Forces In Mind Trust
The Black Country Chamber of Commerce has been awarded funding by the Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) to deliver the project Chamber Military Network with the intent to provide a package of support that enables all Chambers of Commerce across England & Wales with the tools, knowledge and understanding to effectively promote the value of the Armed Forces Covenant to business.
Founded in January 2012 by a £35 million Big Lottery Fund 20-year endowment, Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) awards grants and commissions research, coordinates the efforts of others, and supports projects that deliver long-term solutions to the challenges faced by the Armed Forces Community.
Ray Lock CBE, Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust, said: “Our previous research has shown that there are many organisations who wish to support the Armed Forces Community but do not know how to do so. This project seeks to address this gap in knowledge by utilising the networks of the British Chambers of Commerce to promote a better understanding of the Covenant and better delivery of Covenant pledges.”
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British Chamber of Commerce
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a unique network of businesses across the UK. Working together, they help firms of all sizes to achieve more. They believe it’s their relationships with others that lead them to achieve goals beyond those they could ever achieve alone. The BCC is the only organisation that helps British businesses to build relationships on every level. Across their network, they can connect business locally, nationally and internationally, with other businesses, with decision-makers and with opportunities. The BCC is also a respected voice for business.
BCC opinions are regularly sought by policymakers and parliamentarians and they have been helping to shape the UK’s business agenda for more than 150 years. The Chamber network sits at the heart of local business communities in every part of the UK, helping businesses of every size and sector to thrive.
Defence Relationship Management
Defence Relationship Management (DRM) partners with organisations throughout the UK, helping them understand the value of signing the Armed Forces Covenant and building mutually beneficial partnerships with Defence. It provides support on employing Reservists, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military spouses and improving fairness for the Armed Forces community in the consumer market.
Black Country Chamber of Commerce
The Black Country Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) is an accredited member of the British Chamber of Commerce. The British chamber of commerce has endorsed the Chamber Military Network project and agreed the BCCC as the delivery agent, given the BCCC’s previous expertise and strong links with the MOD community. The British Chambers of Commerce, will provide full support to the BCCC to promote and engage with the 53 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK Chamber network. The BCCC has fostered existing partnerships and stakeholder relationships to collaborate and engage at all levels with MoD, Government, Service Charities, Family Federations and associated organisations as well as to draw on affiliated partners via established links with Local Government, LEP’s and Combined Authority. Sarah Walker is the BCCC’s appointed Armed Forces Champion. Black Country Chamber of Commerce which is a Covenant signatory and Silver Defence Employer Recognition Award holder. The Black Country Chamber has developed a ‘blueprint model’ to bridge the gap between business and the Armed Forces and is developed into a standard practice framework.