EMR Awarded Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award

EMR has been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award, joining 331 organisations across the UK recognised by the Ministry of Defence for their commitment to supporting the armed forces community.

The award marks an important milestone in a journey that began when EMR signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved Bronze Award status in early 2025.

At the time, it was a commitment to do more. To create opportunities for veterans, support reservists and build a workplace where military families could thrive. Just over a year later, the Silver Award recognises the progress made and the people who have made it possible.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award recognises employers that demonstrate genuine support for the armed forces community through their workplace culture, policies and leadership.

For EMR, that commitment is reflected in practical action.

The company actively recruits armed forces service leavers and veterans, supports reservists with the flexibility they need to balance service commitments alongside their civilian careers and works to ensure military families feel welcomed, valued and supported throughout their time with the business.

The award also reflects something EMR has long understood: the qualities developed through military service help build stronger teams and a stronger business.

Veterans and reservists bring a unique combination of resilience, adaptability and leadership. They know how to solve problems, work under pressure and keep moving forward when challenges arise.

Those qualities are invaluable in a business built around finding opportunity in complexity. Across EMR, members of the armed forces community are helping turn today's materials into tomorrow's products, applying the skills developed through service to careers that continue to make a difference long after military life ends.

Ian Sheppard, EMR UK & Europe CEO said:

Achieving the Silver Award is something we're incredibly proud of, not because of the recognition itself, but because of what it represents."

"When we signed the Armed Forces Covenant, we made a commitment to strengthen our support for the armed forces community and ensure veterans, reservists and military families could build rewarding careers at EMR. This award reflects the progress we've made, but it is also part of our broader commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that values different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives."

"Veterans and reservists make an important contribution to our business, bringing skills and qualities that help our teams succeed every day. This recognition belongs to the colleagues across EMR who have helped turn that commitment into action and create an environment where people can thrive."

As EMR looks ahead, the focus remains unchanged: creating opportunities, removing barriers, celebrating our people and ensuring talented people from the armed forces community can build successful careers long after their service ends.

The Silver Award marks an important milestone, but not the end of the journey. EMR remains committed to building a workplace where veterans, reservists and military families can thrive, bringing their skills, experience and leadership into an industry helping to power a more circular future.

Because tomorrow's products depend on today's materials. And behind every one of those materials are people whose experience, determination and commitment help make progress possible.