Suffolk Chamber of Commerce Awarded Bronze Armed Forces Covenant Certificate

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Bronze Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, a national recognition of its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. This accolade reflects Suffolk Chamber’s pledge to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring fair treatment for those who serve or have served, as well as their families.

John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said:

"At Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, we deeply value the contributions of the armed forces and their families to our business community. Receiving the Bronze Award is a significant milestone that reinforces our commitment to fairness and respect. We strongly encourage all local businesses to join us in supporting our veterans and their families by signing the covenant. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show that we care about their wellbeing and recognise their service."

Nigel Seaman, founder and Chief Executive of Chamber member Combat2Coffee and Royal Anglian veteran, added:

"I’m delighted to see Suffolk Chamber receive the Bronze Armed Forces Covenant Award, as it shows real commitment to supporting those who have served. This is an important first step on the journey towards Gold status. When businesses sign the Armed Forces Covenant, they’re sending a clear message: we value your skills, your resilience, and your service.

“If every business within the Suffolk Chamber were to sign the Covenant, Suffolk would become an even better place for veterans to live and work. For veterans, knowing that local organisations recognise and value our skills and experiences makes a huge difference.”

The Chamber first signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2019 and continues to advocate for greater awareness and participation among Suffolk businesses. Achieving Bronze is just the beginning, Suffolk Chamber is committed to progressing towards Silver and ultimately Gold status, ensuring even stronger support for the Armed Forces community.

This announcement comes as Combat2Coffee, a Suffolk Chamber member and veteran-led organisation, celebrates receiving The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2025, the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, equivalent to an MBE. Their achievement highlights the incredible impact veteran-led initiatives have in Suffolk and reinforces why supporting the Armed Forces Covenant matters.

For more information on how to sign the covenant, visit: https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk