Axil, one of the UK’s fastest-growing total waste management and resource recovery providers and a long-standing partner to UK manufacturing, has been awarded Silver status under the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.
The award marks progression from Axil’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in 2025 and reflects its growing commitment to embedding Armed Forces support across recruitment, workforce development and employee engagement.
The scheme recognises employers that go beyond a formal pledge to demonstrate sustained, practical support for veterans, reservists, military families and the wider Armed Forces community.
Axil, which works with UK manufacturers and critical service providers, says the recognition reflects its belief that strong industry performance depends on a fully supported workforce and positive workplace culture.
Nationally, 331 organisations received Silver Awards this year, with Axil among a small number in the East Midlands to be recognised. Just 12 organisations in the region achieved Silver status this round. Axil now joins 1,611 Silver Award holders nationwide (prior to this year’s additions).
Ed Pigg, CEO of Axil, said:
“Signing the Armed Forces Covenant was a starting point, but we were clear it had to lead to action. Silver status reflects the progress made in turning that commitment into real support for veterans, reservists and service leavers.
As champions of UK manufacturing and critical services, we know performance depends on people. That means creating a workplace where people are supported, developed and able to thrive, because a fully supported workforce drives better outcomes for customers and industry.
The Armed Forces community brings leadership, resilience and problem-solving skills that strengthen everything we do.” 
Over the past 18 months, Axil has introduced measures to support Armed Forces personnel transitioning into civilian careers, including a guaranteed interview scheme, structured mentoring and targeted recruitment support though Career Transition Partnership (CTP), the official Ministry of Defence partnering programme assisting service leavers with career transition and job matching.
The company has also expanded outreach through cadet career events and employer-led sessions showcasing roles in logistics, IT, communications and operations.
Mark Downes, Director of Operations at Axil and former Army personnel, said:
“Transitioning from the military depends on employers recognising and using the skills people bring.
At Axil, there’s a strong focus on building a supportive working environment where people feel valued and can develop. That benefits everyone, not just veterans, and ultimately improves performance across the industries we serve.”
Axil’s Armed Forces activity sits alongside its wider commitment to UK manufacturing, supporting organisations across aerospace, automotive, food production, pharmaceuticals and other industrial sectors with waste management and resource recovery services.
The company says its approach is based on operational excellence and people development going hand in hand, with workplace culture central to delivering value to customers.
Axil is encouraging veterans, reservists and service leavers to explore opportunities across logistics, IT, communications and operations.
Ed Pigg added: “This recognition sits within a wider ambition. We’re focused on building a business that supports UK industry, invests in people and creates an environment where colleagues can do their best work.”
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