Supporting the Armed Forces Community

The Black Country Chamber of Commerce works tirelessly to help raise awareness of the businesses, skills and employability of our UK Armed Forces community. In 2020 we proudly received the Defence Employer Recognition GOLD Award, which is testimony to our team’s endeavours over the years to engage and ensure the profile of our military community is raised at the highest levels.

Armed Forces Covenant

The Black Country Chamber were instrumental in promoting the Employer Recognition Scheme and supported 35 UK Chambers to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant. These Chambers of Commerce also encouraged their members to support this project.

Supporting the Unsung Hero

From 2013 - 2023 we successfully delivered ‘Supporting the Unsung Hero’ business start-up programme to the Armed Forces community. This was a 10-month business start-up programme open to spouses of Veterans, Reservists and Serving Armed Forces personnel, at no cost, and was attended by more than 2000 service spouses at MOD bases throughout the UK, British Forces Cyprus, Germany, Belgium, Italy and Gibraltar.

Our Other Work Includes:

• A strong collaboration with City of Wolverhampton Council and the REED to support the Armed Forces Community in business.
• We have a strong partnership with the Richardson group and boost awareness within their supplier network.
• Support Armed Forces day in the Black Country.
• Alison Trinder, our start-up business manager leads our business start-up programme, delivering guidance and support in setting up your business and connecting you to opportunities across the region.
• Dedicated award to celebrate a business' outstanding support to the armed forces.