We are proud to share that on 16 May, Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) was awarded the Honorary Freedom of the Borough by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council. This is the highest civic honour a local authority can bestow.
The award recognises more than 106 years of service supporting veterans and comes in a particularly special year for RBLI, as Veteran Ambassador Councillor Steve Hammond served as Mayor.
The honour was proposed by Councillor Dave Davis, Armed Forces Champion at the Council, who said: “We’re proud to have them in the Borough. A huge thank you to them for all that they have done and continue to do for the veterans they serve, and many congratulations to them.”
Councillor Matt Boughton added: “We know the work that RBLI has done for many decades
has helped veterans of many generations and embedded them into this community. It is an honour to have RBLI located in the Borough and this award of Freedom of the Borough is richly deserved.”
RBLI Chief Executive Lisa Farmer OBE responded: “This is an amazing honour for our organisation. We are very proud to be in Tonbridge and Malling, and you have been a wonderful friend to us, supporting our ambitions and our vision. There is no doubt that your unwavering support spurs us on. I want to thank you all for that.
“We have huge plans to increase our housing, to create homes for those who need them. We want to create more jobs, and we have embarked on a £45 million investment programme for our facilities, all through fundraising.
“Our commitment is that we won’t stop. We will help those who are in need the most, whatever their issues or their disabilities.”
RBLI Attends
Buckingham Palace Garden Party
RBLI staff were honoured to attend the Buckingham Palace Garden Party on 14 May 2025, celebrating contributions to education and skills across the UK.
More than 2,000 guests, dressed in their finest, gathered to enjoy the stunning weather and the beautiful Palace gardens.
Live music began at 4pm, creating a buzzing atmosphere. At 5pm, Their Majesties The King and Queen appeared, with the King looking well following his recent cancer treatment. They greeted guests and took time to speak with many before retiring to the royal tent for tea. The event concluded at 6pm with the national anthem and a sea of smiling faces.
RBLI’s Step In Officer, Jon Ramage, described the day as “a once in a lifetime experience,” and especially valued the chance to connect with fellow veterans and share RBLI’s mission.
RBLI Named As Kent Charity Awards Finalist
We’re thrilled to be shortlisted as a finalist in the 2025 Kent Charity Awards, in the Large Charity of the Year category!
Selected from hundreds of inspiring organisations across the county, this recognition is a testament to the incredible impact of our teams and the strength of our mission.
Earlier this month, we welcomed the judging panel to our headquarters, where they met with Chief Executive Lisa Farmer OBE to discover more about our mission and impact.
Find out more about the awards: kentcharityawards.com
Volunteer Week Spotlight
George – Fulfilment Team
George began volunteering with RBLI to gain work experience, having had none before. He also wanted to build his confidence - and he has!
“The best part of volunteering has been being part of the team, knowing and seeing that the work I do helps the RBLI, and increasing my confidence.”
We’re proud to have George as part of the RBLI team. Thank you, George, for all that you do!
Mike – Lifeworks
Mike has been volunteering with RBLI for more than 17 months. As a Combat Veteran who once lived on the streets, he knows how tough life can be, and that’s why he’s passionate about giving back.
“The best part is finishing my day knowing I’ve helped someone and made a difference.”
Mike encourages everyone to volunteer with RBLI, calling it “the greatest and most rewarding charity.” We’re so proud to have him on our team! Thank you, Mike, for helping us to change lives.
Expanding Care Progress, Partnerships, and a Perfect BBQ
Our Care team has been busy sharing the RBLI story: attending events including the Tonbridge & Malling Adult Safeguarding Conference and the Armed Forces Conference, and flying the flag for RBLI’s enhanced care offering.
Since the launch of our new care model in April 2025 we’ve already seen encouraging improvements in the service quality across the board.
One standout success is the expanded catering service, which hosted a lively summer BBQ for 30 residents and staff.
The team is extending its reach across the Village, with new leaflets landing in July. Care is reaching wider, making a bigger difference - and there’s more to come!
Staff fundraising for RBLI
Hayley Takes The Leap For RBLI
We’re in absolute awe of the bravery shown by Hayley Hughes, our Business Development Executive, who faced her fear of heights and completed a daring 12,000-foot skydive on Saturday 17 May, all in support of RBLI.
