A new factory, staffed by Britain’s bravest — our veterans — will provide training and producing high-quality, British-made signs for British roads. This Armistice week, new investment is helping Britain’s veterans into skilled jobs and long-term independence — boosting the economy along the way. In tough economic times, we need smart solutions — and pride in British manufacturing is one of them.
Here at the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) — formerly Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) — tomorrow we will proudly announce a £15 million investment to grow our social-enterprise operations and create jobs for those who once served our country. Road signs are part of the architecture of our everyday lives in Britain.
They line our streets, point the way to the places we love, and guide us home after dark. And now, every time you look at one, you’ll know there’s a good chance it was made by a hero who once stood on the battlefield defending our freedoms.
The economy is stalling, and Britain’s veterans — like many others — are facing tough times. Some need care and treatment. But many simply want the chance to work hard, earn a living, and support their families. That’s exactly what our new factory will deliver.
We’ve just been granted planning permission for a new 60,000 m² BREEAM-certified site in Kent, which will create up to 80 new jobs for veterans and people with disabilities. It will also house a Training Academy, giving up to 100 veterans every year the chance to learn new skills and build new futures.
This comes after the Government recently announced a new Defence Housing Strategy and new Veteran Support Centres — vital steps for ensuring those who put their lives on the line are supported back into society.
Our new factory will complement that momentum by giving ex-servicemen and women what they tell us they want most: the chance to work, contribute and belong again.
Across our three sites in Kent, Surrey and Renfrewshire, our veterans already make over 250,000 road, rail and commercial signs every year, supplying National Highways, Network Rail, and countless local authorities.
That’s over £1.2 million of social value generated for Britain’s economy. And it’s growing. This is what Britain does best: giving back to those who gave everything.
At a time when too many of our factories are closing and too many of our heroes are left behind, RBVE’s investment is a vote of confidence in British manufacturing and British values.
Made in Britain. Made by veterans. Made with pride. Because when we back our bravest, Britain wins.