Rugby For Heroes, a local charity supporting service personnel as they transition into civilian life, has joined forces with businesses in Gloucester and Cheltenham to host Beyond the Uniform, an inaugural networking event for ex-military professionals. The event took place at The Roastery in Quedgeley Business Park, bringing together key figures from the business community to create career pathways for veterans.
The event was supported by Howard Tenens, a nationwide logistics company and long-standing partner of Rugby For Heroes. As the main sponsor, Howard Tenens has demonstrated its commitment to veterans by providing employment opportunities, financial support, and mental well-being resources through their support of the Transition Through Rugby course, which has helped ex-service members build a foundation for success in their post-military careers. “At Howard Tenens, we recognise the leadership, resilience, and teamwork that military personnel bring to the workplace. We are committed to creating opportunities for veterans and supporting their journey into civilian careers,” said Jamie Hartles, CEO of Howard Tenens.
During the evening, Geraldine McCool, a retired lawyer specialising in military and aviation claims, spoke on the military covenant and the support available to both ex-service and leaving service members. She outlined the help provided and the tools available to ensure a smooth transition into civilian life. Kim Radley, VP of Barclays Wealth & Private Bank, also attended, supporting transferable skill set conversations and career opportunities, demonstrating the bank’s commitment to military initiatives and its own role in supporting transitioning service members.
Ambassador and ex-Gloucester rugby player Ryan Lamb was in attendance to show support and provide that essential rugby connection. Jamie Hartles further engaged directly with service men and women about the opportunities within the logistics industry and how their military skills can be transferred to civilian careers. He took the time to speak with members of the recent Transition Through Rugby Course, offering advice on professional development and highlighting Howard Tenens’ support of the charity’s initiatives.
Other businesses in attendance included Amplo Talent, Trojan Wellbeing, MBDA, BPE Legal, Cotswold & Country Financial, Veterans Welfare Group, and Circle to Success.
This networking evening connected ex-serving members with the Gloucester business community and brought together companies with ties to the military. “As a veteran-friendly business, we’re proud to host an event that connects veterans with local companies and helps them find purpose beyond their military careers,” said Paul Rudland, owner of The Roastery.
Rugby For Heroes focuses on three pillars: employment support and opportunity, rugby coaching, and mental well-being. Through the Transition Through Rugby Course, the charity provides ex-military personnel with the skills needed to succeed in civilian life. This week, Rugby For Heroes welcomed another cohort of 14 attendees to the course, where participants gained career-building skills, mental resilience training, and practical experience. One participant stated, “This programme has given me confidence in my abilities outside the military and shown me how valuable my skills are in the business world.”
With Beyond the Uniform, Rugby For Heroes continues its mission to help service personnel transition successfully into civilian life while ensuring that businesses in Gloucestershire and the South West recognise the potential of the military community.
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If you’d like to support our veterans and our initiative to support their transition to civilian life, please consider donating here.