May 21, 2020
Tom initially approached X-Forces Enterprise through our Help for Heroes Business Experience programme. With an inspirational backstory and a determination to make his business succeed for […]
May 12, 2020
The current financial and business-support landscape is changing daily, with new advice and schemes being released more quickly than some may be able to keep up […]
May 7, 2020
X-Forces Enterprise CEO, Ren Kapur, sat down with Lt. Col. Deborah Taylor last year for our Military in Business Podcast series. Read what she had to […]
April 30, 2020
British Army veteran Chris Flannagan from Wiltshire had set his sights on a new career as a drone pilot, but found few employment opportunities due to […]
April 9, 2020
X-Forces Enterprise CEO, Ren Kapur, sat down with Neel Singh of Dorking Brewery last year for our Military in Business Podcast series. Read what she had […]
April 6, 2020
X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) and AskIf have launched a new partnership to enable beneficiaries, within the Armed Forces Community, to access much needed funding at a time […]
March 30, 2020
Making an informed decision, especially with funding a new venture, is so very important at these difficult times. Therefore it’s imperative, more so than ever, to […]
March 20, 2020
Business Advice in Times of Uncertainty, during Covid-19 Here at X-Forces Enterprise (XFE), we pride ourselves in supporting the Armed Forces community in business, and even […]
March 19, 2020
After serving in the British Army for eight years, with 24 Commando Royal Engineers, Tom Foster was forced to pull the pin on his military career. […]
March 18, 2020
‘Inner Strength & Incredible Resilience’ XFE CEO Ren Kapur featured by ABF for Women’s History Month
As part of Women’s History Month, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity have written an insightful and inspiring feature on X-Forces Enterprise CEO Ren Kapur. Since 2015, ABF […]
March 12, 2020
Well what a weekend that was! We were delighted with the engagement and energy from 15 young people for the second X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) workshop specially […]
March 11, 2020
X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) jointly welcome the new plans for a one-year Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICS) holiday for businesses […]
March 8, 2020
X-Forces CEO, Ren Kapur MBE, was honoured to be invited onto BFBS Radio this week by Amy Casey, to do an interview for International Women’s Day. […]
March 5, 2020
X-Forces CEO Ren Kapur MBE was delighted to interview Karen Tracey as part of XFE’s network of inspiring business owners from the armed forces community. One […]
February 21, 2020
Finalists Recognised for Their Remarkable Achievements and Public Voting Opens for the People’s Choice Award Soldiering On Awards has hosted 41 Finalists and saluted their achievements […]
February 14, 2020
Serving in the British Armed Forces can equip an individual with the highest level of training in the world, yet re-focusing those skills into a civilian […]
February 11, 2020
The word ‘networking’ provokes a Marmite-like response; you find people relish every opportunity or shy away from it entirely. Whether you are serving, in employment or […]
January 24, 2020
XFE Founder and CEO Ren Kapur MBE has long been a passionate advocate and thought leader championing education and in particular, education linked to enterprise skills. […]
January 22, 2020
A business is making a beeline for success thanks to a donation from Kilfrost, as part of its support for ex-servicemen and women across the UK. […]
January 21, 2020
Cyber is the fastest growing crime and business owners carry even more risk to an attack on their systems and data. In seeking expert insight for […]
January 13, 2020
Today we are delighted to announce the amazing Finalists for the 2020 Soldiering On Awards The Awards categories include representatives from across the entire Armed Forces […]
January 9, 2020
Master pastry chef Ben Mariner recognised the cost and geographic barriers in cookery tuition and built an innovative online school to share his expertise. Still […]
December 18, 2019
END OF YEAR MESSAGE FROM REN KAPUR MBE – CEO, X-FORCES ENTERPRISE Partners, Beneficiaries, Associates and Friends, As we approach the end of another business year, we […]
November 20, 2019
I’m proud of all of the entrepreneurs we have supported over the years at XFE, but I always get an extra special buzz knowing the number […]
November 12, 2019
Military spouse Emma Bryant was inspired to start her first business by Instagram, on which she followed other small businesses and watched their successes. Emma’s brand […]
November 11, 2019
As a new business owner, how can you ensure you are adequately protected as you begin trading? We asked XFE corporate partner The Military Mutual to […]
October 31, 2019
It is that time of year when we go potty for pumpkins and it is completely normal to pass toddler-sized zombies and witches on the street. […]
October 23, 2019
As the leading organisation in the UK supporting the military into enterprise, X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) equips service-leavers and members of the military community with business skills […]
October 18, 2019
It’s that time of year again where we’re all glued to Bake Off salivating and dreaming about eating delicious cakes. For some viewers, #GBBO revives a […]
October 10, 2019
We’ve all seen those episodes of Dragon’s Den where the entrepreneurs are being asked what should be a relatively simple question about their business plan or […]
October 8, 2019
X-Forces Enterprise has joined forces with our partner Facebook to invite you to an exclusive event entitled “Boost with Facebook London” for learning, inspiration and networking. […]
September 23, 2019
A lot of side hustles involve selling on Etsy so our Business Advisory team are going to share their top tips for maximising your sales strategy. […]
September 20, 2019
#SEPTEMEBERSIDEHUSTLE So, what is a side hustle? A side hustle is a job which you have alongside your full-time employment. Often, a side hustle is […]
September 19, 2019
You’ve had a brilliant break and now it’s time to get stuck back into work but where do you start? Here are our top tips to […]
