Latest

RFEA receives generous funding to help thousands of ex-Service personnel

4th Sep 2019

News

RFEA – the Forces Employment Charity – has received two generous grants from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, totalling almost £400,000. The funding will enable RFEA to continue its hugely successful work to provide employment advice, guidance and mentoring to veterans through its Ex Forces and Bridging the Gap programmes.

Making university affordable for you

31st Aug 2019

Article

Members of the Armed Forces are just as welcome at university as anyone else, and if you are looking to study at university next year, there are a number of useful military bursaries available …

Three-quarters of families who lost someone serving in the Armed Forces feel disconnected from them

27th Aug 2019

News

In its annual member survey, bereaved Armed Forces children’s charity, Scotty’s Little Soldiers, found that three-quarters of families felt disconnected from the military community following the death of a loved one who was serving

Transitioning to franchisee: Craig Tiley’s story

19th Aug 2019

Case Study

Craig served in the British Army for 15 years as a Logistics Specialist Royal Engineer. Read on to discover how he successfully made the transition from Forces to franchisee …

Full range of CNet courses gain ELCAS approval

19th Aug 2019

News

World-leading technical education provider, CNet Training, has announced ELCAS approval for its full range of programmes spanning the network cable installation and data centre sectors.

A home fit for a hero

18th Aug 2019

Article

As the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans, Stoll supports the most vulnerable Service leavers by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives. People come to Stoll at various stages in their lives, from those who have just started their transition to civilian life to others who require assistance much later, such as George Brown, who – with his wife Anne – moved into the Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions in 2014 …

The full package

13th Aug 2019

Article

Lieutenant Gary Bickley, Royal Navy, reports on his experience of NEBOSH instruction at Woodward SHE Ltd

Key skills

13th Aug 2019

Article

Do you have a business idea in your head that just won’t go away? Are you imagining a life beyond uniform where you control your own destiny and become your own boss? I remember it well,’ says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man. And, to celebrate 15 years of running his own business, he’s here with 15 tips to support you on your own journey.

The perfect fit for Forces families

9th Aug 2019

Article

Recruit for Spouses is an independent social enterprise that is dedicated to supporting, championing and finding gainful employment for spouses and partners of members of our Armed Forces – and getting talent back into the workforce

Britain’s military veterans need better backing to become entrepreneurs

31st Jul 2019

News

The entrepreneurial and workplace talent of Britain’s military veterans isn’t being fully realised, according to a new report from the Federation of Small Businesses, which calls for a better connection between Service leavers and the small business community …

Circular economy firm offers career path to veterans

17th Jul 2019

News

EFT Consult, a Swansea-based company that specialises in cutting-edge and innovative technologies in relation to the design and consultancy of the built environment, and the implementation of the principles of the circular economy, has partnered with the British Training Board to help 100 veterans and Service leavers to gain skills and work opportunities beyond the Armed Forces.

Transitioning into HR: Jane Fryatt’s story

9th Jul 2019

Case Study

Meet the military spouse getting ahead in HR

Happy in your own company?

9th Jul 2019

Article

Of all the challenges you’ll face in starting your own business, loneliness may be the hardest to cope with, says Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man and Quest’s self-employment guru

Street food start-ups

9th Jul 2019

Article

As a nation, we are big foodies. Whether we are gorging on TV shows like MasterChef or The Great British Bake Off, or queuing up to try the new healthy juice bar in town, everyone wants good food and they want it now. But street food is not only a huge hit among customers looking for a more fun and convenient way of dining, it is also a great way for budding chefs to take the leap into entrepreneurship …

Transitioning into risk and project management: Alastair Allison’s story

27th Jun 2019

Case Study

Alastair Allison MSc, CISM SIRM, Director of Enterprise Risk, Bupa Insurance Ltd and Bupa Insurance Services Limited.

Transitioning to risk manager: Joe Gossage’s story

27th Jun 2019

Case Study

Risk Manager for the Executive Committee of the Army Board, British Army

Furthering her career

14th Jun 2019

Article

In its first year, the Further Forces programme has helped people from all roles within the Armed Forces to find new careers as teachers of post-16 students. Hannah Payne, currently undertaking a work placement as a lecturer at Hartpury College, is just one of them …

A life lived in colour

14th Jun 2019

Article

Stoll resident and former WREN Mollie Macartney (pictured centre) – still an action woman at 94!

Simon Fisher: using ELC to transition into Health and Safety

12th Jun 2019

Case Study

Regimental Sergeant Major Simon Fisher

A business to suit you

11th Jun 2019

Article

Thinking about starting a business when you leave the Forces? ‘We’re going to look at the differences between being self-employed and running a business,’ says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man. ‘They may look like the same thing on the outside, but they’re completely different animals …’

Social Media Spouses goes live!

