March 4, 2023
So when #IWD announce the annual theme, it never fails to strike a chord, and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed! Here we are for the […]
December 8, 2022
Wishing you and yours a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year As Christmas trees are illuminated and advent calendars opened, we look forward to spending […]
November 20, 2022
What A Show! Over 650 guests gathered at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on Thursday 27th October 2022, with 610 guests seated for dinner in addition […]
August 10, 2022
Not everyone is comfortable talking about cancer, but I believe that openness and honesty are extremely important, so I have been happy to do so about my own journey, whilst respecting […]
April 6, 2022
Much has been said and written about the Chancellor’s Spring Statement: who will benefit, who will not and what this means for the country as a […]
March 4, 2022
This was the question I was asking myself when preparing to write a piece for this year’s IWD and when I asked a few of my […]
December 3, 2021
As featured on Enterprise Nation – https://www.enterprisenation.com/learn-something/interview-ren-kapur-xforces/ An advocate for change In person, Ren is a powerhouse of energy. She’s worked tirelessly to bring together corporations, government […]
November 23, 2021
Social Value forms a cornerstone of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, a set of standards, through which investors and the wider public can better […]
September 10, 2021
As many of you will know, last month I wrote about my breast cancer diagnosis and posted a link to my blog. I would like to say a […]
July 29, 2021
Earlier this month I found out that I have breast cancer. It’s a shock looking at what I’ve just written. Looking back at that day in my life, it was a massive […]
June 30, 2021
As we reconsider easing out of lockdown, it has made me think about not only my own organisations and what that would look like for my team, […]
June 23, 2021
The Army Reserves make up one sixth of UK armed forces personnel, and I feel so proud and privileged to be making a difference to our […]
May 6, 2021
After more than a year of hardship for small and medium-sized businesses, the recent relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions is a milestone (let’s hope a turning point) […]
March 22, 2021
On February 23rd 2021 X-Forces Enterprise CEO and Founder, Ren Kapur MBE, was recognised for the voluntary work she does as the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Armed […]
March 8, 2021
At the age of 17, I gave birth to my first son and a year later I was involved in running my first business, a newsagents, […]
February 9, 2021
This week I was delighted to hear from one of our workshop attendees, Harry Boyt, and his experiences on our 2-Day Start Up Skills workshop. Offering […]
January 21, 2021
We know that the COVID-19 crisis is going to have a devastating impact on economies. Through numerous studies we know the crisis is affecting small and […]
January 6, 2021
Ren Kapur MBE, X-Forces Enterprise CEO and EM3 Board Member, recently shared insight into the support available for entrepreneurs in the Armed Forces Community, as part […]
December 15, 2020
END OF YEAR MESSAGE FROM REN KAPUR MBE – CEO, X-FORCES ENTERPRISE Partners, Beneficiaries, Associates and Friends, Much has been said about the downsides to […]
December 8, 2020
It’s that time of the year when we’re able to reflect on our previous 12 months as a company, who we’ve supported and how we’ve supported […]
November 23, 2020
NatWest opens up exclusive #GEW10K Challenge to the X-Forces Community Throughout Global Entrepreneurship Week this year, NatWest have been running hundreds of free virtual pitching […]
September 16, 2020
Lt Colonel Ren Kapur MBE: Ren is CEO and Founder of X-Forces Enterprises and Chair of the Soldiering on Awards. Enterprise skills are at the centre […]
August 26, 2020
After much deliberation, the Team and I at Soldiering on Awards, including the President, Vice-President, Sponsors and Stakeholders, have taken the sad but necessary decision to […]
August 5, 2020
Some good news, especially welcome within the SME community where every penny counts. On 21st July 2020, the Government published this consultation document to honour its manifesto commitment to back our […]
July 14, 2020
On Thursday 9th July the Government announced the launch of The Recovery Advice for Business Scheme, as a reaction to the economic implications of the COVID-19 […]
July 1, 2020
One of my favourite research pieces of recent times is the 2019 Alison Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship (this is well worth reading, even if you […]
June 24, 2020
As National Armed Forces Champion for FSB and a Reservist, in celebration of The Armed Forces Week, I’d like to share some thoughts and thank my […]
June 4, 2020
Outstanding Air Cadets deliver Unique Business Ideas in first Virtual Enterprise for Life® Programme
Wow! I have been simply blown away by the efforts of twelve young people for our first ever Virtual Enterprise for Life® programme, specially designed for […]
May 12, 2020
The current financial and business-support landscape is changing daily, with new advice and schemes being released more quickly than some may be able to keep up […]
May 7, 2020
I am always in awe of Lt. Col. Debs Taylor’s unceasing passion to support the community at large, and not least the work she continues to […]
April 24, 2020
Today was the day we’d originally anticipated finding out exactly who had won the Soldiering On Award for each of the 13 categories. Instead, we have […]