September 19, 2019
“Some of the most inspirational women I have met through XFE have been military spouses; women more than capable of balancing their family life with building […]
August 29, 2019
In his first public event, the Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Johnny Mercer MP, attended the Soldiering On Awards launch adding his support for nominations […]
August 28, 2019
Military spouse and teacher Michelle Williams understood that all parents want to see their child have opportunities to be happy and successful, and applied her knowledge […]
August 21, 2019
The British picnic is a national passion, but one ex-military couple have taken it one step further in their bistro in Tidworth. At Pothead and Panface, […]
July 30, 2019
MoD Employment Forum – alongside the Invictus UK Trials Sheffield 23rd July 2019 I was delighted that X-Forces Enterprise were asked to represent self-employment at […]
July 18, 2019
Jacob Kelly, from Leeds, has a new woman in his life. Dottie is American, a little older than him and they plan to travel together to […]
July 5, 2019
Thoughts from CEO Ren Kapur MBE: 2nd July saw an important milestone in my lifelong commitment to help young people develop enterprise skills. 17 pioneering […]
June 28, 2019
More than 300 Armed Forces veterans, including many X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) beneficiaries, attended a digital skills workshop run by Facebook, in partnership with XFE, in London […]
June 21, 2019
Being diagnosed with a visual impairment in his 50s didn’t hold John Bennett back from pursuing a dream to share the stories passed down through his […]
June 14, 2019
Garden maintenance businesses are one of the most popular seasonal service-based start-ups. Whether it’s mowing lawns and trimming hedges or garden landscaping and designing, setting up […]
June 13, 2019
Self-employment gives the freedom to blend very different businesses into your working day, as ex-military Joe Poole is proving with his new café car. Joe […]
June 7, 2019
X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) is partnering with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to help raise awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant in a special event in […]
May 31, 2019
This week we explore some of the most popular summer startup businesses and some of our successful #XFsuccess entrepreneurs who have set up businesses which make […]
May 30, 2019
Madeleine Curry, from Cheshire, believes that what you put into your pet’s body should not only be tasty to them but also healthy, natural and nutritious. […]
May 21, 2019
Esther Wright, an RAF spouse from Shropshire, has spent 17 years working in event management and set up her new business to create the sort of […]
May 19, 2019
For the final day of #localbizweek, we are celebrating those amazing small business owners who give up their day of rest to provide us with those […]
May 18, 2019
Small businesses can maximise their local reach by using a variety of online marketing methods to target the local community. If you have an upcoming […]
May 17, 2019
The Afghan Rug Shop is a local small business based in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, which extends its support for the local community all the way […]
May 16, 2019
Whether it’s Cornish pasties, fish & chips from seaside towns or a Birmingham Balti, some dishes are best served local. Today we celebrate the joy which […]
May 15, 2019
‘I started the business in order to work with former members of the Armed Forces and their families. With coffee comes conversation, so the mobile unit […]
May 14, 2019
The first ‘Self-Employment Discovery’ workshop designed for former Armed Forces officers and their spouses – delivered by X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) in partnership with the Officers’ Association […]
May 14, 2019
To mark day two of local small business week, we are celebrating the outstanding contribution of Women in Business. Whether it is setting up businesses which […]
May 13, 2019
“I know how debilitating mental illness can be. It ruined my career and changed my life.” Tom Fox, Director of Thoughtify Ltd. Tom initially approached […]
May 3, 2019
As a nation, we are big foodies. Whether it’s TV shows like MasterChef or the Great British Bake Off, or whether it’s queuing up to try […]
May 2, 2019
Former soldier Nigel Seaman started his business Combat2Coffee in response to the rehabilitation and support he received for PTSD, which Nigel says “saved his life”. […]
April 25, 2019
Being an entrepreneur is becoming an increasingly popular career choice for parents who are looking for a balance between a fulfilling career and being able to […]
April 23, 2019
On 8th March 2019, in harsh conditions, a group of military wives summited the world’s highest volcano, Ojos del Salado, standing at 6893m in Chile. This […]
April 16, 2019
Being an entrepreneur is becoming an increasingly popular career choice for parents who are looking for a balance between a fulfilling career and being able to […]
April 15, 2019
John Geden joined the British Army in 1983 as an officer in the Royal Military Police at just age seventeen. After his military service, John joined […]
April 15, 2019
The Soldiering On Awards celebrate the achievements of the military community, by honouring individuals, veterans, their families and organisations that support the Armed Forces community, a […]
April 14, 2019
The first XFE workshop aimed at Cadet Forces has taken place over the weekend of 22-24 March 2019 in Greenwich. 17 cadets from the Greater London […]
April 5, 2019
Now in its 9th year, the Soldiering On Awards recognise many truly inspirational people and teams; highlighting the outstanding achievements of current and former service men and women, their […]
April 1, 2019
So, you’ve successfully started a business and now you’re in the fortunate but delicate position of experiencing rapid growth. Growth for any start-up is a moment […]
March 26, 2019
Jane Fryatt, from Wallingford in Oxfordshire, started her HR consultancy business face2faceHR in June 2018 in order to have a more flexible working life around her […]
March 25, 2019
