The Bannatyne Group has received a Bronze Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in acknowledgement of the company’s commitment to supporting the armed forces.
This follows the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant pledging to actively support the employment of veterans, and other measures to support Service families in its employment.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
Bannatyne’s has offered a discount to members of the Armed Forces community for a number of years, with more than 670 people taking advantage. In 2019, Duncan Bannatyne offered hundreds of free memberships for veterans with PTSD, with every one of the 72 health clubs taking part.
Duncan Bannatyne, chief executive and chairman of the Bannatyne Group said: “We’re proud to continue our support of our Armed Forces, which are the absolute best in the world.
“It is important that employers commit to ensuring the employment prospects of veterans and to enabling the partners of service personnel to work, while providing flexibility in granting leave before, during and after a partner’s deployment.
“I’d encourage other organisations to consider signing the Armed Forces Covenant and joining the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Servicemen and women deserve our full support.”
The Bannatyne Health Clubs chain is now in its 22nd year, it began in 1997 with the first club on Teesside. The idea was born following a skiing accident after which Chairman Duncan Bannatyne OBE needed regular exercise to recover. He could not find facilities locally and decided to use some of the proceeds from the sale of his previous business, Quality Care Homes plc, to establish the fitness chain.
