A DEFENCE business based just outside Romsey has been included in a ranking of the top 50 employers of veterans in the UK. 

It has been ranked by GREAT British Employers of Veterans programme, a comprehensive guide to the leading companies supporting the Armed Forces community.

Roke has a long history of supporting veterans, and is a recipient of the highest level of accreditation in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award programme for its commitment. As a gold award winner, Roke actively communicates and upholds a positive stance for employees who are veterans, Reservists and Cadet Force Adult volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

Paul MacGregor, managing director, said: "Roke is proud of our long history of supporting the UK Armed Forces and its allies, going back to our founding in 1956. Today we count many veterans within our team, whose experience, work ethic, teamwork and determination is the backbone of many parts of our growing business. 

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"We are thrilled to have been awarded 15th place in the Top Employers of Veterans in the UK 2024 and look forward to welcoming many more veterans to our team.” 

Chris Parker, director at Fortinet UK and judge for the GREAT British Employers of Veterans programme, said: "The GREAT British Employers of Veterans programme is a wonderful way to recognise and thank the leading organisations who support members of the Armed Forces community working in the UK.”

Ben Rossi, founder of the Ex-Forces in Business Awards and the GREAT British Employers of Veterans programme, said: “The UK is one of the global leaders when it comes to offering dedicated pathways, programmes and other opportunities for veterans and the wider Armed Forces family seeking a high-value career. But navigating this landscape, understanding exactly what companies offer to the Armed Forces community and deciphering what is the right direction for you can be complicated and confusing.

“The GREAT British Employers of Veterans cuts through the noise by producing a simple but comprehensive guide to the companies when members of the Armed Forces community are valued and really thrive. The top 50 employers listed in this year’s book are really the cream of the crop when it comes to Forces Friendly employers in the UK and they thoroughly deserve this recognition for what they do for the Armed Forces community.”