Scotland's Bravest Manufacturing Company (SMBC) has been able to employ military veterans and people with disabilities thanks to an ongoing partnership with BEAR Scotland, amounting to over £120,000 in social value.

SBMC gives veterans the opportunity of a stable and secure job whilst supporting them during their adjustment to 'normal life'. The company manufactures and prints commercial signage, including high-quality road signs.

BEAR Scotland was one of SMBC's first customers when it was established in 2018. Since then, SBMC has produced 15,000 high-quality signs for BEAR Scotland, including trunk road signs, warning signs, tourist signs and larger bespoke safety signage for roadwork projects, which have been erected across the trunk road network.

In August 2020, the relationship was cemented further when BEAR Scotland took on responsibility for the trunk roads in South East Scotland and appointed SBMC as its preferred sign supplier for its eight-year contract with Transport Scotland.

Neil McPhail, a veteran who served in the Scots Guards for four years, has worked with SBMC for the last three years. Neil, like many other veterans, struggled to find long-term employment after his time in the Armed Forces.  This feeling of constant rejection mixed with the horrific sights that many veterans have to witness led to Neil's alcohol addiction. His marriage had broken down, which resulted in Neil moving out of his family home and being separated from his two sons.

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Tragedy struck again for Neil when he woke up to discover his new partner had passed away in her sleep next to him.  Neil hit rock bottom but fortunately an old friend reached out and offered him support and their friendship turned into a relationship.  In 2021 he spotted a role at SBMC for a general factory operator.

Neil said: "SBMC has absolutely changed my life for the better.  After some very traumatic events that led to me becoming alcohol dependent, I finally found a company that was willing to give me a chance when no other had before.  They gave me my life back, my confidence back and I am forever grateful that I am now on the right path. I am three years sober and am now in full time employment as a team leader. My outlook is so much better.

"I am eternally grateful for the opportunities and support SBMC has provided me with. None of us here would not be where we are if it were not for BEAR Scotland. Every week the team are working on something new for BEAR. They've shown significant loyalty to our products, which has done wonders in ensuring that veterans can continue to be independent and feel valued by society."

Ex-forces members of SBMC have also previously visited BEAR Scotland depots to provide inspirational talks as part of company-wide safety initiatives.

Mark Godsell, Commercial Director at BEAR Scotland, said: "We're always thrilled to support SBMC. It's a brilliant organisation for the way it gives veterans a new purpose and helps them to adjust to life outside the forces.

"But we don't just work with SBMC simply because of the positive impact it has on society – the standard of service we receive and dedication to quality control is never undervalued by us."

Michelle Ferguson, Director of Scotland's Bravest Manufacturing Company, said: "BEAR Scotland is one of our most important clients. Their enthusiasm and dedication to our cause enables us to transform the lives of veterans. We simply wouldn't be able to do this without their support. They have believed in our vision, and we look forward to a long partnership for many years to come."