Local businesses joined forces to support a first-of-its-kind Army Veterans job networking event in the Midlands. Experts from the world of finance, infrastructure, science and technology came together to speak to present and former members of the Queen’s Royal Hussars (QRH) at the evening event.
The QRH is affectionately known as ‘Birmingham’s Cavalry’ and it is the first time such an event has been organised for former members of the regiment and those who are transitioning out.
For Andrew Leavers, Chief Operating Officer at Inventus, a Birmingham-based life sciences technology company, the event, which took place Thursday October 16th, 2025, was more than an opportunity to entice bright minds to consider a career at Inventus. It was a chance to give back.
Andrew, a former Corporal in the QRH, left his regiment in 2000 and is aware how valuable his Army skills and experience have been in helping him to forge a successful top-tier career.
He told Birmingham World: “Logistics and life sciences are a natural fit for Army Veterans because they’re aware of how to think strategically. Army Veterans are also disciplined, flexible, adaptable and brilliant team players. All these skills are invaluable in a workplace because you have to be able to work together with your colleagues to achieve goals and results.”
Andrew added: “The networking event was a success, and it was a privilege to be able to support.”
The event was hosted by Robert Atchison, a former regular Queen’s Royal Hussar officer and now reservist. Robert is passionate about supporting Army Veterans and said the networking session was indicative of the Army’s commitment to look after its personnel.
Mark Cundy, 35, works for Network Rail and is a former Armoured Fighting Vehicle Commander who served in the QRH before leaving in 2014.
For Mark there was no job networking event for Army leavers or those transitioning out and he said he was delighted to see the support now available for veterans. Mark said: “It’s great to see the support now available and guidance on how to adapt Army skills and experience to achieve quality jobs. Without support as you transition, once you leave the Army, veterans can feel isolated, secluded and abandoned.”
The event, which saw 10 companies attend alongside Inventus including 4C Strategies and was hosted in the Colmore Row, Birmingham offices of EFG Harris Allday. It was sponsored by Major-General Nick Cowley OBE who is the current commandant of the world leading Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Robert said: “Veterans leave the Army with top tier tools that equip them to work in any type of industry from finance to NGOs to technology and real estate.
“Events like this can help them to realise how valuable their skills are and how they can be applied to top professions where they will succeed.”