CURRENT and former members of the armed forces received business advice from the top when Lord Addington gave a talk in Swindon.

Lord Addington, who has been appointed Honorary Patron of X-Forces, a social enterprise supporting the military community into enterprise, gave a talk encouraging forces workers to get into business.

A keen supporter of the military and ex-military community, the peer opened an event in Swindon on Friday 26th June - during Armed Forces Week - which focused on the opportunities the benefits of self-employment, and was supported by charities and businesses in the area.

Service-leavers, veterans, cadets, military spouses were in attendance at the gathering, at X-Forces Swindon, based at the town JobCentre.

Lord Addington said: “I was delighted to be invited to be the patron for X-Forces.

"Their work is important in helping the ex-military community by providing a range of support and help, including start-up loans to those seeking self-employment.

"I share their vision of making a real difference to the community, helping them in a range of ways from providing start-up loans to training to ensure individuals have the information and life skills to make the right decision.”

CEO and founder of X-Forces, Ren Kapur, said: “Every day more military entrepreneurs achieve their dreams, and this event will have been the spark for more to embark on their journey.

"We are building a supportive network that includes corporate partners, charities, government and military organisations.

"Small businesses play a vital role in boosting growth and creating jobs, and we are thrilled to nurture this new generation of employers who, thanks to their military backgrounds, have the focus and tenacity to succeed.”

As part of its programme of support, X-Forces’ pioneering MiliTech programme aims to reduce the skills shortage in the technology sector, by training and developing former forces personnel.

One of MiliTech’s founding partners, Oxfordshire based IT business Prolinx, attended the event.

Christine Palfrey, from Prolinx, said: “We are honoured to work with X-Forces and be part of the MiliTech programme, to enable motivated and ambitious service-leavers to enter the IT sector armed with relevant and cutting-edge skills.

"The motivation and focus found in military personnel has proven to be of great value to our organisation, and to the IT industry within the UK.”

The event was sponsored by Nationwide and Business West.