Hayley’s fearless leap is a brilliant reflection of the dedication within our Social Enterprise teams. Not only do they go above and beyond for their clients, but they also dive headfirst into fundraising challenges.
Thanks to her incredible efforts, Hayley raised more than £1,100 to support our cause. A huge well done to Hayley, and if you’re feeling inspired to take the plunge yourself, find out more at rbli.co.uk/skydive
Property Services Team Peak Performance
A huge congratulations to Steve Faulkner, Jamie Obbard, and Daniel Faulkner from our Aylesford Property Services Team, who took on the mighty National Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday 17 May – and won!
Climbing Snowdon (1,085m), Scafell Pike (978m) and Ben Nevis (1,345m) in just one day is no small feat, and to say we’re proud is an understatement.
Together, they’ve smashed their fundraising target, raising an amazing £1,145 plus £253.75 in Gift Aid to support our mission here at RBLI.
If you’re feeling inspired to tackle a challenge of your own, pop by Fundraising or get in touch with the team - they would love to support you!
Fundraising
Tommy Ride 2025
Powered by Resilience
On Friday 27 June, 40 riders began their 150-mile journey from the RBLI Village in Aylesford to Ypres, Belgium, as part of this year’s Tommy Ride, marking both Armed Forces Day and the 31st birthday of The Royal Gurkha Rifles.
Among those taking part was Hari Budha Magar MBE, the first double above-knee amputee to summit Everest. Riding alongside him were three of his former comrades from the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers, 2 now working in RBLI’s social enterprise. They were joined by a wider team of RBLI staff, community members, and supporters.
The route passed through the Kent countryside, across the Channel, and on to poignant stops such as Langemark German Cemetery and Tyne Cot, before concluding with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Menin Gate.
A very big thank you to all who rode, supported, and donated, especially Tirtha and Albin who completed the ride!
Tommy Trek A Midnight Tribute to D-Day
On Friday 6 June, a group of remarkable supporters - including a team from SBMC - set off from RBLI’s Head Office in Aylesford at midnight, embarking on the unforgettable Tommy Trek. Covering 40km through the North Downs beneath the night sky, their journey honoured the anniversary of D-Day.
Every step raised vital funds to support veterans, helping ensure they continue to receive the care, support, and recognition they deserve. A heartfelt thank you to Chevron Traffic Management for their continued partnership and for helping to make this extraordinary event possible.
Tommy Tee Off Took Flight for a Great Cause
RBLI proudly took part in the Tommy Tee Off on Thursday 22 May, at The Cave Hotel and Golf Course, a fantastic event made possible by the generous sponsorship of Alcaline Aviation Limited.
One of the standout moments was the unforgettable arrival of Alcaline’s helicopters that flew in to greet attendees, adding a special touch to an already memorable day.
VE Day Challenge Raises £70,000
Throughout May, more than 1,100 people took on the VE Day 80 Challenge, walking 80 miles to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe.
Thanks to their incredible efforts and support from our wider community, the challenge raised an amazing £70,000 for RBLI. A big thank you to everyone who got involved, especially Paul Wratten who walked the full length of Dover Cliffs and back as part of the challenge!
The Great Tommy Sleep Out Raises £2 million!
We are incredibly happy to announce that this has raised an amazing £2 million! A huge congratulations to everyone involved and thank you to our colleagues who also braved the cold.
Social Enterprise
Aiming Higher Defence Dinner Champions Social Value
On Thursday 12 June, we welcomed leaders from across the UK Defence Sector to RBLI Village for an evening that shone a light on the impactful work happening across our site, and the exciting future ahead.
With plans for a new factory now in motion, we aim to double the number of veterans we can support through employment, training and community integration.
“Every pound we spend on defence must deliver economic and social value. I can’t think of a better example than what you have here on the RBLI Village. I want us to drive employment and value into our communities in the way you see around you here.” Andy Start, CEO of UK MOD Defence Equipment & Support.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, and to the UK Ministry of Defence’s Andy Start and Jim Carter for championing the drive to embed Social Value at every level of the Defence Supply Chain.
New Production Line Accelerates Growth for Social Enterprise
On VE Day we were proud to welcome representatives from HW Martin, national traffic management experts, to help RBLI mark the launch of our latest road sign production line, commissioned at Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company.
