A Kirkby firm and Newark and Sherwood District Council were among five Nottinghamshire employers recognised for the support they have given to members of their teams who serve or have previously served in the Armed Forces.

County Battery Services, based in Kirkby, and the council received silver awards in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, at an event at Burleigh Court, Loughborough, from Colonel Tom Redgate, the Deputy Commander (Reserves) of the regional Army HQ.

To achieve a silver award, employers have to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, show flexibility towards the annual training commitments and mobilisation of reservist employees, and support the employment of cadet instructors,

Richard Fuller, managing director of County Battery Services, who attended the awards event, said: “We are honoured as a team at County Battery Services to receive this award.

“It is really good working with the Armed Forces and signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

“Giving support to reservists and Service leavers is very beneficial to the business in a number of ways — being able to recruit highly trained and intelligent staff who can integrate seamlessly into our team being one of the biggest.”

Ella Brady, organisational development officer at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We are excited to continue our work with local organisations and charities to support the Armed Forces Covenant in our district as well as provide continued support to Armed Forces community members within our organisation.”

A further 42 businesses also formally had their silver awards renewed after continuing to support the Armed Forces community three years on from when they were first presented with the accolade.