Comment: British retailing should learn from the US and hire from the military

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I was recently invited to St James’s Palace for the inaugural reception for the Royal Marines charity the C Group.

This is an organisation set up with a view to establishing itself among the business community as a brand that delivers support to serving and former Royal Marines.

What I found interesting and why I support it is that it is not just asking for money. It is creating a network connecting business, society and Marines. Royal Marines have an abundance of skills desired by potential employers; they just need to be connected.

This is where retail can play its part. With 3 million workers, retail is the largest private sector employer in the UK, yet compared with the US we largely ignore the benefits of hiring from the military.

Walmart recently announced that it would hire any US military veteran with an honourable discharge (that could be as many as 100,000 over five years). Walmart’s chief executive of US operations Bill Simon (ex-Navy) said: “Hiring a veteran can be one of the best business decisions you make. Veterans have a record of performance under pressure.

They’re quick learners and team players. They are leaders with discipline, training, and a passion for service.

“There is a seriousness and sense of purpose that the military instils, and we need it today more than ever.”

If it’s good enough for the world’s largest retailer surely we should all be looking at that talent pool as well.

For example, every Marine has undergone the most rigorous selection and training process that tests their individual spirit and team ethos to the extreme. Everyone, whether officer or enlisted will have the following skills: leadership, team development, adaptability, being results orientated and self-motivated. These are all outstanding traits needed in retail.

These are people who have served this country with honour and fought on our behalf. We now need to serve them in their time of need and help them in their fight for jobs. If you would like to find out more about the C Group either look on the website (www.thecgroup.org) or contact me directly.