Viking Arms Announced as 2025 GOLD Award ERS Winners
July 24, 2025
Viking Arms is proud to announce receipt of the Ministry of Defences Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award. The prestigious award recognises Viking Arms exceptional support and commitment to the armed forces community.
The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Yorkshire and the Humber (RFCA YH) made the announcement last week, underlining Viking Arms’ status as a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), an agreement that pledges an employers intent to support the military community. Viking Arms new accolade will be officially honoured at a regional awards ceremony in this Autumn.
Sam Macarthur, Managing Director, Viking Arms says:
“This award is a reflection of the values we live and breathe at Viking Arms. Our team includes Reservists, veterans, military spouses, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. Were proud to stand beside them and behind them, creating a culture where their service is recognised, respected, and actively supported.
Following our Silver Award in 2023, this latest recognition reflects the sustained efforts of our entire team and highlights our progress in fostering a defence-friendly working environment. The ERS Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for organisations that demonstrate outstanding support to the military community, and we are honoured to stand among just 16 employers across Yorkshire, Humber and North Lincolnshire to receive it this year.
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages organisations to pledge, demonstrate, and advocate support for the Armed Forces community. Viking Arms Gold Award recognises our alignment with the Armed Forces Covenant and highlights several areas where weve gone above and beyond:
Offering fully paid additional leave for Reservists to complete military training
Actively recruiting through veteran pathways such as the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and the Forces Families Jobs (FFJ) portal
Promoting internal HR policies that support Reservists, veterans, and military families
Advocating for defence engagement across our industry partners and supply chain
Supporting the Cadet Forces with mentoring, resources, and additional volunteering leave for CFAVs
This achievement is not only the result of strong internal policies but also of tireless networking and advocacy efforts by members of our team. Weve worked closely with our Regional Employer Engagement Director and military partners to ensure our commitments are visible, actionable, and effective.
Being recognised at the Gold level positions Viking Arms as a sector-leading employer of choice for those with a military background. As defence sector specialists, we understand the value that military experience brings, discipline, adaptability, technical expertise, and leadership, and were proud to embed that talent throughout our business.
Congratulations and thank you to everyone at Viking Arms who helped make this possible. We remain committed to building on this foundation and continuing our work as a trusted, forces-friendly employer.
