A Dorset-based marine technology company has been recognised for its support of the armed forces community with a special award.

Atlas Elekronik UK (AEUK), based at Dorset Green Technology Park, Winfrith, was presented with The Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell, at a special ceremony.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation to support members of the armed forces community and ensure they are treated fairly across various aspects of their day to day lives.

The key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant are: "No member of the Armed Forces community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services to any other citizen," and "In some circumstances special treatment may be appropriate, especially for the injured or bereaved."

Commenting on the announcement of the 2019 Employer Recognition Scheme Silver awards, Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said: “These awards recognise the outstanding support for our Armed Forces from employers across Britain and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one."

Russell Warren, human resources director at AEUK, said: “This is an important and triumphant step towards Atlas Elektronik UK showing its ongoing support for the armed forces community.

"Many of the staff at the company are members of the community, whether they are ex-service personnel, service spouses and partners, or members of the reserve forces, and we as a company are determined to show our appreciation for their sacrifices, as well as our support for them, and all members of the armed forces community, should they find themselves in need.”

AEUK employs armed forces veterans, reservist employees, cadet instructors, service spouses and partners who all benefit from tailored policies, flexible training and mobilisation commitments where appropriate.

The company also participates in Armed Forces Day, an annual celebration of the hard work and sacrifice of the armed forces community through the holding of charitable events such as bake sales, as well as awareness campaigning and talks from AEUK’s reservist employees.

Besides this, AEUK continues to actively support services charities, including the Not Forgotten Association, which supports disabled and wounded service and ex-service personnel, and SSAFA, which works to relieve need, suffering and distress amongst the Armed Forces community.