Calian UK has been shortlisted for the Employer of the Year category at the British Forces in Business Awards 2026, recognising the company’s commitment to supporting veterans, reservists, service leavers and the wider Armed Forces community. 

The Awards celebrate organisations that demonstrate excellence in recruiting, developing and supporting former military personnel. Calian’s shortlisting reflects its longstanding commitment to creating meaningful career opportunities for former service personnel and building a workplace where military experience is respected and valued. 

For more than 40 years, Calian has built a reputation as a trusted partner to military forces, defence contractors and government organisations worldwide. In the UK, the company supports the Ministry of Defence and British Army through technology-enabled training, live exercise support and specialist services designed to enhance operational readiness and mission success. 

Many members of the Calian team have served in the Armed Forces and continue to apply their military experience, leadership and operational knowledge in support of defence customers across the UK and internationally. Their expertise plays a vital role in delivering realistic and immersive training environments that prepare military personnel for the challenges of modern operations. 

Supporting fairness for veterans and military families

Calian’s commitment to the Armed Forces community is further demonstrated through its status as a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. The company actively supports reservists, service leavers, veterans and military families, ensuring they are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged in the workplace. As part of its Covenant commitments, Calian promotes veteran-friendly recruitment practices, supports former service personnel transitioning into civilian careers and provides policies that help reservists balance their military and professional responsibilities. 

“We are honoured to be shortlisted for Employer of the Year at the British Forces in Business Awards. Veterans are an integral part of our organisation and contribute enormously to our success,” said Andrew Gales, Managing Director at Calian UK.  

“As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to supporting service leavers, veterans, reservists and military families, helping them build rewarding civilian careers while continuing to apply the skills and experience gained through military service. This recognition reflects both our commitment to the Armed Forces community and the dedication of the many former service personnel who help drive our success every day,” he said. 

Veteran expertise underpins realistic, effective training

Operating from its UK headquarters in Havant, Hampshire, Calian delivers a broad range of specialist training services to the UK Ministry of Defence. These services support both live and simulated exercises, as well as staff college training. To enhance exercise realism Calian provides professionally simulated adversary forces, highly realistic casualty simulations and dynamic battlefield special effects. In addition, the company supports training through exercise design, development and delivery, along with mentoring and scenario planning for customers across the UK and internationally. 

The expertise of former Armed Forces personnel is embedded throughout these activities, helping ensure training remains relevant, realistic and aligned with current operational requirements. 

The winners of the British Forces in Business Awards 2026 will be announced at a gala ceremony on June 25, 2026 at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London.