RBLI receives Royal recognition for its social enterprise

Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company has been named one of the first recipients of The King’s Award for Enterprise, for its commitment to social enterprise.

The work of Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, which is Royal British Legion Industries’ (RBLI) operation in Scotland, has been awarded the King’s Award for its efforts to promote opportunity.

The military charity is one of only nine organisations to be recognised for promoting opportunity in the first year of The King’s Award for Enterprise, following the passing of Elizabeth II. A total of 148 businesses have been recognised for their contribution to international trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity (through social mobility).

RBLI’s Scotland operation, which is based at Bishopton in Renfrewshire and established in 2019, was modelled on the charity’s century of operation in Kent. The Scottish factory has established a reputation as a leading social enterprise, providing employment opportunities for disadvantaged veterans, especially those with life-changing physical and mental disabilities after serving in the armed forces.

Lisa Farmer, RBLI’s Chief Executive, said: “This award from His Majesty The King is a major vote of confidence in what Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company is doing to promote opportunity for our veterans.

“Our factories in Scotland, Kent and Surrey operate as a not-for-profit social enterprise with 100% of the surplus being reinvested back into RBLI’s wider operations to provide greater employment, welfare and housing opportunities to veterans and people with disabilities.”

Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company employs 21 people and 90% of its beneficiaries were unemployed when they started work at the factory. It specialises in the production of road and rail signage for the country’s highways and railways, bespoke engineering products using a state-of-the-art water jet cutter. It also offers print, mail and fulfilment services for business.

Along with RBLI’s UK Social Enterprise, Scotland’s Bravest team has been producing and distributing the official plaques for the Queen’s Green Canopy – the tree-planting initiative set up by Elizabeth II as part of her Platinum Jubilee.

RBLI will be able to use The King’s Award for Enterprise emblem to promote what it does to potential customers. The formal trophy will be presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire to the team and the RBLI’s management will be invited at to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by His Majesty The King.