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A.W. Lymn Sign Pact to Support Ex-Service People

A.W. Lymn Sign Pact to Support Ex-Service People

Leading independent East Midlands funeral director, A.W. Lymn The Family Funeral Service, has signed a pact with the Armed Forces which enshrines its commitment to supporting ex-service men and women in finding work and thriving in the workplace.

The family firm is committed to supporting the communities it serves, from raising money for local charities to ensuring it is a representative and considerate employer of local people.

The fifth-generation family business has now decided to further cement its commitment to ethical and exemplary recruitment practices by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, an agreement which states that a business will do all it can to ensure ex-military people do not face discrimination.

Neil Reeves, Funeral Director at A.W. Lymn’s Derwent House funeral home in Derby, is championing the pact for the business. Neil served in the Royal Navy for 18 years from 1983-2001 when he entered the funeral profession, having in that time travelled the world serving in the Gulf, Northern Ireland and the Falklands.

Neil, who joined A.W. Lymn in 2021, said:

“I know first-hand how much of a culture shock it can be when a person leaves the armed forces, no matter what role or rank. My time in the Royal Navy gave me some of the most memorable and challenging experiences of my life and really made me who am I today, but transitioning from life on a ship to the working world was a big change.

“I feel very lucky to have had such a grounding experience serving my country because it prepared me perfectly for the role I do today. My job as a Funeral Director is all about respect, dignity, fairness and empathy and ensuring each individual family is treated with the care and attention they deserve. I think it is very important that we as a business extend this respect to those we recruit and make sure that ex-service people are welcomed into our teams as any other new starter would be.

“A military background is a benefit in our line of work, and we’d like to encourage those considering what to do after leaving the Armed Forces to think about the opportunities offered in our profession.”

Managing Director at A.W. Lymn, Matthew Lymn Rose, said:

“We’re honoured to be signing the Armed Forces Covenant and publicly demonstrating our support for the brave and courageous service men and women who selflessly serve our country. Once a person has left the Armed Forces, we want to set the standard as an approachable, welcoming and respectful place of work where an ex-service person feels invested in and supported. Signing the covenant demonstrates our commitment to this effort.”

A.W. Lymn is headquartered in Nottingham and has been helping the bereaved in the region for more than 110 years. It employs over 120 staff and operates 27 funeral homes across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.


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