April 9, 2020
It has been a pleasure to know, support and work with Dorking Brewery owner, Neel Singh, over the past 4 years. The drive and passion he […]
March 20, 2020
Business Advice in Times of Uncertainty, during Covid-19 Here at X-Forces Enterprise (XFE), we pride ourselves in supporting the Armed Forces community in business, and even […]
March 18, 2020
I was humbled to be asked by ABF The Soldier’s Charity to do a feature on me for Women’s History Month. This allowed me to really […]
March 8, 2020
I was humbled to be asked by Amy Casey, at British Forces Broadcasting Services (BFBS), to do an interview for International Women’s Day. The interview was […]
March 5, 2020
I was delighted to interview Karen Tracey as part of our network of inspiring business owners from the armed forces community. One of the 5 barriers […]
February 21, 2020
Soldiering On Awards has hosted 41 Finalists and saluted their achievements at the 2020 Finalists Reception on Thursday 20th February, in a celebration of the very […]
February 6, 2020
I’ve always said that serving in the Armed Forces equips people with a fantastic ethos and skill set. Indeed, it has been said that the Armed […]
January 24, 2020
The United Nations International Day of Celebration is such an important marker not only for today, but to help future-proof all of our destinies. The UN […]
January 13, 2020
Today we are delighted to announce the amazing Finalists for the 2020 Soldiering On Awards The Armed Forces lead the way in demonstrating what it truly […]
January 10, 2020
The arrival of the New Year is a time of hope and optimism for the future; a time when customarily we generally reflect on our personal […]
December 18, 2019
At the time of year when many of us will be enjoying some R&R, and have the excuse for a little over indulgence, it is great […]
November 27, 2019
I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to record a very special interview with the extraordinary man and life-long entrepreneur, the Rt Hon Lord Young; […]
November 20, 2019
I’m proud of all of the entrepreneurs we have supported over the years at XFE, but I always get an extra special buzz knowing the number […]
October 31, 2019
As the leading organisation in the UK supporting the military into enterprise, X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) equips service-leavers and members of the military community with business skills […]
September 19, 2019
“Some of the most inspirational women I have met through XFE have been military spouses; women more than capable of balancing their family life with building […]
September 3, 2019
In his first public event, the Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Johnny Mercer MP, attended the Soldiering On Awards launch adding his support for nominations […]
July 30, 2019
MoD Employment Forum – alongside the Invictus UK Trials Sheffield 23rd July 2019 I was delighted that X-Forces Enterprise were asked to represent self-employment at […]
July 4, 2019
2nd July saw an important milestone in my lifelong commitment to help young people develop enterprise skills. 17 pioneering Army cadets from around the UK […]
June 28, 2019
The Birth of Microfinancing The concept of microfinancing existed prior to the invention of money. The idea was simple: a small trade of something I need […]
June 27, 2019
As FSB Armed Forces Champion for Small Business I am delighted that X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) has been able to share our insight as the UK’s largest […]
June 26, 2019
What is Reserves Day? The 26th June marks Reserves Day in the UK and as a Lt. Col in the Reserves I am proud to be […]
June 25, 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 […]
June 24, 2019
This Armed Forces week I will be sharing my thoughts in an action-packed week dedicated to the community I love and have felt a special affinity […]
June 21, 2019
A message from Ren Kapur MBE, Founder and CEO, X-Forces Enterprise, and Co-chair of Soldiering On Awards… On 29th June, we’ll be celebrating Armed Forces Day […]
June 20, 2019
To mark this year’s Armed Forces Day, X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) has partnered with Facebook to provide a day of learning, inspiration and networking. The event, entitled […]
June 20, 2019
The Afghan Rug Shop is a local small business based in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, which extends its support for the local community all the way […]
June 20, 2019
“I know how debilitating mental illness can be. It ruined my career and changed my life.” Tom Fox, Director of Thoughtify Ltd. Tom initially approached […]
June 18, 2019
The first X-Forces workshop aimed at Cadet Forces has taken place over the weekend of 22-24 March 2019 in Greenwich. 17 cadets from the Greater London […]
April 15, 2019
After the record-breaking Soldiering On Awards (SOA) night, recognising 62 amazing Finalists, I am delighted to share the Awards Highlights and Individual Videos created to record […]
April 5, 2019
Now in its 9th year, the Soldiering On Awards recognise many truly inspirational people and teams; highlighting the outstanding achievements of current and former service men and women, their […]
March 14, 2019
We are delighted to announce that television personality and military supporter Carol Vorderman MBE will be presenting the 2019 Soldiering On Awards ceremony on 5th April. […]
February 17, 2019
Business of the Year – Community Impact Award The Business of the Year Community Impact category is in recognition of a business that was started up […]
