It was an incredible honour to attend the National Armed Forces & Emergency Services Event – Covenant & Service Awards at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland on Thursday July 3.

The award takes place each summer to celebrate the best in service from Armed Forces, Emergency Services and Volunteers. This year the event took on a special addition in the form of the Covenant Awards ‘25 – a celebration marking 25 years since the inception of the modern Armed Forces Covenant.

The evening was a celebration of the individuals and organisations who go above and beyond in support of our Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services, and their communities.

Alison Gittins of the Durham Business Club presenting the award said “It was an honour to attend National Armed Forces & Emergency Services Event Covenant & Service Awards and present The Most Outstanding Private Sector Award to Amanet Ltd Congratulations to all on a truly inspirational evening, shining a light on those making an extraordinary difference”

After hearing inspiring stories of selfless dedication from individuals supporting our Veteran and Armed Forces community—and having been nominated and shortlisted among other deserving organisations for this national award—I was humbled to receive ‘The Most Outstanding Private Sector’ award on behalf of Amanet Ltd, in front of a packed audience of truly remarkable people. I must thank those who nominated us and for those who judged us to be worthy.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise made by the nation to ensure that those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly and not disadvantaged by their service. It’s a commitment to acknowledge the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community and provide support.

Based in Rutland, the UK’s smallest county but one deeply proud of its connection to the Armed Forces. 20% of our population is serving armed forces personal, reservists, Veterans and their families; we want to create a most forces friendly county by encouraging organisations to make a pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant, to show pride in our country, our county of Rutland and in our Armed Forces. This National recognition is not so much an accolade for Amanet but for our very special county of Rutland.

‘Multum in Parvo’

I would encourage anyone who is curious about the Covenant, especially those based in Rutland, to contact me.