We’ve had a busy start to the year at X-Forces Enterprise helping our budding entrepreneurs finalise their business plans and secure start-up funding. Looking for some […]
March 14, 2019
We are delighted to announce that television personality and military supporter Carol Vorderman MBE will be presenting the 2019 Soldiering On Awards ceremony on 5th April. […]
March 12, 2019
Steve Cooke, from Kinross, set up his first business in 1995, which is still going strong today. His barber shop, ‘The Barbers Pole’ in St Andrews […]
March 8, 2019
Today, on International Women’s Day, X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) is recognising and congratulating its female entrepreneurs. Of the 1363 beneficiaries that XFE has supported, 29% are female. […]
February 26, 2019
As Armed Forces Champion for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) CEO Ren Kapur MBE was delighted to attend the “Small Business, Big […]
February 19, 2019
After four tours of Afghanistan, becoming a father gave Ex-RAF Engineer Terry Holt a new perspective on his career, and he set about scratching the itch […]
February 14, 2019
A prestigious reception to celebrate this year’s Soldiering On Awards Finalists was held at the Palace of Westminster on Wednesday 13th February 2019, hosted by Awards […]
February 11, 2019
The founder and CEO of X-Forces Enterprise, Ren Kapur MBE, has been named as one of the Most Influential People in the military community in the […]
February 8, 2019
Icarus Originals: Designed with heroes to be worn by legends. Alan Lock, from Shrewsbury, lost his eyesight while serving in the Royal Navy. As a […]
February 1, 2019
X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) CEO Ren Kapur MBE was invited to join a select group of senior leaders at the inaugural ‘Defence Insight Briefing’ on 23rd January […]
January 22, 2019
Steve Witchwood-Green from Castle Cary, Somerset has built on his experience in aviation to launch his first business in a growth industry. Steve (58) has almost […]
January 15, 2019
When Tommy Lowther enrolled on the Business Experience course in 2016, run by X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) for Help for Heroes, he made an immediate impression on […]
January 9, 2019
The Soldiering On Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of those who have served their country, and the diverse people and groups who work together in support […]
January 8, 2019
At just 22, Bethany D’Inverno from London may be one of the younger entrepreneurs that X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) has had the pleasure to support, but she […]
December 20, 2018
Fat Penguin Improv is an improvised comedy school, delivering workshops and shows at several venues across Birmingham, primarily at the Patrick Kavanagh Pub in Moseley. It […]
December 18, 2018
CEO’S END OF YEAR MESSAGE Ren Kapur MBE – CEO, X-Forces Enterprise Partners, beneficiaries, associates and team members; As we near […]
December 11, 2018
A new range of pet grooming, healing and pest treatment products branded ‘Cooper and Gracie’ has brought a cruelty-free offering to the pet care market. Still within […]
December 7, 2018
The ‘Empowering Armed Forces Widows Through Enterprise’ programme, run by X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) in partnership with NatWest, has won ‘Best Financial Inclusion or Outreach Initiative’ at the […]
December 4, 2018
The Plymouth-based former Royal Marines behind the Imployable app, Peter Kelly and Kieron Yeoman, have won the ‘Entrepreneurial Spirit Award’ at the Wales and South West […]
December 4, 2018
A children’s cutlery business, supported by X-Forces Enterprise (XFE), has scooped two titles at the prestigious 2018 Startups Awards. Launched in 2013 by sisters Catherine Dodd […]
November 29, 2018
The latest single ‘My Christmas Dream is You’ by classical singer Carly Paoli – Soldiering On Awards Ambassador of Arts, BRIT Nominee and BBC Music Ambassador […]
November 27, 2018
Roderick Burton-Chambers spent 12 years as a Bombardier in the Royal Artillery where his interest in specialist security began. In 1990 he left the Armed Forces […]
November 20, 2018
Loved by his allies, hated by his enemies, the Sniper can have devastating effects on the battlefield creating fear and havoc in his enemies. Ainsley […]
November 13, 2018
After training as a chef in the Royal Navy, Jamie Savage (33) has now launched his first pop-up restaurant in Macclesfield, specialising in mussels. In ‘Savages […]
November 7, 2018
The work of X-Forces Enterprise’s CEO and founder, Ren Kapur MBE, has been recognised by HELLO! in their ‘A Year of Love’ presentation, in partnership with […]
November 7, 2018
The first ‘Empowering Armed Forces Widows Through Enterprise’ programme run by X-Forces Enterprise (XFE), which took place in London this summer, has been hailed an overwhelming […]
November 6, 2018
At just 31 Suzy Olivier has been at the helm of not one but four businesses. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, where her father was […]
November 2, 2018
An XFE beneficiary, and former RAF officer, has won a ‘Dragons Den’ style competition to secure the top investment of £50,000 for their children’s skincare business. […]
November 1, 2018
The first NatWest Military Education Conference on 29th October 2018 aimed to support the Armed Forces community in both employment and self-employment and explore the […]
October 29, 2018
Iain ‘Fin’ Finlayson served 23 years in the British Army as a vehicle mechanic in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, for the most part […]
October 16, 2018
Pictured: Geotekk Founders James Sheppard (left) & Matt Leach (right) Falling victim to bike theft led former Royal Marine Commando and Doctor of Medicine, Dr Matthew […]
October 12, 2018
From dawn to dusk on Wednesday 10th October, the London Stock Exchange played host to a dual-event celebration to mark the five years since X-Forces Enterprise […]
October 10, 2018
A new report, ‘Self-employment and the Armed Forces Community’, has revealed the barriers ex-Service personnel face in becoming self-employed after leaving the Armed Forces. Research […]
October 2, 2018
Former British Army Royal Guardsman, Paddy McNeill, found his business idea just beyond the wire inside which he used to serve, in his home town of Windsor.
