A HEREFORDSHIRE business is "delighted" as their RAF reservist team member helps them win an award.

Property surveyors Alcocks Limited, based in Wormbridge, Golden Valley, was awarded the silver award under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

The West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association awards were launched in 2014 to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.

This includes the reserves, service leavers, armed forces veterans, the wounded, injured and sick, cadets, military spouses or partners and their families.

Mark Nicholls and Kirsty Stewart took over Alcocks in March 2020, but it was originally established in 1970.

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Only two weeks after they took it on, it was forced to close temporarily due to the pandemic.

Its RAF reservist Kate was deployed between April and August 2020, when she was working on the front line with a team of other reservists, swabbing and testing potential Covid sufferers.

"We are immensely proud and commend her bravery in stepping up to the challenge," said Mr Nicholls and Ms Stewart.

"We are so pleased that we were able to support her decision to put herself on the front line. But it did mean that it was up to the two of us to keep things going as best we could."

Once everyone started to get back to work, Alcocks offices moved from Bridge Street to Wormbridge Court, which meant it could avoid the Hereford traffic and have more space for a bigger team.

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A spokesperson from Alcocks Limited said they are delighted and honoured to receive the award and are proud of their staff.

"Becoming part of the scheme doesn't take a lot of extra time and effort, in fact most of the policies and procedures that are already in place as a business are basically what is needed to join up, especially for the bronze award.

"The silver award is a bit more involved but worth the effort.

"Being able to display the ERS logo shows that we are inclusive and friendly towards military families. We also offer discounts to military clients.

"We feel that having an RAF reservist on the team is a way of giving back – they put themselves on the line for our country and it is the least we can do to show our support.

"If we can receive the silver award with the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) as a small rural business in Herefordshire, then anyone can.

"We offer support to local organisations who are military friendly and wish to join up."