Supporting the Armed Forces Covenant at Barrett Steel

31 March 2026

At Barrett Steel, our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant is simple - it’s about doing the right thing for people. We support servicemen and women, veterans, and their families by recognising the value they bring to UK industry and creating opportunities across our business.

Armed Forces Skills That Strengthen UK Industry

People transitioning from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force bring skills that apply straight away. Leadership, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure are critical in manufacturing and defence supply chain environments.

Richard Walkland, HR Business Partner at Barrett Steel, explains:

At Barrett Steel we are proud of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. It is important to recognise the value that the military community brings to the civilian workforce and their diversity of experience and training provides an offering that can only improve the business.

We actively recognise these strengths and create opportunities where they can make an impact from day one.

Supporting Ministry of Defence Supply Chains Across the UK

Our commitment also connects directly to the work we do.

Barrett Steel supports customers operating within Ministry of Defence supply chains across the UK. This work demands consistency, reliability, and quality - values that closely align with those developed through service in the Armed Forces.

Nik Baines, MAKE UK Defence Commercial Lead and Commercial Manager at Barrett Steel Tubes, explains:

The Armed Forces Covenant plays a vital role in strengthening the connection between defence and industry. Businesses like Barrett Steel, already embedded within Ministry of Defence supply chains, are uniquely positioned to support this commitment - not only through the services they provide, but through the people they employ and develop.

By supporting both the work and the people behind it, we strengthen our role in these critical sectors.

A Business Built on People

Barrett Steel is a family business, and people have always been at the centre of our success.

CEO Guy Barrett comments:

Barrett Steel has always been built on its people. As a family business, we understand the importance of loyalty, commitment, and shared values. Supporting the Armed Forces community is a natural extension of that - recognising individuals who bring dedication, integrity, and strength to everything they do.

How We Support the Armed Forces Covenant in Practice

Our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant means taking clear, practical steps:

We believe no member of the Armed Forces community should face disadvantage compared to any other citizen. We also recognise that, in some circumstances, additional support may be appropriate - particularly for those who are wounded, injured or bereaved.

We put this into action by:

Supporting employment and career transitions

  • Engaging with the Career Transition Partnership to support veterans into employment
  • Offering work placements, insight days, and mentoring opportunities
  • Working with charities and partners to support wounded, injured and sick personnel into work
  • Supporting Reservists with up to 10 days of unpaid leave to fulfil their duties
  • Providing additional unpaid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers

 

Working with communities and supply chains

  • Supporting local Armed Forces charities and fundraising initiatives
  • Building relationships with organisations that support the Armed Forces community across the UK
  • Supplying and supporting local Armed Forces bases, including Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force locations
  • Strengthening our role within Ministry of Defence supply chains

 

Raising awareness and supporting the Armed Forces community

  • Promoting the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme across our business and networks
  • Supporting Armed Forces events, including Armed Forces Day, Armed Forces Week, the Poppy Appeal and Remembrance activities
  • Using Armed Forces Covenant and Employer Recognition Scheme logos in our communicationsCreating a dedicated Armed Forces section on our website
  • Signposting members of the Armed Forces community to relevant support services
We will continue to take action - supporting people, strengthening our business, and contributing to UK industry.

If you are part of the Armed Forces community and looking for your next opportunity in manufacturing or the defence supply chain, we encourage you to get in touch and explore careers with Barrett Steel.

Supporting the Armed Forces Covenant at Barrett Steel

Recent Updates