Elgin business wins MoD award

A LOCAL employer's active support for the armed forces community has earned it an award.

Marie Johnstone, managing director of SFB Consulting Group on Elgin's High Street, welcomed Moray SNP MSP Richard Lochhead to celebrate its Silver Armed Forces Covenant Award.

The Ministry of Defence award is part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme – which recognises businesses that demonstrate or advocate support to the armed forces community and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Silver Award winners must meet certain criteria, including employing at least one individual from the armed forces community, actively ensuring that their workforce is aware of their positive policies, demonstrating support to mobilisations of reservists, and providing at least five days’ additional leave for training.

Mr Lochhead said: "Moray has a very special relationship with the armed forces and veterans play a really important role in our communities, so it is great to see local businesses like SFB Consulting Group taking practical steps to support veterans and military spouses in the workplace.

"I was delighted to be able to congratulate Marie and her team on becoming the only Moray business to receive the Silver Award this year and I hope that others will follow their lead and sign up to the scheme."

Ms Johnstone said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive our Silver Award this year in recognition of our ongoing hard work and support with the forces, veterans and their spouses.

"We encourage all local businesses to get on board and show their support. There is no cost and the benefits to any business are invaluable."

The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge from the nation that those who serve or who have served and their families are treated fairly.

An awards dinner will be held in the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle on November 14.

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