Last month, we had the pleasure of supporting Armed Forces Community Programme Leads Andy Moss and Kate Mizon host the first annual Shaping Forces event in the Royal Maritime Hotel.
The Armed Forces Community within Portsmouth is crucial in shaping our city and forms a major part of our community. The Shaping Forces programme is designed with the goal of making Portsmouth the best place in the UK to live and work as a Serving Member, a Veteran, or an Armed Forces family.
The event began with a look at how business can effectively support the Armed Forces Community, and understand the mutual benefits of doing so, before Andy gave an introduction to Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, including the pathway from Bronze to Silver and Gold accreditation. Kate then took to the stage with a look at what’s next for the Armed Forces Community programme.
After the networking break we heard from our panel, with Sharon McCann, Samuel T. Reddy, Sue Knight, Timothy M. Jones, and Adam Bland telling the stories of their personal experiences within the Armed Forces Community. The raffle raised £241 for Save A Warrior UK and the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity. A further seven businesses and organisations signed the Armed Forces Covenant at the event: SLR Recruitment, Fair Ways, Ignite AI Solutions, Paramount Cleaning Company, Portsmouth Distillery Co, Solent Academies Trust, and Spark Community Space.
Our thanks to Citrus Facilities Management, Biscoes Solicitors, Hampshire Flag, and the Royal Maritime Hotel for sponsoring the event.
Thank you to those who spoke on the panel for sharing personal stories, experiences and insights about living and working in Portsmouth as part of the Armed Forces Community, and the Armed Forces Community Team for organising such a meaningful event.
Andy Moss said “I couldn’t be happier with the way our first Shaping Forces event went. Promoting the Armed Forces Covenant and how to progress through the employer recognition scheme levels has already started a lot of conversations! I’m really proud of what we have started, and with our new team in place, the programme will go from good to great.”
Kate Mizon adds “Our first Shaping Forces event was a fantastic day, and this was a testament to all who supported and attended – thank you! I’m excited for what is ahead with our newly expanded Armed Forces Community team, and I hope to see you at the bigger and better Shaping Forces 2026.”