Amey welcomed the Minister for Veterans and People, Rt Hon Alistair Carns OBE, to MOD Whitehall for the official launch of Combat2Coffee, a veteran-owned social enterprise now available within the site’s catering services.
Founded by veteran Nigel Seaman, Combat2Coffee provides employment, training, and mental health support to help former service members transition to civilian life.
Amey played a pivotal role in introducing the brand by collaborating with its key supply chain provider, ESS, which operates the catering and soft FM services at MOD Whitehall, and by working closely with MODUS Services Ltd (Vercity) to integrate Combat2Coffee into the coffee shop.
Amey’s contribution to this initiative, which successfully launched in February, reinforces the business’s broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy and ongoing commitment to championing social enterprises that create meaningful opportunities for ex-service personnel and the wider armed forces community.
As part of the launch, a reflection bench was installed in the Palace Courtyard at Whitehall in memory of Royal Navy veteran, Capt. James Simpson, who sadly took his own life in 2020. The new bench is 1 of 23 benches donated across the defence estate, in MOD Whitehall it offers a quiet space for reflection and includes signposts to mental health support.
Tom Silvey, Amey’s Business Director Defence, said: “At Amey, we are deeply committed to supporting veterans, not only through employment opportunities but also by supporting and developing initiatives that provide practical and emotional support. The introduction of Combat2Coffee at MOD Whitehall is a testament to our collaborative approach and our ESG commitment to making a positive social impact. We’re proud to work with partners who share our vision for a more inclusive and supportive environment for those who have served.
“This initiative also marks another step in Amey’s ongoing efforts to support the Armed Forces community, demonstrating how businesses can play a vital role in championing veteran welfare and mental health.”
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns OBE, said: “It is fantastic to see the role that Defence is playing in supporting the crucial mission of Combat2Coffee. This initiative has a real impact on the lives of those who have served, and our partnership with them demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting our veterans, ex-uniformed personnel, and their families.”
Nigel Seaman, Combat2Coffee Founder, said: "It’s been a privilege working alongside Amey on this launch and we’re grateful for their support of Combat2Coffee’s mission. Launching at the Ministry of Defence building is a significant step in raising awareness of the vital support available to veterans within the military defence sector. It’s amazing to see how far our organisation, which started in Ipswich, Suffolk, has come — now reaching the capital!"