Over 500 Service Leavers begin their transition at BFRS Job Fair
Thursday 13 October 2011 7:56 AM
A recent career transition event staged in Tidworth was attended by more than 500 service leavers. The fourth event by the British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS) saw a record number of attendees in response to news that the British Armed Forces are looking to shed 22,000 posts over the next four years.
Also in attendance were the Mayor of Tidworth, Chris Franklin MBE, John Glen MP and Tidworth Garrison Commander, Colonel Paddy Tabor. They all spent time at the event talking to exhibitors and attendees. Wiltshire Council sponsored the event and made a presentation on economic regeneration in the area.
The event brought together a wide range of exhibitors ranging from local firms recruiting through to international companies promoting employment positions overseas. For the more entrepreneurial attendees there was a range of franchisors to talk to and support available on starting their own businesses.
Rob Underhay, Commercial Director of SimplyStartUps.co.uk who exhibited at the event, spent the day talking to would-be entrepreneurs about their next steps in civilian life. Rob commented: “There was considerable interest and enthusiasm shown by the service leavers in setting up new companies and we look forward to working with them in the coming months.”
Harry Dean, Founder of BFRS, said: “We were delighted with the attendance and the feedback from attendees. Exhibitors and attendees were exchanging ideas and attendees were given a wide range of options so that their next steps are well thought through.”
The Tidworth event also marked the launch of the UK’s first virtual service leaver event. The event at www.omnivil.com allows anyone with access to the Internet to look at employment, franchise and self-employment opportunities in the virtual exhibition.
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