Honouring Service and Sacrifice: Building Heroes on Remembrance Day

As Remembrance Day approaches, our thoughts solemnly turn to those who have served and sacrificed in the Armed Forces. At Building Heroes, where we help former service personnel, veterans, reserves, and military family members transition into meaningful civilian careers, every day offers an opportunity to reflect on the freedoms and securities provided by these brave men and women.

My journey with Building Heroes began in early 2023, stemming from a rewarding career at Lovell Partnerships Ltd. As part of the Major Projects team, I led community engagement and social value initiatives, often collaborating with the Armed Forces community. This work was not just about fulfilling corporate responsibilities; it was a genuine privilege that underscored Lovell's commitment to supporting British Armed Forces personnel.

This blend of professional and personal engagement with soldiers, sailors, airmen, and airwomen of the British Armed Forces led me to Building Heroes. Here, I have had the honour of working alongside veterans, active service members, and their families, witnessing firsthand the courage and commitment required to serve one’s country. It is now my privilege to help facilitate support from within the charity, assisting our 'Building Heroes' as they transition from service to civilian life through access to training programmes and careers in construction, alongside our sponsoring industry partners.

In addition to collaborating with the industry, Building Heroes actively supports other Armed Forces charities to increase our collective impact across the community. A recent highlight was participating in the Royal British Legion's London Poppy Day alongside my colleague Harri Kallas and Alexandra Robins from Lovell London. Together with numerous service personnel volunteers, we sold the iconic Remembrance poppy and collected donations at Leadenhall Market, enhanced by a military band that added a spirited backdrop to our efforts.

A few miles west across the city, at Bond Street Tube station, John Leary, Major Projects Director for Lovell, was also collecting alongside service personnel and industry colleagues from Tetra Tech.

The day was full of profound interactions and generosity, reflective of the wide-reaching respect for our military. John shared, “It’s a stark reminder of the collective spirit of gratitude we share for our Armed Forces. The generosity we witnessed—from professionals to tourists, young and old—reflects a deep-seated reverence for those who serve.”

This sentiment was echoed by all of us; the day was not only about fundraising but also about engaging with the community in a meaningful celebration of service. It was wonderful to be part of an event that resonated with all walks of London life, from young people on half-term excursions and tourists learning about our Poppy Day for the first time, to city folk enjoying the military band and husbands purchasing decorative poppy brooches as gifts.

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We have since learned that the hundreds of volunteers active that day across the city helped London Poppy Day successfully raise £1,285,000 this year, a testament to the enduring spirit of remembrance and support that permeates our city and nation. It was an honour to contribute to such a significant cause as a supporter from Building Heroes.

Today, I acknowledge how fortunate I am to work for and with those who have served. We live in a world shaped by their sacrifices, many of which we may never fully understand but for which we are profoundly grateful. At Building Heroes, we honour these heroes not just on Remembrance Day but throughout the year. By providing barrier-free access to skills training and connecting our heroes with career opportunities in construction, we help them transition into new roles where they can thrive.

Our work with industry sponsors is crucial to the successful transition and long-term success of our veterans in civilian life. Organisations including Annington, Vistry Group, Regal, Davidsons Group, Lovell, Amey Briggs, Thakeham, Soltherm, and Wickes Trade Pro contribute significantly, not only financially but also through educational enrichment, job placements, and continuous support. These partnerships are vital as they ensure that our remembrance includes not only those who have served in the past but also those still serving, and that we create sustainable support systems to ensure they are not forgotten in the future.

Together with our training partners and other Armed Forces charities, we strive to maximise our impact, serve our community better, and continue to give back to those who have given so much. This collaborative effort allows us to provide comprehensive support that addresses the unique needs of service personnel transitioning to civilian careers, affirming our commitment to their success and wellbeing.

Thank you to our colleagues at Lovell, for joining us in support of the Royal British Legion on London Poppy Day, and to all our sponsors for supporting Building Heroes and our mission as we support our Armed Forces community.

And most importantly, thank you to all who have served, past, present, and future. It is our honour to support your community as your service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

Lest we forget.

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