ChamberFORCE takes a big step forward

Fife, Dundee and Angus, Moray and Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce joined with the Highland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (HRFCA) in 2018 to form ChamberFORCE to encourage stronger links between employers and the armed forces.

The individual chambers have all been active and imaginative in the initiatives and events they have run since ChamberFORCE’s launch and now they are coming together for their first joint event. Retired Brigadier Paul Harkness will be the guest speaker at an event on 30th April. He will share the insights and experiences he acquired during a 30-year military career that took him from the Cold War frontline in Germany to the unforgiving environment of Afghanistan to the military/political interface in Whitehall. The event is being supported by Amazon, whose workforce in Fife includes many with a military background and skills that the company finds invaluable.

Commenting on the event, Alan Mitchell, Chief Executive of Fife Chamber of Commerce, said: “The armed forces, whether they are full-time service personnel or part-time reservists, do a fantastic job, overseas and here at home keeping us safe from harm. Military personnel gain amazing skills and knowledge when they serve and that skills and that knowledge can be a huge asset for Fife’s businesses. Fife Chamber is proud it can celebrate the military and help to transfer their skills into local businesses. Joining forces with link-minded chambers across Scotland to create ChamberFORCE and pool our resources to get our message out to even more businesses was a no-brainer for us.

“And now we are delighted to be part of the first ChamberFORCE event with all four chambers. The companies who attend will hear unique business and leadership insights. They will be able to connect with each other. Most importantly, they will have the opportunity to forge their own military links. Amazon, who are sponsoring the event, have long recognised the transferable skills that ex-military or serving reservists bring through their doors every day. I hope that many other businesses will do the same after this event.”

Michelle McKearnon, Head of Engagement at Highland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association, said: “I am delighted to be supporting this latest ChamberFORCE event with the Chambers of Commerce from Fife, Dundee & Angus, Dumbarton and Moray, and very much looking forward to listening to Brigadier Harkness’ presentation. ChamberFORCE is a Scottish project which brings together the world of Commerce and the world of Defence, to mutual benefit. Harnessing the power of both networks, it demonstrates the transferable skills of our Defence people to the business community, and allows military personnel to engage directly with employers. Many Reservists have been involved in tackling the Covid Pandemic for the last 12 months, demonstrating their resilience and teamwork under pressure. Defence is very grateful to employers and Chambers of Commerce members for supporting this mobilisation.”

Click here to find out more about the event and book your place.*

If you would like to discover more about the benefits of working with the military and employing reservists, contact Roy McLellan, Employer Engagement Director at HRFCA

*The event isn’t just for the members of the four chambers: companies that are not a member of one of the chambers can also attend.