WCNW Chamber strikes Gold!

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that we've received the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awardthe highest standard of recognition for employers who demonstrate outstanding support for the Armed Forces community.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award is presented by the Ministry of Defence to organisations that go above and beyond in their commitment to those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, as well as their families. To achieve this level of recognition, employers must not only advocate for the Armed Forces Covenant, but also provide demonstrable and practical support through policies, initiatives, and engagement opportunities.

For the Chamber, this recognition is far more than a badge of honour - it reflects years of dedicated effort to ensure that the Armed Forces community is represented, supported, and celebrated across the business landscape of West Cheshire and North Wales.

Supporting the Armed Forces community is something we’re incredibly passionate about at the Chamber as we’re proud to have had veterans serve on our Board of Directors, as well as providing speaking opportunities to Reserve Forces' & Cadets' Association For Wales. The Chamber also hosts an annual networking event at the 3rd Battalion Royal Welsh’s barracks in Colwyn Bay to help raise awareness of the benefits businesses can gain from engaging with the Armed Forces and employing veterans.

Tony Fish, Defence Relationship Management. Ministry of Defence. Mid & North Wales, commented: “I am very pleased that West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber has been successful in obtaining this prestigious Award in 2025, one of only 12 Welsh winners. The Chamber are a strong advocate of Defence and continue to support and promote the Armed Forces Covenant to its membership. As Strategic partners since 2019, Defence Relationship Management (through RFCA For Wales) enjoy a mutually beneficial and supportive arrangement with the Chamber, and we look forward to further strengthening the links going forward.”

Sarah Bailey, Chief Executive Officer of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, added: “Receiving the Gold Award is a real milestone for the Chamber. It reflects not just our policies, but also the actions that we’ve taken to make sure that the Armed Forces community is recognised and supported within our business network. This recognition also underlines the value that veterans, reservists, and their families bring to local employers - skills, experience, and perspectives that strengthen businesses of every size. We’re proud to play a part in encouraging more organisations to see the benefits of engaging with the Armed Forces Covenant.

“We’re honoured to be recognised alongside so many outstanding organisations across the United Kingdom, including two Chamber members, Deeside-based expert distributors, Farrall's Group and Chester-based HR specialists, Wurkplace Limited.”

Sarah continued: “We’re proud of this achievement, but our commitment doesn’t stop here. The Chamber will continue to champion the Armed Forces Covenant, create opportunities for veterans and reservists in business, and shine a spotlight on the transferable skills and value they bring to the workplace.”

If you’d like to learn more about how your business can engage with the Armed Forces Covenant, get in touch with our strategic member, RFCA for Wales.

For the Chamber, this recognition is far more than a badge of honour - it reflects years of dedicated effort to ensure that the Armed Forces community is represented, supported, and celebrated across the business landscape of West Cheshire and North Wales.