Travis Perkins signs the 1,500th Armed Forces Covenant

Builders and plumbers merchant, Travis Perkins, has become the 1,500^th organisation to sign the up to the Armed Forces Covenant at an event attended by Mark Lancaster MP, Minister for Defence, Personnel and Veterans.

The Covenant, which promises to treat those who serve or have served, and their families, fairly, was also signed by John Carter, CEO for Travis Perkins, who said: “As a business, Travis Perkins has long recognised the valuable skills and attributes those with a serving background can contribute, not only to our own workforce but also to the wider economy.

“We are delighted to not only be here to celebrate the Group’s commitment and ongoing support of the Armed Forces in our signing of the Armed Forces Covenant, but incredibly proud and honoured to be recognised along with our community of ex forces and serving colleagues, as the 1500^th organisation to do so.”

The MP spent time on a tour of Keyline, Milton Keynes, and met with some Travis Perkins employees currently serving in the military as reservists.

He said: “Businesses like Travis Perkins, that have signed the Armed Forces covenant, are helping to make sure the brave men and women that have served our country get the recognition they deserve and are benefitting from the skills, experience, professionalism and dedication our Armed Forces personnel bring.

“As a Royal Engineer Officer myself, it is particularly great to see Travis Perkins supporting my corps in gaining NVQ qualifications for construction skills.”

The Secretary of Defence, the Rt Hon Sir Michael Fallon MP, spoke today (march 14) at the third annual Partnering with Defence employer conference. He said: “By signing the Covenant, Travis Perkins joins firms across Britain committed to ensuring those who serve or have served our country are better supported.

“Reaching this milestone also shows growing recognition of the unique skills and experience that reservists and former service personnel offer their organisations.”