MOD creates free space for ex-military personnel to startup businesses

For the first time, the move will see disused military engineering workshops in Aldershot, Hampshire, made available as a makerspace to support start-up businesses by veterans and their families.

The scheme is being pioneered by X-Forces and Solv Ltd, both signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, who are working in partnership to provide veterans with the support they need – from creating a product through to launch their own business

X-Forces is a social enterprise, and delivery partner of the Government’s Start Up Loans programme. They have already helped launch over 300 small firms as well as delivering over £3.2m of Start Up Loan funding. Figures show that businesses set up with the help of X-Forces by veterans have a default rate two thirds lower than the average for start up businesses.

Lord Astor of Hever, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, said: “As part of this Government’s ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, I am delighted that surplus estate will be put to good use by helping small businesses and social enterprises.

“Former personnel will be able to incubate their innovation, receive advice from experts, protype their ideas and put them into production. We want to make sure veterans and their families are supported properly, and this initiative will provide a well-deserved boost.”

The makerspace will contain the facilities, equipment and expertise to enable people to prototype business ideas and to test products before taking them to market. X-Forces will provide advice, support and mentoring to help them develop a successful business model and apply for a Government Start Up Loan.

RAF Veteran Jamie Stumpe received support from X-Forces when setting up his business. He said: “It is always a massive leap going out on your own and starting your own business, you have loads of questions and uncertainties but with X-Forces help and support I was able to produce a solid business plan and cash forecast to help get my business from just an idea on paper to an operating business.”

X-Forces will also be making use of a vacant space in Swindon Jobcentre Plus, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, to create a new enterprise centre where they will advise, train and mentor former servicemen and women on making the transition into employment or starting a new business.

Ren Kapur, CEO of X-Forces, said: “At X-Forces we have already helped hundreds of people use their creativity to start and grow innovative new businesses. We are delighted that the government is supporting Service-leavers with this new makerspace. This site will enable many more to produce prototypes and take their ideas to market, enabled by a start up loan.