This Saturday (June 28) marks Armed Forces Day, celebrating everyone who makes up the Armed Forces Community including service families, veterans, Reservists and cadets.
At Barclays, we’ve long-advocated for the value that military service-leavers bring to business. Military life instils leadership, resilience and problem-solving, which are all skills in high demand across the economy.
As a bank that works with around one million small and medium enterprises (SMEs), we regularly hear that businesses are struggling to find people with the right capabilities. New research from the Barclays Business Prosperity Index shows that 72% of business leaders say that they are having difficulty in hiring skilled labour, and, as Matt Hammerstein, CEO of Barclays UK Corporate Bank, recently highlighted, our clients consistently tell us that they are calling out for strong, transferable skills.
That’s why we’re investing in both ends of the talent pipeline – from preparing young people for work, as outlined in our Workforce Ready report, to harnessing untapped talent and potential.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has made it clear: growth is the government’s number one mission. For businesses to grow, they need to hire smartly, creatively and inclusively. That’s where the Barclays’ Military and Veterans Outreach programmes play an important role - helping veterans transition into civilian careers, launch businesses and fuel growth in the UK economy.
Unlocking the potential of military talent
Last year, around 15,000 people left the UK Regular Armed Forces – many of them in their 20s and 30s, in the prime of their careers. They bring with them a wealth of transferable skills, skills like leadership, clear decision-making under pressure and a diversity of thought that’s vital for innovation and growth. Many bring with them an array of in-demand technical expertise. They are experts in IT, cybersecurity and software development – all areas where the UK faces critical skills shortages.
At Barclays, we support this talented community through our Military & Veterans Outreach programmes, which help veterans and military spouses build confidence, launch careers and start their own businesses.
More than a decade of support from Barclays
Barclays has a long-standing commitment to the UK’s Armed Forces community – one that goes beyond words and into meaningful, sustained action. In 2022, a decade after first signing the UK Armed Forces Covenant, we reaffirmed our support by re-signing and strengthening our pledges to ensure that those who serve or have served are treated fairly and supported in building successful civilian lives.
We’re proud to be the first UK bank to launch a dedicated programme for military entrepreneurs. In 2024, we introduced the Veteran and Military Spousal Founders Programme, in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs. This initiative empowers military-connected entrepreneurs with mentoring, tailored learning via an online academy, and access to industry experts and potential investors. In its first year alone, it has supported 128 start-ups on their journey to growth.
In addition, we hire hundreds of veterans into roles at Barclays each year and recognise that true support goes beyond recruitment. That’s why we also run the Spousal Employment Pathway, partnering with The Forces Employment Charity to offer workshops, confidence-building, and employment opportunities both with Barclays and other employers.
Our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community has been recognised with the Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme – awarded to Barclays on three occasions – and the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award in the US, the highest honour given to employers supporting the military community.
Speaking about this, Barclays’ President of Barclays Bank PLC and Head of Investment Bank Management, Stephen Dainton, said: "Tapping into the skills and experience of veterans and service leavers is essential to driving long-term economic growth in the UK. I’m proud of the work Barclays does through our Military and Veterans Outreach programmes which have supported thousands of service leavers and military spouses over the last decade.”
He continued: “These programmes don’t just support the transition to civilian life - they help shape the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. Our support for this community is unwavering, and we remain committed to their continued success.”
"Tapping into the skills and experience of veterans and service leavers is essential to driving long-term economic growth in the UK."
Stephen Dainton, President of Barclays Bank PLC and Head of Investment Bank Management
Turning ideas into impact: how Barclays supports military entrepreneurs
One standout example of the work our Veteran and Military Spousal Founders Programme does is husband and wife team, Lotty and Andy Laverton. After 27 years in army aviation and 16 more in civil aviation, Andy began creating robot sculptures from discarded mechanical parts.
Inspired by his creations, Lotty brought the character Weebert to life – and with support from the programme, they've grown their venture into Weebert’s World, publishing two books and now developing an animation series.
Lotty shared: “With the help of Barclays Eagle Labs, we’ve gained confidence and shifted our focus – Weebert’s World has expanded far beyond what we imagined. The programme has given me a solid understanding of what I didn’t know I needed, plus the confidence to ask the right questions.”
She continued: “Having a champion on the Founders programme was life changing. The network of ex-military peers has been incredibly supportive, ensuring we never feel alone. The technical side – finances, marketing, and branding – that’s where we needed help, and that’s where Barclays Eagle Labs really stepped in.”
"Having a champion on the Founders programme was life changing. The network of ex-military peers has been incredibly supportive, ensuring we never feel alone."
Lotty Laverton, Weebert's World
Working alongside serving personnel
Barclays is also committed to supporting colleagues who wish to serve as Armed Forces Reservists. Through our military leave policy, we offer additional time-off for training and provide tailored support throughout deployment periods.
Adam Rogers, Security Engineering and Technology Services at Barclays and Reservist, explains how he balances his work alongside his military duties: “Barclays enables me to balance my career with service in the Army Reserve. Since joining the Royal Corps of Signals in 2022 and commissioning as a Troop Commander in 2024, I’ve been supported through the bank’s reservist time-off policy, the Military Employee Resource Group and a culture that values the leadership and resilience service brings.”
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