Kevin Elford

Royal Artillery

Kevin Elford served in the British Army for more than 20 years with the Royal Artillery, building an extensive career that included a number of specialist communications roles. During his service, Kevin worked as an Advanced Rapier Operator, with LCMR, DC RI Signals and as a Bowman Systems Manager. His responsibilities included managing regimental communications planning and communications equipment, roles that required technical knowledge, responsibility and attention to detail.

When Kevin eventually left the Armed Forces, his transition into civilian life was far from straightforward. After more than two decades of service, his health had deteriorated and he found himself taking numerous medications which left him in no position to immediately begin a new career.

Rather than moving directly into employment, Kevin's priority became managing his health and adapting to a very different way of life. His circumstances meant changes had to be made at home, including the installation of a downstairs bathroom and stairlift to make everyday life more manageable.

For a long time, employment simply was not something Kevin felt physically able to pursue.

His route back into work began unexpectedly.

While visiting his local Co op, Kevin happened to meet a Veterans into Logistics fundraiser. The conversation introduced him to the support available through the charity and opened his eyes to the possibility of pursuing something he had wanted to do for some time, becoming a professional driver.

Kevin decided to take that opportunity and contacted Veterans into Logistics.

With funding generously provided by npower Business Solutions, Veterans into Logistics was able to support Kevin through his HGV training and provide the guidance he needed throughout the process.

Kevin found the journey simple and straightforward, with the support and friendliness of the team making a particularly strong impression on him.

Reflecting on his experience, Kevin said, “The training was simple and straightforward. The friendliness of the staff such as Harley really stood out and they supported me every step of the way.”

After successfully completing his training and gaining his HGV qualification, Kevin was ready to take the next major step and return to employment.

His qualification quickly opened doors. Kevin received employment opportunities from multiple companies, demonstrating just how valuable his new skills had become and giving him choices about the direction of his new career.

Kevin ultimately secured employment as a driver with Menzies Distribution Solutions Ltd.

Today, his working life looks completely different. His role involves early starts, travelling considerable distances, visiting different locations and meeting new people. After a period when working had seemed difficult to imagine, Kevin is now back out on the road and enjoying the independence and variety that comes with professional driving.

The impact has gone far beyond simply finding a job.

Kevin describes the biggest change as regaining a sense of purpose and motivation, saying, “It has given me a new purpose and drive.”

His journey from being unable to work due to his health to receiving multiple job offers and establishing himself in a new career demonstrates what can be achieved when determination is matched with the right support and opportunity.

Kevin now hopes to continue working within the industry for as long as he is able, enjoying the opportunity to get out and about, visit new places and meet new people along the way.

His advice to other veterans considering a career in logistics is simple. Give it a go. For Kevin, professional driving has provided new experiences, financial independence and something positive to get up for each day.

Reflecting on Veterans into Logistics, Kevin describes the charity as “A friendly, supportive organisation that does what it says on the tin. It gets veterans into logistics.”

Kevin's story would not have been possible without the organisations and individuals who helped create the opportunity.

We are incredibly grateful to npower Business Solutions for funding Kevin's training and enabling him to gain the qualifications needed to begin his new career.

We would also like to thank Kelly P. and everyone at Menzies Distribution for recognising Kevin's potential, providing him with an employment opportunity and continuing to support veterans into sustainable careers.

Kevin's journey demonstrates why this support matters. After more than 20 years of military service followed by a period where his health prevented him from working, the right training and opportunity have helped him rediscover purpose and build an entirely new chapter of his life.

Stories like Kevin's are at the heart of what Veterans into Logistics does every day. By working alongside our funders, training partners and employers, we can remove barriers and help veterans turn difficult circumstances into meaningful, sustainable careers within the logistics industry.