Leading commercial heating and ventilation specialists Lord Combustion Services have had their award for supporting Armed Forces personnel in the workplace revalidated as the company celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Oldbury-based Lord Combustion Services have been recognised for their work in helping the Armed Forces community access employment opportunities, including Reservists, veterans, spouses, Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers and cadets.
The West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA) this week confirmed that 23 organisations in the region were Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award winners for 2022.
Eight employers including Lord have had their ERS Silver Awards from 2017 revalidated for their continued commitment. Silver award holders must demonstrate set positive recruitment and employment measures and policies in their organisations which actively support members of the Armed Forces community.
Managing Director Stuart Smith said the Lord team were delighted to have their achievements recognised with the revalidated award. Stuart said: “We understand the importance of helping military personnel by providing work placements for training when they leave service to continue their working careers. We are pleased to have supported reservists among our workforce and would encourage all businesses to look at the ERS to help services personnel who give so much.”
Continued commitment
Philip Sinclair, Regional Employer Engagement Director for West Midland RFCA, said: “We are absolutely delighted that 31 employers across our region have been recognised by the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award this year, including eight that have had their Silver Awards from 2017 revalidated, demonstrating a continued and sustained commitment to supporting our Armed Forces community.
“Having worked closely with these organisations over a number of months and years, we know of the commitment that they show and demonstrate on a daily basis, and applaud their recognition, which is justifiably deserved. Many congratulations to them all, we look forward to continuing our work with them.”
Launched in March 1982, Lord have grown to serve more than 1000 customers across the West Midlands including NHS sites, schools and Edgbaston cricket ground. With a strong order book, Lord are looking ahead to 12 months of further success having grown revenues and profits throughout the challenging Covid-19 pandemic while increasing staffing levels to nearly 50 employees.
Operating from its base in Dudley Road East, Oldbury, Lord signed up to the West Midlands Net Zero Pledge after being visited by Mayor Andy Street in April, has been recognised as a leading Black Country business and for its achievements in reducing clients’ environmental impact.
In November Lord won two 2021 Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards, service business of the year along with Emma Tibbetts winning director of the year, as well as the sustainability trophy at the West Midlands Business Masters Awards, organised by regional news website Business Desk.
The awards were in recognition of the efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic, when they ensured key buildings had hot water for hygiene measures as well as heating. Since it was formed in 1982, Lord Combustion Services has gone from being a mechanical contractor specialising in service and commissioning of gas and oil-fired equipment to offer all mechanical and electrical building services.