This new facility builds on BBMC’s impressive output of 154,000 signs last year and represents a major leap forward in both capacity and efficiency. Developed in close collaboration with HW Martin and other industry partners, the line is designed to boost capacity, streamline bespoke orders, and improve delivery speed.
Andy Graham, Operations Director at HW Martin, praised the initiative, noting that it delivers “both operational excellence and meaningful employment for veterans.”
Plans are now submitted for a new £12.5 million, 68,000ft² factory in Aylesford, set to replace our current 1970s building and enable us to scale our mission even further. Learn more about our social enterprise work:
rbli.co.uk/what-we-do/social-enterprise
Commemorating 85 Years
Since the Battle of Britain
This year marks the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain - a pivotal moment in our nation’s history that remembers the extraordinary courage and resilience of those who served.
To honour this legacy, we’ve launched a limited-edition collection of commemorative memorabilia.
Explore the collection: rbli.shop/collections/battle-of-britain
Shop the VJ Collection
rbli.shop/collections/ve-day-80
SBMC Secures New Grant From The National Lottery Community Fund
We’re proud to announce that Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (SBMC) has secured £50,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund through its new Strengthening Organisations programme, an initiative developed to help existing grantees explore new ideas and ways of working.
This funding will enable SBMC to develop and trial a new business area in Vehicle Conspicuity - the high-visibility markings used to maximise vehicle visibility on roads, including reflective chevrons for highway vehicles and specialist livery for emergency services.
SBMC has already had positive engagement with prospective partners including BEAR Scotland, Amey, and Police Scotland, indicating real appetite for this new capability.
The grant will support the recruitment of a new graphics beneficiary role for 22 months, as well as the purchase of a specialist module and technical subcomponents to enhance Zünd cutting equipment.
This is another exciting step forward in strengthening our commercial offer, while delivering meaningful social impact for veterans in Scotland.
For 25% off use code: STAFF25
To collect your order from the Retail team (removing delivery costs) use code: STAFFCOLLECTION
VE Day 80 Round-Up
This year marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. This is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, marked by extraordinary acts of service and sacrifice. Across RBLI, we took the opportunity to reflect, remember, and come together through a series of deeply meaningful events and partnerships.
RBLI and Transport for London Memorial Displays
In partnership with Transport for London (TfL), RBLI veterans created special editions of the Unknown Tommy and Unknown Woman in War figures to mark the VE Day 80 anniversary.
These silent memorials were placed at five key Tube stations: Baker Street, Balham, Bethnal Green,
Charing Cross, and Tower Hill. All were heavily impacted during WWII.
A two-minute silence was observed across the network on 8 May, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Charing Cross, where seven people lost their lives in a 1940 bombing.
rbli.co.uk/veday80tfl
Staff Celebration
Staff had a truly special day celebrating VE Day with an event organised by the Senior Leadership Team. It was a wonderful opportunity for colleagues to come together, reflect, and honour this historic occasion.
It was especially meaningful to be joined via video call by our teams in Leatherhead and SBMC, uniting everyone in spirit.
A big thank you to everyone who came along. We hope the goodie bags filled with VE Day merchandise from the RBLI shop helped to make the day memorable as we celebrated the legacy of those who served.
Garden Party and Beacon Lighting Event
On the evening of 8 May, we hosted a moving community event as part of the UK-wide beacon lighting ceremonies.
The gathering featured live music, a fish and chips van, and culminated in the lighting of a beacon at 9:30pm in the Garden of Honour.
A moment that touched everyone came when 93-year-old RBLI resident Pat lit the beacon, standing next to the memorial for her father, a WWII submariner. She shared the memory of receiving a wartime telegram notifying her family that he was missing. Her story was a deeply personal reminder of the personal sacrifices made by so many.
BBC’s VE Day 80 A Celebration to Remember
RBLI colleagues Julie Walker Jopson, Melanie Lay, Ed Elston and Matt Moses were fortunate to attend the BBC’s live broadcast event, VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember, at Horse Guards Parade.
Presented by Zoe Ball, the concert featured moving tributes and musical performances that honoured this historic milestone. It was an unforgettable evening that brought history to life in a powerful and heartfelt way.
