Gold Armed Forces Covenant Event Welcomed To Teesside Airport For First Time

Employers backing the Armed Forces community with outstanding support have been hosted at Teesside Airport for the first time.

More than 40 companies and organisations across the North East with the Gold Armed Forces Covenant award attended a brunch networking event at the airport Sky Bar on Tuesday (19 August).

It comes after Teesside was awarded the bronze level recognition for the Armed Forces Covenant scheme earlier this year.

The Covenant is a national promise to support those who serve, or have served, and their families.

The scheme secures pledges to making sure veterans, reservists and their loved ones are treated fairly, recognised for their skills and given real opportunities.

NHS Trusts, CIPHER Medical, Veterans at Ease and Durham Business Group were among the organisations and firms in attendance at the event organised by Jacky Stansfield Smith and Richard Tucker MBE, co-Chairs of the North East Gold Award Association, and hosted by both Ammar Mirza CBE, of ISS Airview, and Teesside Airport.

Airport Managing Director Phil Forster said: “It was an honour and a privilege to host a string of organisations – large and small – across our region taking real action to support our armed forces personnel and their families.

“We’re proud and extremely grateful for the expertise and unrivalled experience veterans at our airport provide across so many of our teams.

“It was also great to hear from those with the Gold Award. We want to do more to deliver for veterans, reservists and their families, and hosting these events helps us hear and learn what more we can do to provide opportunities and reach silver and gold in the future.”

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award represents the scheme’s highest level of recognition.

It is awarded to organisations showing outstanding commitment to providing a fair and supportive environment for service personnel, veterans, and their families, both within the workplace and in the wider community.

Jacky Stansfield Smith said: “The organisations within our region who have achieved Gold in the Employer Recognition Scheme show amazing support and commitment to each other, and those organisations who have achieved Bronze and Silver status.

“They are true advocates and set a shining example of how all organisations and businesses need to support the whole Armed Forces Community, from veterans, reservists, cadets and military families.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “This airport isn’t just about flights – it’s about jobs, investment and opportunities.

“Companies like Draken and Willis Aviation are creating hundreds of good, well-paid jobs here with many filled by ex-servicemen and women bringing incredible experience and dedication.

“And we’re proud to stand with them in backing our Armed Forces community and show what Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool are all about.”