XFE & FSB: Supporting The Military in Business® Network

On the 27^th June 2020, X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) jointly announced the launch of its collaborative partnership, this is such an exciting opportunity that provides our X-Forces Enterprise Military in Business® Community full support from small business start-up to running an established business.

Both organisations share the same key values that provide help and support to XFE beneficiaries from the armed forces community. As part of the partnership, FSB now hold a special guest appearance slot at our Military in Business® networking events, to talk to the community and make aware the opportunities available for small business owners and what is happening in their region. Known for their government lobbying, especially needed at times like these, this is a great way of getting the community’s voice heard and change enabled.

Nick Bradley, Regional Sales Manager for the FSB, had the pleasure of attending his first Military in Business® Virtual Networking event on the 21^st July, in the North East Region. The host for the evening was their XFE Ambassador, Lee Harris-Hamer, who is also an FSB Member and National Councillor. In attendance for the event was local Membership Advisor, Howard Little, who is ex-forces himself after serving in the RAF for 13 years. The keynote speaker was Tom Fox of Thoughtify, who eloquently spoke about mental health training for business. Followed by two rounds of networking in the breakout rooms, before coming back together to discuss the event.

Nick Bradley, RSM:

“I must say that as an outsider (non-military background) I was really impressed and humbled with how the armed forces community want to look after each other & always be available to provide support. I sensed that if they could then also reach out and collaborate in business together, that’s even better; we are delighted about the XFE partnership’’

Each Ambassador Nationally is tasked with holding at least 4 of these events a year, and FSB Regional Sales Manager, Emma Wooltorton, said “I very much look forward to my first event on the 14^th September in my Region, which will be for Portsmouth, and I am confident that the partnership between the FSB & XFE, will go from strength to strength”. Sign up for Emma’s first event here.

This special partnership brings unique and substantial benefits to the ex-forces community and FSB has committed regular knowledge exchange through both written material and support at joint XFE/FSB networking events and the XFE Knowledge Exchange Hub. XFE is the largest network in the UK supporting the armed forces in business and working with leading partners in their field to bring the best provision possible to our beneficiaries.

Read more about the partnership here, or for more information on the XFE Knowledge Exchange Hub, click here.