September 26, 2018
Karen Tracey from Shuttington, North Warwickshire, started her military career joining the Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF) in 1983 in the Aerospace Systems Trade Group 12. […]
September 21, 2018
Ren Kapur will work with FSB to help advance policy change for the 'Armed Forces in business' community
September 19, 2018
Mark Beckham from Suffolk served a long career in the HM Armed Forces; 1990 – 2000 in the Army and 2000 – 2018 in the Royal […]
September 12, 2018
Neil Hallsworth left the Army in 2004, opting to take on a business straight away and ran his own pub for two years. Sadly the pub […]
September 5, 2018
Paul Bateson aged 40 originally from Darwen, Lancashire now based in Farnborough, Surrey and is married with three children. Paul served in the Army and was […]
August 29, 2018
Steve Parnell who lives in Brackley, Northamptonshire joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1986 and served until 1991, where he worked as a steward in […]
August 23, 2018
Compliments to AAA Caring Caretaker Ltd who have been awarded Silver in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Employer recognition scheme (ERS). The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) […]
August 22, 2018
Edward Colver aged 41 from Sheffield, South Yorkshire longed for a new venture closer to home. Edward joined the Army in 1999 and was commissioned into […]
August 15, 2018
Father-of-two, Tom Fox from Coulsdon, Surrey was a former rifleman diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and is now using his personal experience to help […]
August 10, 2018
In this blog we look at selecting an accountant to assist with your business compliance and reporting requirements. In the age of specialism, this is […]
August 8, 2018
Keith May originally from Skegness joined the Army in 1996 initially as a military clerk before completing his Management Accountancy training in 2012. Keith was a […]
August 6, 2018
CS Healthcare is a corporate partner to X-Forces Enterprise and specialise in healthcare services and advice for the Military Community. This month they provided some thought […]
July 26, 2018
Another Great Illustration of Collaboration in the Armed Forces Community London July 2018. Professor Lynn Martin (PHD), Lord Ashcroft International Business School, Anglia Ruskin University has […]
July 25, 2018
In September 2015, military spouse Katherine Jenner and her family experienced a massive fire on their farm in Hampton-in-Arden. Then, like a phoenix, the ashes in […]
July 18, 2018
Ex-Army Veteran and craftsman Tony Grant from Lincoln is not someone who lets obstacles stand in his way, not even in business. Soon after losing his […]
July 11, 2018
Richard Shepherd from Faringdon, Oxfordshire joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in Flight Operations in March 2004. Upon completing his education, he had moved into various […]
July 4, 2018
The X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) team had the pleasure of spending time with some of our beneficiaries during Armed Forces week 25th – 29th June and Reserves […]
July 4, 2018
Royal Navy Reservist Neel Singh made the bold decision to take Dorking Brewery a brand new state of the art brewery to a brand new state […]
June 27, 2018
Dean Paget, husband to Trish and father to Brylee, joined the Army in 1993 at the age of just 21 after being attracted by the opportunity […]
June 21, 2018
X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) had the pleasure of spending a full working day with Sir John Timpson MBE, Chairman, Timpson on Wednesday 6th June 2018. Sir John […]
June 20, 2018
Since leaving the Army in 2008, Leigh Hicks from Bexhill-on-Sea had various successful jobs, however as he put it “nothing quite scratched that itch” or satisfied […]
June 18, 2018
In a business determining which expenses are allowable is important, as these items are included in the taxation calculation each year. Key jargon: Tax deductible Tax […]
June 13, 2018
With a family history of two generations of relatives both serving in the military, Sophie Byrnes from Guisborough knew she wanted a career where she could […]
June 12, 2018
First Women UK are launching a free photography exhibition celebrating 100 fiercely phenomenal women from 20th July until 22nd August taking place in the Dyson Building […]
June 11, 2018
Accountancy tips – Clive Lewis, Head of Enterprise, ICAEW Choosing which company format is appropriate for your business is a key decision. But it has […]
June 4, 2018
X-Forces Enterprise was honoured to be alongside The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), The British Army and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for a special Science, […]
June 4, 2018
Richard H Tucker MBE, originally from Cornwall, served for 20 years in the RAF where one of his tours included the first Gulf War. Upon leaving […]
May 29, 2018
With Douglas Creighton, 42, from Maida Vale, the military was part of his life. Born into a military family of several generations, with a father who […]
May 21, 2018
After 22 years’ service as a Royal Air Force Avionics Engineer, 43-year old Scott Keegan from South Derbyshire decided it was time to put aside his […]
May 14, 2018
A desire for a better lifestyle and financial independence were the triggers which helped Ben Price make up his mind and set up The Fitness Masters, a business where he could pursue his passion for understanding human performance and rehabilitation.
