The highest possible recognition for an organisation’s support to the Armed Forces community has been awarded to a West Cumbria company.
Social impact property developers BEC have been awarded the Gold Award in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme.
Known for their major regeneration projects and vast estates across West Cumbria, BEC have long been supportive of ex-service personnel.
Michael Pemberton, BEC’s Chief Executive, is a former Royal Logistic Corps Officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and currently serves as a RLC Reserve Officer for the 167 Regiment.
Michael said: “BEC has always been rooted in supporting our people and our community, and that naturally includes our armed forces community. It’s right that we do all we can to support the men and women who serve, both during and after their time in the military.
“The Employer Recognition Scheme run by the Ministry of Defence plays a vital role in helping organisations like ours formally commit to that support. Veterans and reservists bring a wealth of skills, experience, and leadership – they are highly capable individuals who make a valuable contribution beyond the military.
“I’m incredibly proud of what our team delivers every single day. This Gold Award is further recognition of the values we live by at BEC, putting people first and doing business in a way that benefits our workforce, our partners, and our wider community.”
To be awarded the Gold status, employers must demonstrate a proactive commitment to supporting armed forces personnel through their policies, practices, and advocacy. Fewer than 1,500 firms across the UK hold the coveted gold status.
Executive Assistant, Paula Mewse, who is involved in the HR and people practices at BEC, said: “Receiving the ERS Gold Award is an incredible honour. When I first heard, I was genuinely taken aback – it was one of those moments that truly stops you in your tracks. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, not just personally, but for everyone at BEC who has worked tirelessly to support our Armed Forces community.”
While recognition was never the goal, the award validates the company’s values-driven approach and its team’s dedication to making a tangible difference.
Nigel, Chairman of BEC, added: “To have achieved the Armed Services Covenant Gold Award in such a short space of time is a testimony to the hard work, commitment and dedication to the cause of everyone on the team. Those who serve, and have served, deserve nothing but our respect, gratitude and understanding.
“We should all be doing everything we can to support our veterans back into society and enable them to live a life that they have, on our behalf, been prepared to fight to preserve.”
