both World Wars, and who saw first-hand the invaluable support of the Armed Forces community, House of Townend is proud to support those individuals, both past and present, who serve our country.” John Charles Townend, Managing Director.
James Potter Eggs – Official Egg Supplier- https://www.jamespottereggs.co.uk/
To show their support for the brilliant work the Armed Forces do they have supported the Armed Forces Day National Event Gala Dinner.
SikSilk – Official Supplier – https://siksilk.com/
Global fashion brand SikSilk were founded in Scarborough and they wanted to show their support for the Armed Forces Day National Event by donating a prize to the Charity Prize Draw.
Spirit of Harrogate – Official Gin Supplier
Spirit of Harrogate are the Official Exclusive Gin Supplier for the Armed Forces Day National Event and have kindly supported the Gala Dinner and VIP Hospitality. They let us know why they wanted to show their support for the Armed Forces Community.
“Spirit of Harrogate wanted to be involved with Armed Forces Day to show our continued support of past and present service men and women. They bravely protect and serve this country so selflessly so we would like to do our bit to thank and celebrate them”
Yorkshire Tonics from Raisthorpe Manor – Official Tonics Supplier
Helping us create the perfect Yorkshire Gin and Tonic is Yorkshire Tonics from Raisthorpe Manor located on the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds who are the Official Exclusive Premium Tonic Supplier and have kindly supported the Gala Dinner and VIP Hospitality. They are delighted to support Armed Forces Day National Event 2022 as they recognise the work that the Armed Forces have done in the past and are doing in the future to enable us to live and work in the Yorkshire Wolds without conflict or compromise. They are also delighted that the event is to be held in the Yorkshire seaside town of Scarborough as they are proud to be Yorkshire and to be a part of showcasing what Yorkshire has to offer.
Oliver Medforth, Director, Yorkshire Tonics said “We are fortunate to have the Armed Forces in this country and fully support their goals and aspirations”.
Find out more information about these two great Yorkshire producers at https://www.spiritofharrogate.co.uk/ and https://www.raisthorpemanor.com/yorkshire-tonic/
Wold Top Brewery – Official Beer Supplier – https://www.woldtopbrewery.co.uk/
Kate Balchin, director of Wold Top Brewery said: “We are honoured to be involved in this event. It’s a great way to recognise and appreciate the many exceptional men and women who make up our Armed Forces. We raise a glass to them all.”
We would like to thank all of the above sponsors for their generous support.