Zotefoams recognised for its support for ex-service personnel

Zotefoams has been recognised by a leading veterans’ charity for its commitment to supporting ex-service personnel and people with disabilities through its business choices.

Celebrating its centenary year, RBLI presented Zotefoams with an engraved 10-inch Tommy figure and certificate, in recognition of its ongoing support.

The charity was founded to meet the specific needs of troops returning home from the First World War. RBLI supports former military personnel and people with disabilities and their families, and its social enterprise, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC) has worked closely with Zotefoams since 2003.

This year Zotefoams will use more than 50,000 pallets produced by BBMC, helping to provide crucial employment to the team of veterans.

Zotefoams uses the pallets to ensure the safe distribution worldwide of its products to the automotive, aviation, construction, product protection, sports and leisure industries, from its main manufacturing base in Croydon.

Accepting the award on behalf of the company, David Stirling, Zotefoams Group CEO, said: “We are proud to partner with BBMC and particularly honoured to receive this award in this very special year for RBLI. Our business has grown considerably in the nearly two decades since our partnership began and we are delighted that BBMC has grown with us.

“The quality of products and service are excellent and pricing competitive, such that BBMC would be on our supplier roster irrespective of its social enterprise status.

“The fact that we are able to support ex-service personnel while making commercially sound choices is extremely gratifying and we wish Kate and the team continued success.”

Kate Bull, Director of Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, added: “This year, we are celebrating 100 years of providing support to the country’s most vulnerable veterans and people with disabilities, and so we want to take this opportunity to recognise the businesses with whom we work closest – those who make a considered effort to buy our products, both for their quality and to support our team of veterans.

“This award recognises the solid commitment of Zotefoams to make proactive business choices which benefit those in society most in need of support.

“Zotefoams’ continued custom with Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company has improved the lives of countless ex-service personnel and their families.”

BBMC employs more than 100 people, 70% of whom are either a veteran, have a disability or both, and reinvests all of its profits to provide further employment, accommodation, care and support and training opportunities to its beneficiaries.

Based in Aylesford, Kent, BBMC’s factory produces a wide range of services, including the manufacture of road and rail signage, wooden products, plus printing, distribution and fulfilment.

Members of the BBMC team recently joined colleagues at RBLI when Her Majesty the Queen visited RBLI’s village on 6 November to mark the charity’s milestone birthday and officially launch the start of work on the second phase of the charity’s £22m Centenary Village.