Staff updates
STARTERS
Victoria Hinkins – Prospect Researcher
Lewis Smith – Trust Fundraiser
Emma Cox – Digital Events Fundraising Manager
Maria Austen – Trust Fundraiser
Jennifer Skinner – Fundraising Administrator
Georgina Lowry – Marketing Manager
Fay Ervin – Fundraising Assistant
Sasha Harrison – PR & Communications Manager
Graham Hingston, General Operative
Joe Matthews – Estimator/Technical Administrator
Arjun Myanger – Helpdesk Analyst
Jules Girling – Sales Development Executive
Joe Campbell – Manufacturing Operative
Sam Barrett – Fitness Instructor
James Boyle – Fitness Instructor
Ricky Rose – Fitness Instructor
Lisa Wells – Fitness Instructor
Simon Seal – Fitness Instructor
Lauretta Moore – Welfare Officer
Joanne Reeves – Housing Officer
LEAVERS
Marie Cahill – Vocational Assessor
Clare Hawkes – Senior HR Business Partner
James F Smith – Manufacturing Operative
CHANGES
Albin Sendang – Manufacturing Operative to Team Leader – Traffic Management
INSTANT REWARDS
Here’s who went above and beyond in May and June and received a £25 Love2Shop vouchers instant reward!
MAY
Ann Nelmes
Hayley Reynolds
Hannah Jameson
James Fletcher
Ben Greenstreet
George Aslett
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDERS
As mentioned last month, RBLI’s mental health first aiders are available should you be experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. Here’s a reminder of who they are:
AYLESFORD
Julia Moorhouse – Sales
Nigel Field – Property Services
Dawn Pedder – HR
Kerry Locke – Fundraising
Alex Brown – Care
Aliona Urbanovic – Sales
Anil Gurung – BBMC
Jon Ramage – Living
Alison Blackmore – Governance
Phil Wilkinson – BBMC
Ann Nelmes – Executive
Mandy Sweeney – Finance
Ed Elston – Living
Clare Hawkes – HR
Donna Sears – Care
Neil Roberts – BBMC
Jeff Blizard – BBMC
LEATHERHEAD
Sarah Mutter - BBMC, Leatherhead
JUNE
Sue Lupton
Jacob Routen
Nicola Older
Lisa Underwood
Donna Sears
Steve Hopkins
HR Updates
PDR Reminder
Reflect, Recognise + Plan Ahead
As we enter a new financial year at RBLI, it’s time for end-of-year appraisals which are a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and focus on personal growth.
Your Performance and Development Review (PDR) is an important part of your journey with RBLI. It’s a dedicated time for you and your manager to: celebrate achievements, discuss personal development, share constructive feedback, and agree on clear, meaningful objectives for the year ahead.
These conversations not only support your professional progress but also help RBLI better understand and invest in the values, talents, and ambitions of our people, ensuring we’re listening, learning, and growing together.
If you haven’t already, please make sure your appraisal is booked in. Take time to prepare so you can make the most of the conversation.
If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to contact the HR team.
New Absence Policy
RBLI has introduced a new Absence Management Policy, providing clear guidance for employees who are unable to attend work due to sickness.
The policy outlines: what to do if you’re unwell and unable to work, how absences are managed, both short-term and long-term, eligibility for company sick pay and when it may be withdrawn.
Staff were invited to review and comment on the new policy during May, and the final version is now live and accessible on both the I-Drive and MyHR.
Salary Sacrifice A More Tax-Efficient Way to Pay into Your Pension
Salary exchange is a tax-efficient option for those earning above the national minimum wage, as your pension contributions are taken from your pre-tax salary, which means you won’t pay National Insurance on those contributions. This means you should have slightly more take-home pay while continuing to pay into your pension at the same level.
From 1 June, RBLI is introducing salary exchange as the default method of making pension contributions for eligible staff.
Most staff will pay 3% while RBLI will pay 6%, giving a total contribution of 9% into your pension fund each month. You can choose to opt out of salary exchange and continue paying from your net pay if you prefer.
For more information, including how to increase your contribution or opt out of salary exchange, please contact Mandy Sweeny, Payroll Manager.
Watch this video for more details:
Royal British Legion Industries – Salary Exchange Webinar