February 17, 2019
Business of the Year – Start Up Award The Business of the Year category is in recognition of a new business that was started by an […]
February 13, 2019
Business of the Year – Scale Up Award The Business of the Year Scale Up category is in recognition of a business that was started by […]
January 30, 2019
Starting young! A key reason why many people choose to start their own business is because they have a passion for something and want to share […]
January 27, 2019
Why use a mentor? 93% of SME’s acknowledge that mentoring can help their business to succeed (Nationalmentoringday.org) and 94% of SME’s relying upon external support have […]
January 14, 2019
You have a great business idea, you have the passion and determination required to make the business work and you’ve done your research. Now all you […]
January 9, 2019
The Soldiering On Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of those who have served their country, and the diverse people and groups who work together in support […]
January 6, 2019
A new year often brings with it an opportunity for reflection upon the year which has just passed, and the possibility to plan for the year […]
December 18, 2018
CEO’S END OF YEAR MESSAGE Ren Kapur MBE – CEO, X-Forces Enterprise Partners, beneficiaries, associates and team members; As we near […]
December 13, 2018
We are very proud to announce that #XFsuccess children’s cutlery business Doddl, run by former RAF Intelligence Officer Rosie Phelps-Goggin, her sister Catherine Dodd & Director […]
December 9, 2018
I am delighted to announce that the ‘Empowering Armed Forces Widows Through Enterprise’ Programme run by X-Forces Enterprise and hosted by NatWest was a finalist at […]
December 4, 2018
The 1st December marked the 6th Small Business Saturday, encouraging shoppers to support small businesses, particularly during the festive period. At X-Forces Enterprise we have seen […]
December 1, 2018
Ren Kapur, Founder and CEO of X-Forces Enterprise has been featured in HELLO magazine as part of a special feature on inspirational women. The video, as […]
November 20, 2018
As said by FSB Chairman, Mike Cherry: ‘More than one in three small firms now say lack of access to the right skills is holding back […]
November 15, 2018
In celebration of Global Enterprise Week and following the success of our first Gosport Armed Forces Enterprise Fair in 2016 hosted by MP Caroline Dinenage, X-Forces […]
November 10, 2018
The first ‘Empowering Armed Forces Widows Through Enterprise’ programme run by X-Forces Enterprise (XFE), which took place in London this summer, has been hailed an overwhelming […]
November 10, 2018
The work of X-Forces Enterprise’s CEO and founder, Ren Kapur MBE, has been recognised by HELLO! in their ‘A Year of Love’ presentation, in partnership with […]
November 9, 2018
The First World War had an impact on every person in every town and village in the UK. One hundred years later we commemorate and remember […]
November 8, 2018
“Diversity may be the term that identifies our distinguishing features, but inclusion is what will truly bring us together. Diversity may get you a seat at […]
October 31, 2018
Key benefits for small businesses from the #Budget2018: Start Up Loans scheme extended till 2021 so we can support even more entrepreneurs with start up funding […]
October 30, 2018
Black History Month celebrates the progress and achievements made by BAME communities. I was honoured to participate in two Black History Month events: the Army BAME […]
October 28, 2018
What a fantastic year it has been for the Invictus Games in Sydney celebrating our talented WIS warrior sportsmen. 17 medals for Team UK so far…Wow! […]
October 16, 2018
A new report, ‘Self-employment and the Armed Forces Community’, has revealed the barriers ex-Service personnel face in becoming self-employed after leaving the Armed Forces. Research conducted […]
October 16, 2018
It seems like just yesterday I met with Rt.Hon the Lord Young of Grantham to discuss the creation of X-Forces Enterprise to support members of the […]
September 25, 2018
I am delighted to be a judge for the Soldiering On Awards. It is humbling to read about the outstanding endeavors and achievements of those who […]
September 23, 2018
The Soldiering on Awards 2018 were a particularly proud moment for X-Forces Enterprise as three award-winning businesses were ones we supported. This year, X-Forces Enterprise Founder […]
September 13, 2018
Being nominated for an award is an incredibly rewarding feeling. Not only are awards a recognition of the hard work you’ve put into building your business, […]
September 7, 2018
This month we proudly announced Soldiering On Awards is now part of the X-Forces Enterprise at our nominations launch event on the 4th September at the […]
August 12, 2018
London July 2018. Ren Kapur MBE, CEO and Founder of X-Forces Enterprise (XFE), has been appointed Visiting Fellow at the Lord Ashcroft International Business School at […]
March 15, 2018
February 14, 2018
On Thursday 8 February 2018, X-Forces Enterprise and Soldering On Awards proudly hosted nearly 200 guests, including 40 finalists, at the Soldering On Awards Finalists Drinks […]
January 11, 2018
As CEO of X-Forces and proud partners of the 2018 Soldering On Awards (SOA), we are delighted to announce this year’s finalists. I am equally proud to […]
December 14, 2017
Celebrating 100 Years of Women in the Army On Wednesday, 13th December 2017, in partnership with the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), I brought together some of […]