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Ainscough Crane Hire is one of 51 organisations from across the North West to be awarded Silver under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for its support to Defence and the wider Armed Forces community.
The Employer Recognition Scheme was launched to reward employers who support Defence People objectives and encourage others to do the same. This includes employing serving and former members of the Armed Forces community and demonstrating flexibility towards training and mobilisation commitments for Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
Other companies that have received the Silver award alongside Ainscough include Electricity North West, Story Contracting, as well as numerous councils and NHS trusts.
This achievement reflects Ainscough’s long standing commitment to supporting the armed forces. The business currently employs 185 ex-military personnel and has a proud history of enabling former members of the military to bring the skills and knowledge gained during their service to many different aspects of the company.
Ainscough’s CEO Peter Gibbs – for example – served 16 years with the Armed Forces, in which time he commanded a number of Infantry and Helicopter units and held responsibility for military aviation standards and safety.
Darren Thompson, HR Director, Ainscough Crane Hire, said: “This silver award is a reflection of our company’s pride in being a welcoming and supportive employer to members of the Armed Forces.
“Over the years we’ve created an environment that allows ex-military personnel to forge rewarding careers with great opportunities for progression. The transition from serving to being in the civilian workforce can sometimes be difficult, but we’re proud of how our company both develops the transferable skills individuals have gained in the army and supplements it with the talents needed in the world of crane hire.”
Colonel Mark Underhill OBE DL, Chief Executive at the North West of England and the Isle of Man Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (NW RFCA), said: “On behalf of the Ministry of Defence we are honoured and delighted to be able to recognise the outstanding support and commitment given to the Armed Forces Covenant by businesses and organisations in the region, through the Employer Recognition Scheme awards. Each recipient has demonstrated not only that their support to the Covenant and the wider Armed Forces community, but also that they are prepared to support their Reservists, Service Leavers, Spouses, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadets in the workplace.”
