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EYES FRONT: ISSUE 08
Hello and welcome to issue 8 of Eyes Front magazine - the only forces events publication available.
Inside this issue we offer resettlement advice with light of our two most recent events taking place - Military into Management & Leadership and the Armed Forces Maritime Event 2025 - in Catterick and Plymouth respectively.
Both events were a great day and insight for those looking for that next step from the forces as well as those who had made that step into resettlement, yet their journey so it seems was still set to continue for one reason or another.
We have some great advertisers inside this issue offering an array of opportunities so be sure to check them out!
Very best wishes,
Mal
Mal Robinson, Editor, Eyes Front Magazine.
Contents & Credits Eyes Front Issue 8
Resettlement Advice
Network, Network, Network!
Issue 8 of Eyes Front has a forces resettlement theme to it with two events from the NAFESE team having taken place recently covering transition from the military - Military into Management & Leadership in Catterick and the Armed Forces Maritime Event 2025 in Plymouth. Here, editor Mal Robinson points out one key element for resettlement.
“People could tend to be a little skeptical for someone who runs an event company for the forces to say perhaps the most important thing to do when making that crossover from military to civilian life is to “network”, but in a nutshell, the art of networking and making contacts in your resettlement journey, is arguably the most important task.
You can never ever know enough people! Even now, encourage myself to network, some thirteen years out of the forces later. It could be something for an event or even something for personal reasons, the chance to make more contacts and put a name to a face can be (and have proved in the past for me) priceless.
There’s many times I have mentioned to people, the ideal scenario for leaving the forces (and granted this may not
always be the case, for example a medical discharge or unforeseen quick exit from the military) is to use the recommended 18-month timeline, work depending.
The ideal order of play would be to network initially, attend events, see what’s out there and get an idea and a feel for things. See how others network and chat, there is no correct way of conducting conversation, be yourself and ask questions.
Remember, at the end of the day, exhibitors are there to chat to you, this is the sole reason they are there, so try not to feel any pressure when going to initiate a conversation. They are interested in you and want to find out more.
Once a period of networking is complete, then see what skills you may need to go down your desired route, address any skills gap and then go back and network some more, armed with your additional qualifications.
This of course is a brief overview, but if anything you can take away from this article, then it’s to NETWORK!”
Hi, I’m Teresa, and for the past eight years I’ve been helping service leavers and ex-forces personnel take the next step into civilian life. I know from working with thousands of people just like you that the transition isn’t always easy – but the right qualifications can make a huge difference. That’s where I come in. I’ll help you choose the courses that best fit your goals and make sure you get the most out of your Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCAS). I can even guide you through the claim process if you’d like a hand – keeping things simple and stress-free so you can focus on what’s next.
At Quanta, we’re passionate about turning your hard-earned military experience into recognised civilian qualifications. Whatever your plans, I’ll work with you to make sure your funding goes further and sets you up for the best possible chance of success.
Remember, the ELC scheme entitles you to have 80% of your course paid for (between £1000 and £2000 depending on length of service). Service leavers between 6 and 8 years can aggregate claims together giving you £3000 in one hit! What are you waiting for?
Ready to start your next chapter? Get in touch – I’d love to help.
BUILDING BRIDGES
Proud to Support Veterans in Scaffolding
At the Scaffolding Association, we’re proud that many of our member contractors actively employ and support Armed Forces veterans.
From discipline and teamwork to leadership and resilience, the skills gained in service translate directly into the scaffolding and access industry — and we’re committed to helping veterans build strong, rewarding careers after military life.
Whether it’s through training, employment, or advocacy, we stand behind the valuable role veterans play in shaping a safer, more skilled scaffolding workforce. Supporting veterans.
Strengthening our industry.
Looking to start your next chapter in scaffolding?
Get in touch to find out how our members are supporting Armed Forces veterans into skilled, rewarding careers.
The UK’s largest trade body for scaffold contractors
Why the Scaffold Industry Needs the Skills of Our Armed Forces
The scaffolding industry, like much of construction, is facing a major skills shortage. It’s estimated that more than 300,000 additional tradespeople are needed to meet demand – a shortfall that puts real pressure on projects across the country. Meanwhile, every year thousands of men and women leave the Armed Forces, equipped with discipline, training, and experience that could make a real difference in industries like ours.
At the Scaffolding Association, we believe this is a huge opportunity. That’s why we’ve recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant, formalising our commitment to helping those who serve – or have served – find rewarding careers in scaffolding.
FROM SERVICE TO SCAFFOLDING
For many veterans, moving from military life into civilian employment can feel like a big step. But as Scaffolding Association member Ian Pickard of I.D.P. Safety Services explains, the skills gained in the Forces often provide the perfect foundation.
Ian spent almost two decades in the Reserves, rising to senior leadership roles. During that time, he developed technical expertise, leadership ability, and a confidence that he says continues to shape his career today.
“The Army trains its people to the highest standards,” Ian reflects. “You learn discipline, teamwork, and problemsolving – but also how to lead, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to deliver results. Those are skills you carry with you for life. I wouldn’t be doing the job I do now without that experience.”
WHY EMPLOYERS SHOULD TAKE NOTICE
Scaffolding is built on teamwork, precision, and a strong safety culture – all qualities that align closely with military training. Veterans bring reliability, adaptability, and a readiness to take on responsibility from day one.
“Ex-forces staff are well turned out, reliable, hard-working, and adaptable,” Ian says. “Businesses that take on veterans often go on to hire more, because they see the positive impact straight away.”