May 9, 2018
X-Forces Enterprise Corporate Partner Cisco UK & Ireland have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to uphold its principles by supporting individuals into and at work, […]
May 9, 2018
In September 1976, Richard Marsden joined the Scots Guards for adventure and to follow in the footsteps of many members of his family who had also […]
May 3, 2018
A desire for a change of career from policing and motorsport engineering took partners Tom Richardson and Ollie Boulton on to a totally different path – […]
April 30, 2018
London, April 2018. An ambassadorial partnership, formed between X-Forces Enterprise and the veteran-owned recruitment firm RecruitME, was launched on Thursday 26th April 2018 at the International Bomber […]
April 23, 2018
London April 2018. The 2018 Soldiering On Awards ceremony took place on Friday 20th April at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel. These awards are a […]
April 19, 2018
Natalie Trezise had spent enough time as a Services spouse – seeing families pack, move and settle down in new posts – to know that there […]
April 18, 2018
A second child on the way was what gave 33 year-old Joseph Ryan from North Ayrshire in Scotland the push he needed to think about starting his own […]
April 13, 2018
London, April 13, 2018: X-Forces Enterprise (XFE), together with Greenwich Hospital, A Crown Royal Navy Charity, met with the 2017 cohort from the Naval Families Enterprise […]
March 28, 2018
Following a medical discharge after 16 years with the Royal Navy, 37-year old Alexander Scott from Lee-on-the-Solent in Hampshire knew exactly what he was going to […]
March 28, 2018
X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) is delighted to partner with PPL and assist them in their dedication to help UK organisations deliver social impact. As such, on Tuesday 27 March five PPL employees attended training at XFE offices to become X-Forces Enterprise mentors. X-Forces Enterprise has a bank of mentors; individuals and corporates supporting XFE start-ups. If you are interested and would like to find out more about becoming a mentor for X-Forces Enterprise, please email mentoring@x-forces.com or call 0800 368 9533.
March 21, 2018
March 2018, London; Martin Wing, Chairman and COO of X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) was invited to participate at the MOD’s Partnering with Defence Annual Employer Conference held […]
March 21, 2018
James Metcalf joined the British Army in 2009 at age 23. He served for eight years in construction, and during his time serving, he worked in […]
March 16, 2018
X-Forces Enterprise and the Forces Pension Society Charitable Fund, in close collaboration with the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, the Army Widows’ Association, the Royal Air Force […]
March 14, 2018
London, March 14; On Tuesday 13 March 2018 , X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) and the Forces Pension Society Charitable Fund (FPSCF) were joined by guests to launch […]
March 11, 2018
Joe Davies, a 28 year old Army Veteran from Southampton, joined the Royal Engineers in 2005 but was forced to leave only five years later after […]
March 6, 2018
In 2005, 24-year old Brian Handley from Stourbridge in the West Midlands, was finding life hard. At that time, his options were limited – working in […]
February 26, 2018
Care Force Consulting Limited uses an Integrative and Functional Medicine approach to patients with the aim of getting to the root cause of their chronic health […]
February 22, 2018
Our Business Surgeries are here to give you one-to-one support whether you have a few pressing questions, or want to really understand what running a business […]
February 19, 2018
X-Forces Enterprise is proud to announce that it’s surpassed yet another milestone, having now lent over £11m to the Armed Forces community to help veterans and […]
February 14, 2018
After graduating from University in 2015, Royal Marines Spouse Jo just couldn’t picture herself in a conventional job working for someone else. I had the ambition […]
February 9, 2018
Last night saw the 2018 award finalists gather together for a special celebratory reception held at the House of Lords. The evening’s host, Soldiering On Awards […]
January 29, 2018
Our Business Surgeries are here to give you one-to-one support whether you have a few pressing questions, or want to really understand what running a business […]
January 29, 2018
On Tuesday 9 January 2018, Lord Digby Jones visited the X-Forces offices in Birmingham, where he met with the team and pledged his support as a […]
January 22, 2018
X-Forces is delighted to announce a new partnership with CS Healthcare. X-Forces brings together like-minded organisations to help build a network for our Armed Forces community […]
January 10, 2018
We are delighted to announce the Finalists for the 2018 Soldiering On Awards. Soldiering On Awards President and Vice President and co-Chairs of Judges, General the Lord Dannatt […]
December 18, 2017
Royal Marines Spouse and X-Forces Beneficiary Olivia Smith was announced as the winner of the Start Up Loans Company Start Up of the Year Award on […]
December 14, 2017
On Wednesday, 13th December 2017, X-Forces CEO and Founder Ren Kapur MBE brought together some of the country’s thought leaders, in partnership with the Royal Military […]
December 4, 2017
In autumn 2017 Royal Marines military spouse Olivia Smith launched Olivia & Pearl, an accessible, luxury pearl jewellery brand and online retailer. Providing collectable, classic and […]
November 22, 2017
British Army veteran Carl Marsh is the 100th X-Forces and Help for Heroes wounded, injured or sick entrepreneur with not only one but two enterprises – […]
November 10, 2017
X-Forces has today announced that the retailer Tesco has signed up to become an Advocate of its Big Business supporting Small Business Campaign. X-Forces is the […]
October 26, 2017
X-Forces are proud to be an award-winning social enterprise which supports business start-up learning, funding, mentoring and on-going support for our military community. We are delighted […]
October 26, 2017
In 2014, Gareth John left the army after seven years in the Royal Engineers (with five years’ service in the Reserves prior to that). Initially intending […]
October 20, 2017