21st May 2019

News

Applications are invited for the first free social media training programme for military spouses and partners …

From RAF to tech innovator: Elaine Whyte’s story

6th May 2019

Case Study

Life as an RAF engineer taught me the value of operating in the air. I’ve drawn on this to help develop our drone business, says Elaine Whyte, now UK drones lead at PwC

Transitioning to counselling/ teaching: Danny Abdy’s story

1st May 2019

Case Study

Former Training Regiment Staff Sergeant now working to support vulnerable young people

Support, structure, stability … Stoll

1st May 2019

Article

When injuries forced Mac to leave Service life behind, he was distraught. Finding himself without a home and needing to regain some stability in his life, he reached out to Stoll …

Antisocial media

13th Apr 2019

Article

‘When you start a business, advisors will tell you to use your time to build up a presence on social media,’ says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man. ‘After all, it’s free advertising. But are you ready to waste all that time? And are you ready to become public property?’ This month, Steve examines the truth about social media in business …

Cyber studies: Jasmine Eyers

13th Apr 2019

Case Study

Thanks to a partnership with IBM and the Corsham Institute, SaluteMyJob is able to offer Veterans and Reservists free training in two of IBM’s key cyber security software products – ambitious Army communications systems specialist, Jasmine Eyers, is just one of those who has already benefited

Iain Clark - ICT Technician

13th Apr 2019

Case Study

Iain Clark left the RAF in November 2017, having served 12 years, with his final role being ICT Technician in Trade Group 4 (TG4). He left in the rank of Corporal and during his Service gained an ITIL Foundation qualification.

Is your family leaving the services?

10th Apr 2019

Article

The transition period between the point of activating your departure from the Armed Forces to handing in your military ID card on your final day can be an unsettling time for any Service leaver, but what about the impact it has on your family? Luckily Veterans’ Gateway is on hand with advice and support. Read on to find out more …

Learning for life Making learning work for you

18th Feb 2019

Article

Speaking at the World Education Conference in January 2019, the English Education Minister, Damian Hinds MP, [1] said: ‘It’s not only that a good education helps you find skilled, rewarding work. It’s that everyone should have a chance to discover the joy that comes through learning.’ Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma students know from personal experience the joy of learning and the important role it plays in their personal development.

Mark Stevens – The Building Safety Group

15th Feb 2019

Case Study

What’s this health and safety lark all about then?

SUPERCHARGE YOUR JOB SEARCH Part 3: No offer? No problem!

14th Feb 2019

Article

Want to find your ideal job? Need to be able to prepare an excellent CV, answer tough interview questions and impress prospective employers? Lynn Williams, author of Ultimate Job Search, is on hand some more useful advice to power up your job search …

Jon Willis - Travel Risk Manager

14th Feb 2019

Case Study

with former Corporal Jon Willis

Supporting Veterans in times of crisis

14th Feb 2019

Article

Veteran and Stoll resident Tina Fairbrass shares her story of how she overcame an extremely difficult time in her life

Things I wish I’d known …

13th Feb 2019

Article

Thinking about starting a business when you leave the Forces? Regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man, takes us through the top five things he wishes he’d known before striking out on his own – in the hope they’ll help you decide if starting a business is one of your options too!

Social housing to be prioritised for former Service personnel with PTSD

22nd Jan 2019

News

Former Service personnel suffering from PTSD or other mental illnesses will be prioritised for social housing under new proposals. New measures could help councils ensure that members of the Armed Forces and Veterans suffering from mental ill health are given priority for social housing. Divorced partners of Armed Forces personnel will also benefit for the first time.

Opening the door to motorsport for disabled drivers

11th Jan 2019

News

Team BRIT – the most inspirational team in motorsport – is creating an exciting opportunity for disabled drivers, through its new Racing Academy.

Avoid the umbrella trap

8th Jan 2019

Article

Former Royal Engineer Rob Burgess (pictured) tells us about the pitfalls of umbrella companies for self-employed contractors – and how he can help you avoid them

Cyber studies: Rebecca Thomas

20th Dec 2018

Case Study

Ambition for career in cyber security reignited for former intelligence analyst in the Army thanks to SaluteMyJob training course

SUPERCHARGE YOUR JOB SEARCH Part 3: No offer? No problem!

