In a time where our nations troops are once again called upon, this time in the form of supporting our public services to fight this global pandemic, The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) further confirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces Community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant today.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. BiKBBI’s commitment, as defined within the Covenant itself, is to work with The Ministry of Defence, its partners, charities and associates in the promotion of opportunities within the KBB industry and to support veterans, serving personnel, reservists and those working within the Cadet Forces.
As part of Armed Forces Day 2019, BiKBBI announced its support of veterans in the form of discounts for membership to the organisation, which continued on from its work with various charities that work on the subject of retraining.
BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters said: “There are two primary reasons that we’ve pledged the Covenant. Firstly, it’s the absolute right thing to do. These men and women have given so much for this country and it’s the least we can do to support them when they reach the time to move back into civilian life.
Secondly, this is a group of highly trained, disciplined and focused professionals. Anything we can do to bring them into our industry, especially at a time where we face a skills shortage, is just straightforward sense.”
Current BiKBBI member and kitchen installer Andrew Walker (pictured), joined The Royal Engineers Apprentice College in 1985 aged just 16, serving his early military career as a carpenter. He went on to join the infantry unit, D Company. Later on in his career, following a promotion to Lance Corporal, Andy specialised in Physical Training, representing the regiment at various sporting disciplines across the world, including China.
Andrew was part of a Guard of Honour in 1993 for Her Majesty The Queen and eventually trained as a combat medic before retiring from the Armed Forces.
Andrew now lives in Berkshire and has been installing kitchens for a number of years. Andy said: “I am a proud ex-serviceman who uses skills acquired as a soldier in my new civilian life as a kitchen installer.”
Damian Walters added: “Andrew is a shining example of how transferable skills can be and how relevant they are to our industry. I’ve known Andy for many years and can testify the service levels, professionalism and indeed craftsmanship are amongst the best I’ve seen. We need more veterans to invest in our industry and I will make sure that I do everything in my power to ensure we give them the opportunity and chance they so very much deserve.”
You can view the signed documents and find out more about The Armed Forces Covenant by clicking below.
EDUCATION | STANDARDS | SUSTAINABILITY | COMPLIANCE |
