Glasgow-based City Building is the first Scottish construction firm to have been recognised with a gold award through the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme.
The scheme encourages businesses to support employment amongst defence and military people, including reservists and veterans. The programme incorporates bronze, silver and gold awards for those proactively demonstrating the support throughout their workforce.
City Building currently employs 14 Reservists and medically discharged veterans, including Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and holds an annual Armed Forces Day, which gives employees the opportunity to attend work in their uniform.
City Building also offers a minimum of 10 days training and flexible working to its Reservists staff, to work around their training camps. The firm follows a rigorous procedure if an employee is mobilised or deployed, and will welcome employees back into the business once they are home.
Not only is City Building the only firm to win a gold award this year, but it is also first Scottish construction company to ever be recognised.
City Building executive director Dr Graham Paterson and Head of Corporate Services, Sharon McGrath received the award at an exclusive reception event held at the National Army Museum in London.
They were accompanied by employee Stuart Vandal, who, in addition to being a heavy plant training instructor and SVQ assessor at City Building, is also Troop Commander of the 102 Field Squadron.
Dr Graham Paterson said: “It’s such an honour to be recognised with this award. Everyone at City Building works very hard at ensuring each and every member of staff is looked after, from supporting their general health and wellbeing to helping them achieve professional growth.
“It’s a true testament to our fantastic team at City Building, and I’d like to thank them for their continued hard work.”
This award adds to City Building’s rapidly-growing trophy cabinet, with the firm gaining the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development and earlier this year the customer service excellence award, as well as and being recognised as one of the top 90 businesses in Scotland for employment and diversity.
The Glasgow-based firm carries out a wide range of services from the construction of new builds to repairs and maintenance, manufacturing and training.