Episode 2 - Veterans

This month Jamie and Dan discuss the broad subject of the employment of veterans in UK SMEs.

They cover why and when people leave the services; what their expectations are and what it is like to leave a long-term military career. They also discuss the civilian employers perspective and whether there is an unavoidable culture and values gap. They talk about why companies should consider hiring a veteran.

What are the attributes they have and what are the potential challenges/pitfalls for an employer?

What culture and values does an organisation need in order to attract veterans?

And they cover the role of the Armed Forces in preparing their service leavers and whether this is fit for purpose.

Lastly they look at the role of the 3rd Sector in preparing and assisting service leavers and whether there are any obligations owed to veterans as a result of what has sometimes been a dramatic and traumatic career.

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Dan Bryant

Dan Bryant’s first career was in the Royal Navy where he undertook appointments as a Logistics Officer in surface ships, submarines, UK and international headquarters and training establishments. A veteran of the Iraq War, he left the RN to pursue a career in commercial shipping and logistics. He is the Managing Director of the IWH Group, a consultancy focusing on the Defence, maritime and aerospace sectors.

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Jamie Pindard

Since leaving University in 2009, Jamie’s career has been focussed within the Aerospace and Defence market. Starting off as part of an international team within a large defence contractor, he has spent the last 11 years leading the commercial efforts of Artemis Optical Ltd, a high-tech SME within the A&D arena. Most recently, Jamie has taken the role of A&D product Line Director at G&H Photonics since their acquisition of Artemis in July 2023.