Just two short years ago, the East Midlands saw the launch of what has become a multi-award winning recruitment consultancy, RecruitME. Howard Rudder, former member of […]
October 17, 2017
James Lawrence, former British Army infantry soldier and co-founder of Ex-MilitaryCareers.com, has officially signed up to be an X-Forces Ambassador for London. Ex-Military Careers’ partnership with […]
October 16, 2017
Sir Michael Fallon, Secretary of State for Defence offered his support as X-Forces celebrated their 4th Anniversary at HQS Wellington, bringing big business, charity and government […]
October 11, 2017
We are delighted to have today announced our partnership with Curzon & Company, an award-winning London-based strategy & transformation consultancy. The partnership was officially announced last night, […]
October 9, 2017
Tonight X-Forces are honoured to receive the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award from HRH Prince Harry and Secretary of State for Defence, Sir Michael Fallon for […]
October 4, 2017
X-Forces are delighted to be in the North East this evening joined by our North East Ambassador, Richard Tucker MBE and a number of our X-Forces […]
September 19, 2017
Resilience, ambition, leadership, persistence, teamwork, organization, courage – all words and characteristics that come to mind when thinking of our armed forces. The brave men and […]
September 13, 2017
On Monday, September 11, X-Force’s CEO, Ren Kapur MBE, joined the Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Tobias Ellwood for a charity networking breakfast. Ren along […]
August 8, 2017
The Ministry of Defence today announced the new winners of the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards, its highest badge of honour for organisations which have signed […]
August 7, 2017
X-Forces are recruiting for a Communications Officer. You will be working within a small executive team based out of our London office close to Victoria Coach […]
July 26, 2017
The motivations and experiences of ex-Service personnel, Reservists and military spouses in self-employment have been historically under-researched. That’s why Forces in Mind Trust commissioned Warwick Institute […]
July 21, 2017
We are pleased to announce that the X-Forces Business Awards categories, as part of the prestigious Soldiering On Awards, are now open for nominations. The Soldiering […]
July 11, 2017
X-Forces is proud to announce that it has officially broken another glass ceiling, having supported 1,000 entrepreneurs, and lent over £9M in seed capital to help […]
June 27, 2017
The launch of the 2018 Soldiering on Awards, took place at the Ministry of Defence on Thursday 15 June 2017. The event was sponsored by Thales, […]
June 26, 2017
On 23 June, X-Forces brought together start-up businesses and large national organisations in Liverpool to celebrate entrepreneurship within the Armed Forces community, locally and nationally. The […]
June 20, 2017
X-Forces is pleased to announce that it is to be an expert partner in the new Veterans’ Gateway service. The Gateway promises to be the first […]
June 16, 2017
In 2016, RAF veteran Steve arrived for the first day of a Business Experience programme hoping to turn his part-time massage work into a business he […]
June 12, 2017
Part 1: The Business Plan By Clive Lewis, ICAEW, in conjunction with X-Forces A new series of articles – courtesy of X-Forces, in conjunction with the […]
June 6, 2017
X-Forces are recruiting for a Project Support Coordinator. You will be working within a small executive team based out of our London office close to Victoria […]
May 19, 2017
For many small businesses choosing the right strategy for marketing can often be a big headache, not knowing which form will be best for their […]
May 17, 2017
It’s not often that a small business owner gets to meet the Managing Director of a FTSE250 who could turn out to be a potential client, […]
May 5, 2017
One of the first decisions a start-up business must make is what business format to trade under. There are three basic formats sole trader, limited company […]
May 3, 2017
On Thursday 27th April, X-Forces’ Chairman, Martin Wing, was amongst the project leadership team awarded the Management Consultancies Association (MCA) prestigious Project of the Year Award. […]
April 7, 2017
Are you thinking about self-employment but don’t necessarily want to take on the risks associated with starting a completely new business? Whilst going self-employed can involve […]
April 5, 2017
Identify the Profit or Loss Many businesses do not have adequate systems for identifying the profitability of different products and services, or even by the business […]
March 31, 2017
RecruitME was founded as a start-up in 2015 by friends and veterans, Chris Buck (front middle) and Howard Rudder (front left). In the 2 years they […]
March 29, 2017
National Recognition at the Soldiering On Awards 2017 On Friday 24th March, X-Forces was delighted to join members of the Armed Forces, past and present, and those […]
March 22, 2017
With a background in the Royal Air Force Fire and Rescue Services, Shaun has a history of dealing with traumatic situations. Now going in to business […]
March 17, 2017
Having had another successful week in Brighton visiting Blind Veterans UK, we have had the pleasure of meeting some very inspirational people. We have been lucky […]
March 15, 2017
Digital marketing is primarily defined as the marketing of a product/service to a consumer using a digital medium. The marketing effort can take many forms and […]
March 8, 2017
For exporters the longer lead times between providing the goods or services and getting paid can present particular financial problems. There are a range of alternative […]
March 1, 2017
Deciding to not have fixed premises can be daunting. You may worry that without fixed premises, your business may not seem as professional or that customers […]
February 14, 2017
X-Forces has supported several couples to launch their business ventures together! Hear why they love working together! Tree, Two, One – Cornwall “My Husband & I […]
February 8, 2017
What is a franchise? When you are buying a franchise, you are buying the right to run a smaller, similar, version of an established business model […]
February 5, 2017
Why is cash flow important? Most businesses are funded with cash from the proprietor, which is sufficient until the business starts growing. Problems often start when […]
