Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnics – BAME – in the Armed Forces
June 24, 2019
Ren Kapur MBE: Why I’m proud to be a Reservist
June 26, 2019
Enterprise for military spouses
We’ve come a long way since women were called up as much needed back-up support during war time, to now forming an essential part of today’s modern Armed Forces.
However, there is still more we can do to harness the full potential of women in today’s Armed Forces Community. This not only applies to women serving in the Armed Forces, but also the value they have to offer in the capacity of spouse or partner. Women still represent by far the highest number of Armed Forces spouses, although it is great that through embracing diversity, we are seeing increasing numbers of men fulfilling that role too.
“military spouses, both female and male; achieving personal fulfilment and economic independence through enterprise.”
I see the Armed Forces Community as effectively one great big team dependent on each element to provide their contribution to the effectiveness of the whole. Where family units are concerned this means that spouses partners and children need to be able to fulfil their full potential and thrive to ensure a healthy and supportive environment ensues. This often means having access to gainful employment or self-employment.
“29% of XFE businesses are female led.”
In a world that can involve short notice relocations it has often proved challenging for spouses to find gainful employment reflecting the level of their skills and capability. At XFE we have been proud to support many military spouses who have chosen the path of self-employment to pursue their talents and dreams. 29% of all XFE businesses are female led. And that is without targeting females or spouse centric programmes! Often enterprises established by spouses are ones that can operate remotely and provide flexibly where a short notice need to “up sticks” and move is necessary. Technology is a great enabler here.
“Enterprise skills are for Life; during service and beyond”
Having the ability to sustain two healthy careers – one military and the other potentially employed or self-employed where desired – can enhance the overall well being of the family during service. However, and just as importantly, having an already established and successful enterprise can provide a valuable constant whilst the family transitions into “civvy street” when life as part of the Armed Forces comes to an end.
XFE have helped many military spouses explore if self-employment is for them – and it is not for everyone. However, just as many spouses have found that learning about enterprise skills is an invaluable tool to gaining the confidence to seek employment. I consider both routes as successes in ensuring we support that vital element of the overall Armed Forces team – the Spouses!
I’m delighted to share below some examples of military spouses who have taken the path of self-employment to fulfil their dreams and support themselves and their families. Our mission is to collaborate with our stakeholders to ensure that in 2020 we have targeted provision for Spouses and Partners and support this deserving part of our armed forces community.
Link to Mama+ Belle case study https://www.x-forces.com/military-life-inspires-multi-entrepreneurial-mother/
Burning Barn https://www.x-forces.com/a-burning-barn-inspired-a-fiery-rum-brand/
Your Home Patch https://www.x-forces.com/army-spouse-sets-up-online-support-platform-for-forces-community/
To learn more about Enterprise skills please contact us at: 0800 3689533 or info@x-forces.com
