Family firm honoured for its support of the Armed Forces

A Lanarkshire construction company has been awarded an Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in recognition of its support of the Armed Forces community.

Sked Construction is among almost 300 organisations across the UK to received the ERS Silver Award this year.

The Lanark-based firm and seven other companies and organisations were presented with the coveted award at a drinks reception at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, on Wednesday.

The event was hosted by Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, an organisation which connects and promotes defence to the people of the Lowlands of Scotland.

The ERS encourages employers to support defence and to inspire others to do the same.

The prestigious silver accolade is the second-highest badge of honour available to organisations that employ and support reservists, service leavers, cadet force adult volunteers and their families.

Each employer received their ERS Silver award from Commodore Martin Quinn, head of reserves at reserve forces and cadets.

Guests enjoyed a performance from the Royal Marine Band and were given an opportunity to network with like-minded businesses and organisations.

Each Silver Award winner has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, a commitment to supporting defence through services, policy and projects.

Employers have gone above and beyond with their support through engaging with initiatives such as employing veterans, supporting individuals transitioning out of the Armed Forces into a new career and providing flexibility for reservists and cadet force adult volunteers.

Sked Construction is a Lanark-based family-owned construction business providing an array of high-quality services, specialising in civil engineering and concrete works.

As keen advocates for the Armed Forces community, Sked Construction display the Armed Forces Covenant logo on their fleet, and are vocal defence advocates amongst their network. Sked Construction also sponsored a Cadet Adult Recognition Award , to show their support for the cadet forces.

Stephen Sked, senior projects director at Sked Construction, said: "I bought into the whole ethos of how Lowland RFCA was progressing things for people coming out of the Armed Forces and I just thought signing the Armed Forces Covenant was the right thing to do. Since then, I have encouraged others to sign the Covenant and I know many more who are looking to sign it.

"My family were heavily involved in the Armed Forces so we’ve always had a close affiliation with the Forces and realised how much they have done and the sacrifices everybody has made."