Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and Combat2Coffee are urging local businesses to support veterans by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, as only 0.48% of Suffolk businesses have pledged so far.
As part of Armed Forces Week, this joint appeal aims to increase the number of signatories to the covenant, which ensures fair treatment for those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families.
Only 151 of the 30,945 registered businesses in Suffolk, representing just 0.48%, have signed the covenant, despite it being free.
Combat2Coffee founder and Royal Anglian veteran Nigel Seaman emphasised the importance of the covenant, stating, "The Armed Forces Covenant is all about ensuring we treat our armed forces community with the respect they deserve beyond the uniform."
He noted that veterans often face challenges transitioning to civilian life and that the covenant signals a business's commitment to fairness and support.
The covenant requires businesses to ensure that the armed forces community does not face disadvantages in accessing public and commercial services and to provide special consideration for the injured and bereaved.
Businesses are also encouraged to make additional pledges.
John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, reinforced the call to action, saying, "Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is a vital step in ensuring that these individuals are treated with the fairness and respect. We strongly encourage all local businesses to join us in supporting our veterans and their families by signing the covenant."
Combat2Coffee has also launched the Beyond the Uniform campaign with England football legend Terry Butcher to promote the cause further.
For more information on the Armed Forces Covenant and how to sign up, visit www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk. Businesses seeking advice can contact Combat2Coffee at hello@combat2coffee.co.uk.
