THE SBMC REVOLUTION
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ruly revolutionary is how Gavin Newlands MP hailed newlyestablished Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company following a pre-launch event which saw local representatives from the public and private sector learn how RBLI’s new social enterprise will offer a lifeline to the country’s veterans. A 50-strong room, which included Mr Newlands, applauded inaugural SBMC director Michelle Ferguson as she outlined her plans for offering flexible, rewarding and sustainable employment to more than 40 exservicemen and women. Emulating the successful ethos of our first enterprise, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, SBMC will adhere to its siblings ethos: to be socially thriving while also commercially sustainable, offering a rewarding employment opportunity to veterans. However, the promise of SBMC is not a mere mission statement - less than one month before the pre-launch event, ministerially-led Scottish Veterans Fund pledged their backing of the company in the form of almost £60,000. Paisley and Renfrewshire North Newlands MP said: “Despite often facing significant challenges due to
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life-changing mental and physical disabilities, the vast majority of this country’s ex-servicemen and women have an immense appetite for employment – and moving veterans into work is something we are always eager to encourage. “However, the employment must be rewarding and sustainable, as well as flexible, to suit the range of needs many veterans have. “Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company’s model is truly revolutionary in offering these crucial aspects.” Jim Wilson, General Secretary of Veterans Scotland, said: “The military charity community in Scotland is unwavering in its drive to support the country’s ex-servicemen and women to
the very best of our ability – and the Scottish Veterans Fund, funded by the Scottish Government and Standard Life Aberdeen, is a crucial tool in allowing us to do that. “With pioneering projects like Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, made possible by the fund, we can proudly say that Scottish veterans increasingly have places to turn to when faced with challenges in the civilian world.” Speaking at the event, Michelle Ferguson said: “We are immensely proud to have received the backing of Gavin, the Scottish Veterans Fund, and others at the showcasing of the aspiration and ethos of SBMC – their support will help us truly change the lives of veterans in need of work.”