Eleven employers from the East of England, including four from Suffolk and north Essex, have joined the ranks of those honoured under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

Adnams of Southwold, Felixstowe-based Maritime Transport, MEL Group from Sudbury and Colchester’s Mercury Theatre have each received the scheme’s Silver award, recognising their support in enabling employees who are armed forces reservists to fulfil their service commitments.

The awards were presented at a ceremony in Cambridge by Royal Navy Commodore David Elford and the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Jane Lewin Smith. Also at the event was the Deputy Commander of the British Army 7 Infantry Brigade and HQ East Colonel, Stuart Williams.

Commodore Elford said: “The employer recognition scheme was launched in 2014 to recognise employers who pledge, demonstrate, and advocate support to the armed forces community, including reservists, veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses.

“It’s a huge honour for me to have been invited this evening, to recognise and celebrate what employers in the East Anglia region do in support of the Armed Forces Covenant.”

Mrs Lewin Smith thanked the recipients, adding: “It’s wonderful that as employers you support your employees’ aspirations to serve their country.”

Kristina Carrington, employer engagement director at the East Anglia RFCA (Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association), said: “Any business, no matter its size or industry, can seek to be recognised for the support they give defence personnel. I invite businesses to get in touch to find out how they can demonstrate their support.”

For further details, visit earfca.org.uk/employers.