Quest Magazine

Independent resettlement & recruitment guide for Armed Forces & Veterans

Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces: Part 1
Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces: Part 1
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Part 1: The business plan
When to say no
When to say no
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‘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
SUPERCHARGE YOUR JOB SEARCH Part 2: Job market research
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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
The Access to Higher Education Diploma
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Opportunities and challenges for students with a Services background
A helping hand across the years
A helping hand across the years
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As George’s story shows, Stoll is there to help Veterans whatever their age. You never know when you may need help …
SUPERCHARGE YOUR JOB SEARCH Part 1: Assess your skills
SUPERCHARGE YOUR JOB SEARCH Part 1: Assess your skills
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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!
Think you’re not qualified for a healthcare career? Think again!
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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?
Life-changing opportunities through lifelong learning
Life-changing opportunities through lifelong learning
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York St John University has been a leading education, training and research institution for 177 years. Equality, ambition and social justice are at the heart of the University’s ethos and this is reflected in its reputation for academic excellence, graduate employability and strong sense of community.

Rocket science
Rocket science
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‘If you love space (and I do),’ says regular Quest contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man, ‘you have to admire Elon Musk. Despite being told it would never work, so many times, he has done what any boy dreams of: making rockets and playing with them like toys.’ Could you apply the same enthusiasm and belief to the ‘reusable rocket’ of your potential new business?

MEET THE RESERVES Vickie Bracken, Army Reservist ‘Those who can, teach and train to be the best!’
MEET THE RESERVES Vickie Bracken, Army Reservist ‘Those who can, teach and train to be the best!’
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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 our new series, read about some of those who’ve already joined up and how to find out more if you decide to follow suit.
Encouraging independence
Encouraging independence
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Sarah is due to leave the Army this September. After nearly 18 years serving, she shares how she found the prospect of leaving the Armed Forces with her four-year-old son overwhelming, and why the discovery of a Stoll property was a lifeline.
It’s never too late!
It’s never too late!
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The Princess Royal, Patron of the Institute of Learning and Work, recently said that adult education is good for people’s health, self-esteem and employability. A report by the funding body for higher education in England says graduates are more likely to feel satisfied with their life, be happier and feel more worthwhile than non-graduates. Good reasons to think about going back to education. Find out how an Access to HE qualification could help …
Feeling lucky?
Feeling lucky?
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‘This is for you, if you are thinking about starting a business,’ says regular Quest contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man, ‘Especially if you’re thinking about using your gratuity to fund it. Or maybe you don’t have a gratuity and you’re going to borrow the money, like I did. Either way, this article is about getting your best odds at the gambling table.’
Support where it’s needed
Support where it’s needed
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The majority who leave the Armed Forces make a successful transition back into civilian life, but some don’t. Stoll – the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans, with its new Centenary Lodge due to open in June – helps the most vulnerable Service leavers by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives. Craig is just one example …

Top tips for self-starters
Top tips for self-starters
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Chartered accountant, business adviser and author Allan Esler Smith has helped hundreds of people start up in business. Perhaps that could include you … but where can you get help and what are the current top tips? Allan’s here to help you get started on your self-employment journey.
Find a new place to belong
Find a new place to belong
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Higher education is not for everyone, but it could be your route through transition. Access to HE qualifications have already been the stepping stone to new careers for many members of the Forces family. Find out how the Access to Higher Education Diploma changed the lives of Mark, Tommy and Susan …
Disabled? Open up to free study
Disabled? Open up to free study
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The Open University (OU) recently launched the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund, offering 50 disabled Veterans, injured in, or due to, military service, access to free OU education. In addition to free study, applicants will be offered further specialist careers and disability support. If this is something that could benefit you, read on …

Ready for your next road trip?
Ready for your next road trip?
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‘I love to travel,’ says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man, ‘They say you can be addicted to it. If so, that’s me and it’s why I loved flying so much in the RAF. Visiting so many amazing places with a great crew was so rewarding. And travel is very much like starting a business …’
Strong foundations
Strong foundations
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Stoll is the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans. Most who leave the Armed Forces transition effectively back into civilian life, but not all. Stoll supports the most vulnerable Service leavers – like Martin – by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives.

Military Veterans recognised for their business achievements
Military Veterans recognised for their business achievements
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Sponsored by Quest, the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards is a new awards programme that identifies business role models for Service leavers, to support them during resettlement and promote the value of military-gained skills in the wider UK workforce. Here we check out this year’s inaugural shortlisted candidates.

