Halstead-based business owner benefits from charity supporting Armed Forces

20 Jan Halstead-based business owner benefits from charity supporting Armed Forces

Social enterprise helping those leaving military to start their own businesses renews support to Covenant.

A Halstead-based Navy Service leaver is among many to receive support from X-Forces, a social enterprise dedicated to helping ex-military members kick-start their own businesses.

When people say they came up with their business idea around the breakfast table, not many mean this as literally as former Navy officer Kevin Bath and his family, who launched the Jim Jams brand of breakfast products which have been flying off the shelves in Tesco, Wholefoods, Morrison’s and many other major retailers.

And none of that would have been possible without the £25K startup loan from X-Forces who today renewed their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant alongside Chief of Defence People, Lieutenant General Richard Nugee, in the House of Lords.

Chief of Defence People Lieutenant General Richard Nugee said:
“This is just one example of the Armed Forces Covenant in action. X-Forces have gone above and beyond – as well as offering start up loans and mentoring, they are supporting military charities and are encouraging large corporate organisations to do the same. I thank them for their support and look forward to another successful year working with them.”

The government enshrined the Armed Forces Covenant in law as a promise from the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

X-Forces originally signed the Covenant in 2013, but having helped to boost 750 businesses from the Armed Forces community, they scaled up their pledges today to go ‘beyond business as usual’ having found that, as well as offering loans and helping with business plans, they can offer support, opportunities and guidance to the Forces community.

Defence Minister Mark Lancaster said:
“The Armed Forces is packed with people with immense talent and we’re determined to make sure our men and women are unleashing this to have successful careers – whether in the military or after they leave. X-Forces is an organisation that sums up the spirit of the Covenant and I’m delighted to see their fresh commitment today.”

Jim Jam founder Kevin said “Jim Jams was born with a simple aim, to make breakfast healthier without taking the fun out of it. Since the business launched their products have been flying off the shelves in Tesco, Wholefoods, Morrison’s and many other major retailers.