Two Lanarkshire firms have received prestigious silver-level accolades from the Ministry of Defence’s employer recognition scheme (ERS).
Hamilton-based Scullion Law and Chapelhall firm DMI Fire and Security both received the award in honour of their work to demonstrate support for the forces and veteran communities, including reservists and cadet force volunteers, and align with the armed forces covenant.
Representatives of both local companies were among 21 firms from across the Scottish lowlands who received their awards at a ceremony in Glasgow, where certificates were presented on behalf of the defence secretary.
Scullion Law managing director Nicholas Scullion said the company is “thrilled” by the silver award, saying: “This highlights our commitment to providing exceptional legal services and fostering a supportive environment for those who serve.
“We are passionate about improving lives and making a difference and we are proudly working towards a military-friendly workplace, offering at least five days’ leave for reservist employees and flexible working arrangements.
“Our services cover a broad spectrum of legal needs from court-martial defence to veteran appeals, offering specialised military law expertise for our defence community [and] ensuring armed forces personnel have a reliable legal partner.”
The law firm, which has an office at Cadzow Street, earned the scheme’s bronze award in 2023 – and earlier this year saw senior solicitor Stephanie Grieve, an army reservist who serves as a second lieutenant and platoon commander with 243 Provost Company of the 1st Regiment Royal Military Police, nominated at the Scottish ex-forces in business awards.
DMI, which has 52 employees at its base at Chapelhall industrial estate, recently also achieved gold accreditation status under North Lanarkshire Council’s employer charter for demonstrating workplace credentials including employing local residents, paying all staff the real living wage, using local businesses in their supply chains and ensuring fair work practices.
Silver ERS award recipients commit to give reservist employees five days of paid or unpaid leave for training; and the Lanarkshire firms and fellow workplaces recognised were described as going “above and beyond with their support through initiatives such as employing veterans, supporting individuals transitioning out of the forces into a new career, and providing flexibility for serving reservists to complete training or go on mobilisation”.
The awards were presented by Brigadier Andy Muddiman, the naval regional commander for Scotland, who said: “These awards recognise willingness not only to sign the armed forces covenant but also to enact the pledges to support the defence family.”
Addressing the recipients, he added: “We know that making those pledges is a business decision, and we greatly appreciate it; in return, we offer you potential members of your workforce that are highly and regularly trained in a wide array of skills.”
Colonel Ted Shields, chief executive of the Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, said: “This year’s silver awards recognise the tremendous support that these businesses and organisations give to the armed forces each and every day.”
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