The Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) has opened a new chapter in its 106-year history after announcing it is changing its name, while investing £15million into a new factory in Kent.
The RBLI will now be known as the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) — a new name for a new chapter empowering Britain’s Bravest.
The name change will now avoid any confusion with the pre-existing Royal British Legion, another charity with similar ambitions.
Since 1919, one year after World War I ended, the RBLI, now RBVE, has aimed to help and provide employment to veterans, with a particular focus on those that may have returned from war with disabilities.
In conjunction with their ambition and recent name change, the RBVE announced a major £15million investment into their Kent-based factory.
The facility currently employs 156 individuals and produces more than 250,000 road, rail and commercial signs annually — made by veterans and people with disabilities.
RBVE have three factories currently, in Kent, Surrey, and Renfrewshire in Scotland, which make up the social enterprise of Britain's Bravest Manufacturing Company. They are a leading manufacturer of national motorway and railway signs.
RBVE has been granted planning permission for a new BREEAM-certified factory, based in Kent, which is a major milestone in its ongoing investment in British manufacturing and employment.
The facility currently employs 156 individuals and produces more than 250,000 road, rail and commercial signs annually — made by veterans and people with disabilities
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The new facility will be a huge 60,000 square metres and is expected to create up to 80 new jobs for veterans and people with disabilities.
It will also house a new Training Academy, supporting up to 100 veterans each year to gain new skills and transition into meaningful employment.
The facility, which will be next to the current factory and head office, is expected to grow RBVE's position as the UK’s leading provider signs.
The facilities also produce the Tommy and Thomasina silhouettes that represent unknown servicemen and women in war.
The Royal British Veterans Enterprise have announced a major £15million investment into the new facility
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With an additional £30million in funding for its award-winning Centenary Village, developing 100 new homes for veterans and disabled people by 2027, RBVE’s total investment now stands at £45million, helping more families to build fulfilling and independent lives across the UK.
The group's CEO, Lisa Farmer, said: “RBVE is about impact: helping veterans and disabled people by creating jobs, providing homes and building community.
“Our research shows that paid employment is key to independence and a fulfilling life.
"For some veterans, transitioning out of service is not always easy. Paid work gives people choices.
“That’s why we’re so passionate about creating real opportunities. Jobs that offer income, camaraderie and an optimistic future. Homes that feel safe and supportive. Communities that lift people up and help them thrive.
The RBVE are also committing to spending a further £30million on 100 new houses
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“Our new name reflects our mission more clearly. RBVE isn’t changing who we are. We’re championing Britain’s bravest louder and clearer than ever.”
The RBVE has always been based in Aylesford, Kent. Back in 1919, the charity first opened its doors to those injured or struggling from effects after World War 1, particularly those suffering with tuberculosis.
It isn't the first time the charity has changed its name, either. It was first known as Industrial Settlements Inc.