Resettlement Training Courses See all

QA | Cyber Security
We only work with leading instructors who are not only subject matter experts, but also understand the importance of learner engagement, offering fun ways to learns. We have 28 FTE Project Management Trainers alone with an average tenure of 10years training experience .
Nationwide, London
Electrical Courses Ltd | Engineering - Electrical / Electronic
Electrical Courses Limited is very proud to have the opportunity to offer training courses for military leavers and ex-military servicemen and women. We are ELC registered and our Managing Director and lecturer Neil Phillips served in the army himself, which has given him the advantage of understanding what it is like to leave the military and step into the civilian life. Because of Neil’s past with the armed forces we can give you the best support for when going through such a big change in your life and achieving your goal of becoming a qualified Electrician on civi street.
East of England
Compassa | Health & Safety
Compassa provides the world’s only Online IOSH and NEBOSH (health and safety management) courses making full use of Smart Video Technology. Their courses are fun, effective, and engaging with tons of personality. Designed by health and safety professionals and ex-NEBOSH examiners, their courses can be studied flexibly in your own time, 24/7, from any location with a web connection. The course experience is second-to-none and transforms an online course into something which feels like 1-to-1 tuition.
International, Nationwide
Rivermore Resources Ltd | Close Protection
Rivermore Resources understand the importance of providing our students with the best possible start in Executive Close Protection. Our program is designed to give you the essential skills you need to succeed in this challenging industry from current, experienced CP Instructors. Rivermore Resources are ELCAS accredited.
Greater London
Cycle Systems Ltd | Sports / Fitness & Leisure
Established in 2007 , Cycle Systems is one of the longest standing and leading providers of Pro Level 3 training in bicycle maintenance in the UK.
South West

Latest Jobs See all

Horologist | Horology
Ramco UK Limited has been helping organisations sell their surplus assets since 1996. We work with the Ministry of Defence in the sale and marketing of equipment they no longer need and they trust us to help them maximise the value. As a result of a recent declaration, we are looking for a horologist who can assist in diagnosing faults, conducting repairs and restore ex-military watches. We would ideally be looking to find someone who had an existing small workshop set-up including tooling.
Ramco Limited
Regional Technician (South West) | Breakdown ServicesHighway MaintenanceLogistics & Distribution
The RNLI is one of Britain’s best-loved charities. Every day we save lives at sea – and you can be part of our vital mission. Experiencing some of Britain’s most stunning coastlines, you will travel around Somerset, Devon, and Dorset plus opportunities to visit the Channel Isles as you work on the cutting-edge facilities, assets and equipment at our Lifeboat stations and Lifeguard support centres.
RLNI
Elementary Flying Training (EFT) QFI | Airport Roles and Ground CrewAviation SecurityFlight
Ascent has been a trusted provider of innovative training systems since 2008. We design, develop and deliver world-class, bespoke training for the armed services, through the UK Military Flight Training Services (UKMFTS).
Ascent Flight Training
Physical Security Development Engineer | Engineering - Electrical / ElectronicSecurity
You’re an enthusiastic team player with a passion for computers and electronics. You enjoy developing and building prototypes and creating products using the latest 3D printing technology. And you’re a highly creative self-starter who’s ready to work on your own or alongside other members of a small team. But now you want to do something new. You want to take your career to a different level, and work with an organisation that has real influence around the world.
FCDO SERVICES
Housekeepers/Cleaners (International Summer School) | Schools
We are seeking to appoint a number of International Summer School Housekeepers over a fixed term period - commencing on 5th July 2024 until 23rd August 2024. The job holder is responsible for providing a comprehensive laundry and cleaning service for our International Summer School guests and will be allocated to one of the boarding houses. This role would be particularly suited to students or for those looking for some extra income over the summer.
Bishop’s Stortford College

University See all

Aston University | Teaching
WHAT IS THE AUEA TROOPS FOR TEACHERS PROGRAMME? AUEA’s Troops to Teachers is an initiative designed to support service personnel preparing to leave or who have recently left the Armed Forces become University Technical College (UTC) trainers/teachers.
West Midlands
Anglia Ruskin University | Health Care and Nursing
If you’re a serving member of the Armed Forces looking to develop your knowledge and skills to enhance your existing role, or you’re planning for life after military service, then ARU can help.
East of England
University of Sterling |
The one thing that students talk about the most at the University of Stirling is the sense of community. At Stirling, students from all different backgrounds come together on a beautiful campus and are able to settle in, make new friends and get involved in everything there is to offer.
Scotland
University of Chichester | Accountancy and Book-keeping
The University of Chichester is a respected institution that offers a wide variety of courses. It has been in the Top 40 of UK universities for the past five consecutive years, and in the most recent league table was ranked 26th out of 122 UK universities (Guardian University Guide 2025).
South East
Queen Margaret University |
We are proud to support armed forces veterans and are committed to supporting ex-service members (and their families) who are seeking re-training back in the civilian world.
Scotland