Businesses Back Our Armed Forces At Airport Breakfast Event
Posted in: News
Published on: 13th February 2026
Posted in: News
Published on: 13th February 2026
A wide range of successful businesses and organisations have gathered at Teesside Airport to pledge their support to our Armed Forces.
A Bugle Breakfast event on Thursday (12 February) saw 10 local businesses and organisations sign the Armed Forces Covenant with armed forces veterans watching on.
The Covenant is a national promise to support those who serve, or have served, and their families – with the scheme securing pledges to make sure veterans, reservists and their loved ones are treated fairly, recognised for their skills and given real opportunities.
A rousing performance from the 8th Battalion, The Rifles, Bishop Auckland, bugle players opened the event ahead of networking opportunities with business leaders, reservists and dignitaries, and the signing of the Covenant by a string of local businesses.
The event’s signatories were:
Michael Poole, His Majesty’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, Tom Bryant, Chief Executive of the Tees Valley Combined Authority, and Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside Airport, were all in attendance.
Reservist Marcus Sellars, our region’s new Department for Transport Aviation Ambassador, was also in attendance.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Honouring the service of our brave armed forces personnel means opening doors to real opportunities, including access to good-quality, well-paid jobs through the Armed Forces Covenant.
“It’s a real pleasure to see more of our brilliant local businesses and organisations sign up to back our veterans and their loved ones.
“We’ve signed up at the Airport and the Combined Authority, and I’d really urge companies and organisations to sign up, too.”
By signing the Covenant, organisations and individuals publicly show their support and commitment to the Armed Forces community.
Lt Col Neil Watson, Commanding Officer 8 Rifles, explained how the Army Reserve and serving can build invaluable skills.
He added: “The support of businesses is invaluable in helping us to achieve our mission to prepare for conflict in future.
“The best way we can possibly do that is to deter those who would do us ill, so we never have to get to the point where we need to fight.
“Quite simply, we need the support of people and businesses to allow people to serve in the Army Reserve – and we will train them, help to develop them and we will send them back to you as better leaders to add more value to your organisation.”
Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside International Airport, added: “We are honoured to stand alongside those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces.
“We are home to many ex-service personnel in our airport team, and we’re excited to host these events and play our part in ensuring they receive the respect and opportunities they have earned.”
