Engineering solutions specialist Morson, whose UK-wide operations include a 165-strong team at the Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk, is among 33 business to have been recognised under the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Employer Recognition Scheme.

The award is the highest Ministry of Defence honour for organisations showing outstanding support for current and former services personnel.

It was presented during an event at the Imperial War Museum in London attended by HRH Prince Harry, himself once based at Wattisham, and Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon.

Morson is responsible for the servicing of the Army’s Apache attack helicopters, with its team at Wattisham including a number of former members of the armed forces. It also has a dedicated Reserves “champion” and has helped to establish a new REME Aviation Reserve which includes some of its helicopter technicians.

Ged Mason, chief executive of Morson Group, said: “It is a real honour and we are proud to be awarded this accreditation. Our armed forces are special and it is only right we support them in their career progression and development as they have protected our country.

“I am pleased our employees across the business are dedicated to supporting them through the Career Transition Partnership and other initiatives. Looking at some of the names on this list this year it’s great to see so many of our clients also being recognised and it gives me great pleasure to be amongst them.”

HRH Prince Harry thanked this year’s winners at the event, during which he heard about successful initiatives providing veterans with a fair chance of starting a second career in diverse industries following military service. Other support measures in the workplace include flexibility for Reservists and mentoring and job opportunities for military spouses.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said: “This year’s Gold award winners should be extremely proud of the work they are doing to live up to the Armed Forces Covenant pledge and to promote the pledge to others.

“I’m delighted to recognise employers who make it crystal clear that regardless of size, location, or sector, employing people with military skills is good for business. I hope others follow their example, thereby delivering a better deal for veterans and armed forces families.”