January 28, 2017
Thank you for tuning in to the final part of our ‘Meet the Entrepreneurs’ series! In this Blog, we meet Alex, former Grenadier Guard from Surrey. […]
January 27, 2017
Find out more about 2 more of the #XFSuccess businesses who we met last week! Dorking Brewery Neel, Royal Navy Reserve from Surrey Neel Singh, […]
January 27, 2017
As a tradesman it can often feel difficult to execute on marketing activities when you are always on the move and working away from an office. […]
January 26, 2017
Last week X-Forces were joined by five entrepreneurs that we have supported since our launch in 2013. These business owners come from varying Armed Forces backgrounds, […]
January 25, 2017
X-Forces are recruiting for a London Office Administrator. The position will primarily be supporting our small executive team based out of our London office close to […]
January 20, 2017
Today X-Forces will be renewing their pledges to support the Armed Forces community above and beyond business as usual, by resigning the Armed forces Covenant at […]
January 11, 2017
A start-up business should prepare a business plan to map its progress to profitability. For start-ups the sales forecasts are critical – particularly how the new […]
January 6, 2017
On Monday Londoner’s across sectors will be considering working from home as the Underground grinds to a halt, however, for Start Ups and Self Employed freelancers […]
January 5, 2017
One of the most frequently asked questions in X-Forces training, workshops and coaching is, what do I need to understand about VAT? In this month’s blog […]
January 4, 2017
X-Forces are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for the Business Enterprise Award at the Soldering On Awards Ceremony. Thank you to all our […]
December 24, 2016
We have arrived at the time of year when after the Christmas rush is over, things are winding down, we can take time to pause and […]
December 14, 2016
The four hundred entrepreneurs in the X-Forces network will now be able to access free legal advice and expert guidance from Harrison Clark Rickerbys via their legal […]
December 13, 2016
Accounting records to satisfy the tax authorities Legally you have to keep accounting records for your business. This is so you can fill in your tax […]
December 2, 2016
Our Founder and CEO, Ren Kapur, has received her MBE today following recognition in Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday 2016 Honours List. Ren Kapur’s services to Entrepreneurship […]
November 25, 2016
Investment The Government will invest £400 million into the British Business Bank to help support the growth which is good news for both startup and ensuring […]
November 22, 2016
Caroline Dinenage MP, hosted the Gosport constituency’s first ever Enterprise Fair today as part of Gosport Borough Council’s week-long celebrations for Global Entrepreneurship Week. Local businesses, […]
November 7, 2016
“Will I need finance to set-up my business?” is one of the first questions a start-up business must answer. This might be to fit-out a premises, […]
October 31, 2016
Last week X-Forces joined Lord Young of Graffham and Chelsey Baker, founder of National Mentoring Day at the House of Lords to celebrate the inspiring relationships between Mentors […]
October 27, 2016
Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage is hosting a free business support exhibition and networking event in partnership with the Solent LEP and supported by X-Forces, British Marine […]
October 19, 2016
The Beard and Sabre Cider Company, the Cotswold’s revolutionary craft cidermakers, hosted a live community pressing on Saturday the 1st of October 12-6pm. The aim of […]
October 3, 2016
What business format a start-up adopts will affect the amount of tax the start-up pays. It will also impact other areas such as liability for losses, […]
September 29, 2016
X-FORCES 3RD ANNIVERSARY – MEET OUR 3RD BIRTHDAY SMALL BUSINESS PANEL! X-Forces supports entrepreneurs from across the Armed Forces Community, from various backgrounds and all with […]
September 27, 2016
X-FORCES 3RD ANNIVERSARY – OUR SMALL BUSINESS SUPPLY CHAIN! On Wednesday night we brought together the inspiring stories of some of our 700+ entrepreneurs and deployed […]
September 23, 2016
The X-Forces offering – with Lord Young, the former Prime Minister’s Advisor on Enterprise, as its patron – was endorsed in speeches by Lt Gen Richard […]
September 12, 2016
Former advisor to the Prime Minister on Enterprise, he supported Ren Kapur CEO to launch a model that has grown into the organisation that X-Forces is […]
September 8, 2016
Reserves Day has arrived! Today celebrates the commitment and contribution of our Reserve Forces throughout the UK. Providing approximately a sixth of our Armed Forces Personnel, […]
August 19, 2016
Determined to produce and provide an alternative to the influx of cured meats being produced abroad, Adrienne has set up her own business to produce her […]
August 8, 2016
This week we asked Anthony from Tree Surgery Business, Tree Two One to guest blog for us, and he has given aspiring entrepreneurs some top tips! […]
August 8, 2016
BUSINESS ADVICE AND MARKETING FOR ARMED FORCES ENTREPRENEURS: LONDON Another successful workshop for Ex-military Entrepreneurs took place in London yesterday supported by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity […]
August 7, 2016
In conjunction with ICAEW’s support of X-Forces 3rd Anniversary, we will be releasing a series of articles supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners by answering some of […]
August 5, 2016
Last month X-Forces began our 3rd Anniversary celebrations with a small gathering of some of our closest supporters since our launch in 2013. We would like […]
July 28, 2016
X-Forces is delighted to announce that ICAEW, the institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales, will be supporting X-Forces 3rd Birthday this summer! X-Forces CEO, Ren […]
July 20, 2016
Struggling to understand what to write in a business plan? This week we asked our Credit Manager, Simon, for 10 top tips of features he looks […]
July 14, 2016
X-Forces and Blind Veterans UK joined forces this week to deliver our first ever Business Experience Programme specially adapted for veterans that are blind or visually […]
July 7, 2016
Passion leads to great things Passion usually leads to great things and the story is no different for James Hunter of Monkey Wrench Bespoke. Having a […]