A CALL TO ACTION FOR THE SCAFFOLD INDUSTRY
With such a significant labour gap to fill, the scaffolding industry cannot afford to overlook this pool of talent. Exforces personnel already have the discipline, skill, and mindset to succeed – whether that’s getting started on site, stepping into supervisory roles, or moving into leadership positions over time.
Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, adds:
“Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is an important step for us as an organisation, but more importantly it’s a commitment to the people leaving service who have so much to offer. The qualities that the Forces instil – discipline, leadership, teamwork, and resilience – are exactly the qualities our industry needs. We want to shine a light on the opportunities available in scaffolding and make sure veterans know they are welcome here.”
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, the Scaffolding Association is underlining its commitment to creating those pathways – and to encouraging businesses across the industry to see the real value that veterans bring.
As Ian puts it: “We need to tap into these skill sets and use them to strengthen our industry. Veterans are ready to contribute – we just need to give them the opportunity.”
UK SPECIAL FORCES (RESERVE)
UKSF(R) comprising of 21 SAS(R), 23 SAS(R), SBS(R) and 63 (UKSF) Signals Squadron, is tasked to the highest level and can operate in difficult and often changing circumstances, sometimes in absence of guidance and within situations that have significant operational and strategic importance. Applicants must be able to commit to intense and extended training demands and be willing to deploy overseas and commit to operations.
For more information on how to join UK
Special Forces (Reserve):
21 SAS (Reserve)
Email:
SFTC-UKSF-RESERVE-RECRUITING@mod.gov.uk
23 SAS (Reserve)
Email:
SFTC-UKSF-RESERVE-RECRUITING@mod.gov.uk
63 (UKSF) Signal Squadron
Email:
SFTC-UKSF-RESERVE-RECRUITING@mod.gov.uk
Special Boat Service (R)
Email:
SFTC-UKSF-RESERVE-RECRUITING@mod.gov.uk
DRIVING FORWARD
From Soldier to Successful Veteran Business Owner
Leaving the Armed Forces is one of the biggest transitions anyone can face. For many, it comes with uncertainty, financial pressure, and the challenge of finding a new path in civilian life. That’s exactly where Steve Thornton, founder of Forces Cars Direct, found himself nearly 25 years ago. His story is one that many veterans will relate to, and one that proves there is life, and success, after service.
Steve’s journey into business wasn’t planned. In fact, he had no interest in car sales when he left the Army. Like many, he had experienced the frustrations of being ripped off and not properly supported when buying a car during his time in uniform. The stereotypical view of “salespeople” didn’t help either. But after leaving the military with little money and few options, Steve accepted a trial position with a military car sales company whilst still in Germany.
On his very first day, he sold a car. It would be a month before he sold another, but in that time he recognised something powerful: there was a real opportunity to offer military personnel a service that was built on respect, honesty, and support. In short, he saw a chance to do things better.
Fast forward nearly a quarter of a century, and UK based Forces Cars Direct has become a thriving, veteran-owned business, built firmly on the values Steve carried with him from his military days. Loyalty, trust, and service. The company has helped thousands of serving personnel and veterans find their perfect vehicle, all while securing genuine savings through exclusive discounts and has saved collective customers over £166 million!
But what makes Forces Cars Direct truly unique is its heart. Steve never forgot how it felt to be a young soldier, struggling to make sense of civilian life and looking for someone to be on his side. That’s why the company continues to champion the military community, supporting not just those in uniform, but also those who have hung it up. Even after leaving the Forces, veterans remain eligible for Forces Cars Direct’s discounts and dedicated service.
For today’s service leavers, Steve’s story offers a timely reminder: the end of military life isn’t the end of opportunity. With resilience, determination, and a little support, it can be the start of something extraordinary.
To learn more about Steve’s journey and how Forces Cars Direct continues to support the military community, visit www. forcescarsdirect.com/eyes.
KINAXIALOGISTICS
Kinaxia Logistics is one of the UK’s leading logistics and supply chain providers, delivering tailored transport, warehousing and distribution solutions nationwide. With a strong network of vehicles, warehousing space, and over 1,400 colleagues, we combine national strength with regional expertise.
But Kinaxia is more than just a logistics company. We are committed to people — our colleagues, customers, and wider communities. That’s why we are proud to support those who have served in the Armed Forces, as well as the wider emergency services community, as they transition into civilian life.
have the support and opportunities to succeed. Here are some words from ex-servicemen now working at Kinaxia, sharing their experiences of moving from military life into a career in logistics.
Roy Meggs “I served in the 70s and 80s in the Army and now work on the Eurocell contract as a Class 1 driver. I also attend veterans’ breakfast clubs and events where possible.
know how hard it can be for those leaving the Armed Forces to ‘fit in’ to civilian life. When I left, I thought I’d become a civilian again, but it wasn’t that simple. Over time I’ve learned why, and now better understand myself as a proud veteran.”
This pledge is not just a statement — it is built into our recruitment process. Today, Kinaxia employs veterans across many functions, from drivers and warehouse operatives to managers and office-based professionals. Their dedication, teamwork and resilience enrich our business, and we are proud to provide them with a platform to build new careers in logistics.
Through our work with Eyes Front, a service dedicated to helping ex-servicemen and women find meaningful employment, Kinaxia is providing real opportunities to those who have given so much in the line of duty. As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we have pledged to guarantee interviews for all ex-service personnel who apply for roles within our business.
At Kinaxia, we recognise the skills and values veterans bring, and we remain committed to ensuring they
Ian Spence “ I work for Mark Thompson Transport as the compliance manager, I am ex services. think it’s great that Kinaxia supports ex service leavers and it’s a great initiative”
At Igne, we’re proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant
