Gold Award: Ministry of Defence's Employer Recognition Scheme

Published 21/07/2025

Awarded Gold in support of the armed forces community

We’re proud to share that BEC has achieved the Gold Award in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) – the highest possible recognition for organisations that go above and beyond in their support of the Armed Forces community.

This award is a true testament to the values that drive us as a business: putting people first, building meaningful partnerships, and making a lasting impact on our communities.

Supporting Our Armed Forces

Our Chief Executive, Michael Pemberton – a former Royal Logistic Corps Officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan – knows first-hand the challenges and strengths that come with a military career.

Michael said:

“BEC has always been rooted in supporting our people and our community, and that naturally includes our armed forces community. It’s right that we do all we can to support the men and women who serve, both during and after their time in the military.

Veterans and reservists bring a wealth of skills, experience, and leadership – they are highly capable individuals who make a valuable contribution beyond the military.

I’m incredibly proud of what our team delivers every single day. This Gold Award is further recognition of the values we live by at BEC, putting people first and doing business in a way that benefits our workforce, our partners, and our wider community.”

What the Gold Award Means
The ERS Gold Award is reserved for organisations that actively demonstrate their commitment to supporting armed forces personnel through policies, practices, and advocacy. Fewer than 1,500 firms across the UK currently hold this coveted status, making this achievement particularly special for our team.

Paula Mewse, our HR & Executive Assistant, has played a key role in us achieving Gold, alongside our Armed Forces Ambassador Mark Armstrong.

Paula said: “Receiving the ERS Gold Award is an incredible honour. When I first heard, I was genuinely taken aback – it was one of those moments that truly stops you in your tracks.

I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, not just personally, but for everyone at BEC who has worked tirelessly to support our Armed Forces community.”

Recognition of Our Values

For us, this award isn’t just about recognition – it’s about validating the way we do business: values-led, community-focused, and people-first.

Our Chairman, Nigel, summed this up perfectly:

“To have achieved the Armed Services Covenant Gold Award in such a short space of time is a testimony to the hard work, commitment, and dedication to the cause of everyone on the team. Those who serve, and have served, deserve nothing but our respect, gratitude and understanding.

We should all be doing everything we can to support our veterans back into society and enable them to live a life that they have, on our behalf, been prepared to fight to preserve.”

Looking Ahead

We’ll continue to champion the Armed Forces community and ensure that our policies, culture, and projects reflect that ongoing commitment. This Gold Award is just the beginning of our journey to provide even greater support for those who have served.