July 1, 2016
In this Officer’s Association Webinar, X-Forces offer an introduction to Enterprise and what to consider before making the leap into Self-Employment. As we know, starting up your […]
June 10, 2016
The founder and CEO of X-Forces, Ren Kapur, has been recognised by Her Majesty in the Queen’s Birthday 2016 Honours List. Ren Kapur’s service to the […]
May 31, 2016
X-Forces Founder and CEO, Ren Kapur, was interviewed on BFBS Salisbury Plain about our upcoming Military Spouses in Business workshop in Tidworth. The workshop is being […]
May 23, 2016
Twyfest is a community event in the small Berkshire village of Twyford that runs for 10 days between 27th May – 11th June. There will be […]
May 10, 2016
This week the Invictus Games landed in Florida, USA as our first Self-Employment and Enterprise Workshop is being delivered at the Hasler Naval Service Recovery Centre […]
April 29, 2016
We are delighted to announce that X-Forces’ CEO, Ren Kapur, has been shortlisted in this year’s First Women Awards. The First Women Awards is the UK’s leading […]
April 29, 2016
X-Forces were at the Royal British Legion’s Annual Conference at the University of Warwick this week to talk to the Operations staff, Case Officers and senior […]
April 21, 2016
Last week X-Forces were in Brighton visiting Blind Veterans UK. We were shown around the amazing building that overlooks Brighton and the English Channel. Blind Veterans, […]
March 24, 2016
Julie set up Present Purrfections in 2014 in a shop near her home in Fife. The aim was to create the ideal place to find the […]
March 21, 2016
On Friday we hosted our first Military Spouses in Enterprise workshop in Central London. Supported by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, these workshops are specifically tailored to […]
March 11, 2016
Today X-Forces are proud to have held their official launch in Wales to celebrate the growing option of enterprise careers for the armed forces across the […]
March 9, 2016
With the Support of RBS and ABF The Soldier’s Charity, X-Forces was delighted to provide the opportunity of a Start Up Skills Workshop at the RBS […]
March 8, 2016
Sophie Jones joined the Officer Training Corps whilst at university, and credits the motivational skills that she leant as key to her success in launching her […]
March 4, 2016
Congratulations to Kevin and Kellie Bath for the reception they have received for their healthy spreads and jams business, Jim Jams! This month they have been […]
February 25, 2016
Military spouses are resilient and determined, making ideal entrepreneurs like April Claire, owner of two craft cafés in Cornwall The Craft Box Helston & The Craft Box […]
February 4, 2016
X-Forces Founder and CEO, Ren Kapur, was interviewed on BFBS following the announcement of X-Forces 500th business start-up. Listen to the interview here to find out […]
January 21, 2016
The UK’s military community has launched 500 new businesses with the support and guidance offered by X-Forces. Since its launch X-Forces has facilitated £5,307,275 in seed […]
December 22, 2015
We were delighted to host a workshop to discuss in further detail the work of X-Forces introducing the visiting parliamentarians to our partners; The Start-Up Loans […]
December 18, 2015
X-Forces has now facilitated more than five million pounds in seed capital to its entrepreneurs, as an official partner of the government’s Start Up Loans Company. […]
November 20, 2015
To mark Global Entrepreneurship Week, X-Forces was invited to Edinburgh to meet Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, and showcase some of the new businesses that have been […]
November 12, 2015
X-Forces has been appointed Business Enterprise Trainer for the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), a partnering agreement between Right Management and the Ministry of Defence. Since October […]
November 11, 2015
Support for Merseyside’s military community with ambitions in business will be boosted by X-Forces local presence, following collaboration between Liverpool City Council, X-Forces, a social enterprise […]
October 23, 2015
Bridging the Gap – Armed Forces is a new, bespoke, fund for the Armed Forces community – service leavers, veterans, family members, spouses, reservists and cadets […]
October 13, 2015
Dacoll is the first Scottish firm to partner with X-Forces, and will contribute to mentorship, training and work opportunities for X-Forces candidates. Recipient of the 2015 […]
October 11, 2015
At X-Forces we support our candidates by providing their businesses with the best opportunities for success. We do not just offer the financial backing, we offer […]
October 8, 2015
The countryside has been an integral and defining part of British culture for many years. The countryside provides us a place of solace and tranquillity as […]
October 8, 2015
Blogging is a powerful way to drive traffic to your site, and your business. Not to mention, a fun way to record the journey of starting […]
October 8, 2015
Introducing the Company of Makers The Company of Makers focuses on assisting veterans and their immediate families in and around Hampshire as well as establishing a greater […]
September 30, 2015
Spaces are available at X-Forces and Solent LEP’s launch event, announcing new growth funds being made available to the Armed Forces community locally. Solent LEP has […]
September 27, 2015
Brigadier Greville Bibby and X-Forces invited military organisations and business leaders to meet in Newcastle and Catterick today to discuss transition opportunities for service-leavers in the North […]
September 11, 2015
Is there anyone better placed to teach us about digital business, than google? X-Forces are delighted to be a partner with Google, working with other stakeholders to […]
July 7, 2015
X-Forces has helped to launch 389 new entrepreneurs, to whom £4,129,976 in seed funding has been lent, as an official partner of the government’s Start Up […]
July 3, 2015
Lord Addington, 6th Baron Addington, is a supporter of the Armed Forces Community, and has been very active as disability spokesman in the House of Lords. […]
June 16, 2015
Armed Forces Day: X-Forces and Guildford Business Day This event is aimed at Service leavers, veterans, families, partners, reservists and cadets interested in starting their own […]
