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Success Stories
We’ve helped thousands of individuals from the Armed Forces community to start and grow their businesses. Here, we publish their stories – why they became their own boss, the challenges they faced along the way and how XFE helped them to achieve their dreams.
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From Recruitment to Red Leicester: Meet the Cheesemonger Who’s Supporting UK Food Banks Through British Artisan Cheese Subscriptions
Growing up in Middlesborough, Sam Elsdon had always visualised himself running his own business. He moved to London and enjoyed a successful career in recruitment
From Frigates to Floristry: Meet the Floral Artist Arranging Her Own Creative Future
Creative industries may be a less common second career for ex-military personnel, however, there are clear parallels between skillsets in workforces that yield defence and
Battling Transphobia: Meet the Former Major Turned Consultant Courageously Commanding Audiences with Her Lived Experience
British Armed Forces officers are highly skilled in presenting and public speaking, a core part of initial training and subsequent leadership development, renowned for producing
Driven by Digital: Meet the Reserve Soldier Who’s Fierce About Quality Online
Adam Duffield, from Doncaster, has been an Army Reservist in the Royal Corps of Signals since 2019, alongside his day job in IT. He was
From Soldiering to Sustainability: Meet the Entrepreneur Helping the Planet One Sock at A Time
Concerned about the climate crisis, Army veteran Marc Bucci embarked on a mission to help the planet… by selling socks. The vision for Marc’s business,
From Deployments to Décor: Meet the Ex-Navy Painter Decorator Who Went It Alone for His Family
Garry Bradbury really enjoyed his naval service in communications roles; he spent five years in the Royal Navy and three years in the Royal Fleet
From Military Vehicles to Mobile Valeting: Meet the ex-RAF electrician that is forging his own future
Jacob Asukile from Cardiff left the RAF in 2018. He had served nine years as an electrician technician, maintaining equipment at bases in the UK,
From Forces to Fiction: Meet the former Army Officer turned Published Author
Charles Cordell was brought up in Cornwall, near Falmouth, and spent time as an archaeologist before joining the British Army. He served in a range
Gearing Up for Good: Meet the Royal Navy Veteran Turned E-bike Retailer With Purpose
James Rodrigues has had 16 heart attacks. In 2009, he suffered 10 days of attacks, which led to him being diagnosed with terminal heart disease.
From Drill to Detailing: Meet the Former Soldier That Turned His Hobby into a Business, in Partnership with His Fiancée
Andy Dawson and Trish Fyfe started their business Carfreqz together in 2019. Based in Kent, the couple offer valeting and detailing, as well as electronic
Launched in Lockdown: Meet the Salon Owner That Wasn’t Put Off by the Pandemic
The hair and beauty industry was one of the hardest hit during the pandemic. Restrictions would change overnight, and PPE was a staple throughout. This
From Essential Care to Essential Oils: Meet the Nurse That Turned Her Own Therapy Into Her Business
Lucy Goodey suffers with Transverse Myelitis, a rare disorder causing inflammation of the spinal cord, which limits her mobility. Having used aromatherapy all her life
From Serviceman to Award-Winning Businessman in Just Two Years
It’s true that some business ideas come as lightbulb moments, but the majority of entrepreneurs base their plans on specialist knowledge and experience built up
Former Royal Marine Major Ignites Business Idea “Spark” After 25 Years
Having joined the Royal Marines in 1991 and climbed the ranks from Junior to Major, Tom Clow held a firm plan for his second career
THE RISE OF MILITARY-LED, HEALTH-FOCUSED FOOD COMPANY – KINETIC KITCHEN
Kinetic Kitchen’s approach to their products is all about understanding what the client’s body wants and needs. Led by military-family member and Sports Science &
