X-Forces welcomed by Scotland’s Deputy First Minister

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 set up in Scotland’s Armed Forces community. 

A new brand of vodka, a gift shop for cat and dog lovers and a mead brewery are among businesses set up by veterans being showcased during Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney met and heard the stories of ex-service personnel who have set up in business since re-entering civilian life.

Supported by X Forces – a social enterprise that nurtures entrepreneurial ambition in the UK military community – the businesses are delivering innovative products and providing new career opportunities for veterans.

Mr Swinney met the group in Edinburgh as part of a range of activities centred around Global Entrepreneurship Week – the world’s largest campaign to promote entrepreneurship.

He said: “Entrepreneurship and innovation lie at the heart of the Scottish economy and are of crucial importance as we work to generate the kind of inclusive growth from which everyone in the country can benefit.”

 “It is inspiring to meet the men and women who have been supported by X-Forces and find out more about how they have turned their ideas and passions into successful businesses.” 

“X-Forces do so much hard work to make this happen. This social enterprise has very recently become part of our Scotland CAN DO network, and I look forward to their contribution to Scotland CAN DO’s work to reinforce Scotland’s position as a world-leading entrepreneurial and innovative nation.” 

Ren Kapur, CEO, X-Forces, said: “We are delighted to have been invited by the Deputy First Minister to support enterprise and training in Scotland. This is a great opportunity to further establish links with other organisations to provide even more provision to the Armed Forces Community who are starting and growing businesses, creating employment for themselves and others.”