20th Dec 2018

Article

Want to find your ideal job? Need to be able to prepare an excellent CV, answer tough interview questions and impress prospective employers? Lynn Williams, author of Ultimate Job Search, is on hand some more useful advice to power up your job search …

New year, new possibilities

19th Dec 2018

Article

A new year often brings the chance to think about our potential. With that in mind, find out how the Access to Higher Education Diploma opens up study opportunities for those with a Services background …

Transitioning into Physiotherapy: Daniel Partridge’s story

19th Dec 2018

Case Study

ELC Q&A with former Royal Engineer Daniel Partridge

Reach out, we’ll be there

19th Dec 2018

Article

How one man benefited from Stoll’s Veterans’ Outreach Service

KELLY RICHARDSON, RAF RESERVIST

18th Dec 2018

Article

The Reserve Forces are an integral part of the nation’s Armed Forces. With the government’s plans to increase the size of the Reserves to create a more balanced Armed Forces structure, their contribution will be more important than ever. In the third and final part of our series, read about some of those who’ve already joined up – and how to find out more if you decide to follow suit.

Boat building for beginners

13th Dec 2018

Article

‘Being a member of the Forces can feel like you’re on the open ocean,’ says regular Quest contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man.

Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces: Part 7

19th Nov 2018

Article

Part 7: Financing exports

Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces: Part 6

19th Nov 2018

Article

Part 6: Managing cash flow

Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces: Part 5

19th Nov 2018

Article

Part 5: Accounting records to satisfy the tax authorities

Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces: Part 4

19th Nov 2018

Article

Part 4: Start-up finance

Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces: part 3

19th Nov 2018

Article

Part 3: What business format should a start-up adopt?

Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces: Part 2

19th Nov 2018

Article

Part 2: Why do a business plan?

Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces: Part 1

19th Nov 2018

Article

Part 1: The business plan

New Principles of Security Management course launched

6th Nov 2018

News

PerpetuityARC Training, part of Linx International Group, has launched its new Principles of Security Management course. The three-day classroom course uses case studies and group work to provide a comprehensive introduction to the essentials of corporate security management, and is the first course to be hosted at PD Ports’ training facility in Teesside, north-east England.

Transitioning into fitness training: Chris Oakes’s story

18th Oct 2018

Case Study

‘I joined the Army in 1986 and, after ten years with 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, transferred into the Army Physical Training Corps. Here I enjoyed a full career helping Service men and women from all three Services develop physically, mentally and emotionally, retiring as a Captain last year to start my own coaching business – “unlocking people potential and maximising people performance” – and turn my life passion into profit.

Mark Campbell - Opted NEBOSH Package

16th Oct 2018

Case Study

with Chief Petty Officer Mark Campbell

When to say no

15th Oct 2018

Article

‘We have 24-hour supermarkets, you can get a McDonald’s day or night, and Amazon delivers on a Sunday,’ says regular Quest contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man. ‘We’re all working longer and expect other people to be open too. But whereas a large business can scale itself up, when you’re on your own, you can’t work 24 hours. You have to sleep and eat – and even have some fun!

SUPERCHARGE YOUR JOB SEARCH Part 2: Job market research

15th Oct 2018

Article

Want to find your ideal job? Need to be able to prepare an excellent CV, answer tough interview questions and impress prospective employers? Lynn Williams, author of Ultimate Job Search, is on hand some more useful advice to power up your job search …

The Access to Higher Education Diploma

15th Oct 2018

Article

Opportunities and challenges for students with a Services background

A helping hand across the years

11th Oct 2018

Article

As George’s story shows, Stoll is there to help Veterans whatever their age. You never know when you may need help …

RAF joins Tech She Can pledge

10th Aug 2018

News

More than 50 major organisations have now signed up to the Tech She Can Charter, a commitment to take action together to increase the number of women taking up technology roles in the UK.

Coach and bus travel savings for serving and former members of the Armed Forces

10th Aug 2018

News

National Express offers the largest discount of its kind in the UK on its coach services (60% off travel), through the Defence Discount Service, and recently extended the discount to include group bookings, so if a serving member of the Armed Forces books discounted travel with National Express he/she can also book his/family at the full discounted rate. The discount details are as follows.

A PhD in pants!

10th Aug 2018

News

A scientist at the Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is celebrating after his research into washing underpants earned him a PhD from Cranfield University.

SUPERCHARGE YOUR JOB SEARCH Part 1: Assess your skills

10th Aug 2018

Article

Want to find your ideal job? Need to be able to prepare an excellent CV, answer tough interview questions and impress prospective employers? Lynn Williams, author of Ultimate Job Search, is on hand with the advice you need to power up your job search …

Think you’re not qualified for a healthcare career? Think again!

10th Aug 2018

Article

There are almost 410 Access to HE courses in health-related subjects and more than 200 specifically designed for progression to a degree in nursing. Each year, around 50% of Access to HE students study Diplomas in health, public services and care. Could you join them?