Secret Millionaire Backs New Deal to Help Veterans

Former paratrooper Tony Banks, who came to public fame as one of Channel 4’s Secret Millionaires, recently toured one of Europe’s largest assisted workshops to see how the company is helping injured military veterans.

The Blindcraft factory in Glasgow produces a range of office and home furniture, and has just announced a UK-wide distribution with refurbishment contractors AFH Strategic Contracts. This, and a deal to produce workstations to City Park Call Centres, could mean the company increasing its workforce of disabled people and medically discharged veterans.

Tony Banks, who served in the Falklands in 1982, was reminded of his combat experience when he went undercover and met Iraq veterans in Anfield, Liverpool, as part of Channel 4’s The Secret Millionaire. A follow-up documentary will air in early December which will show how Tony’s life has changed since appearing on the programme.

Tony said: “I am happy to support an organisation that provides real employment opportunities to those who deserve it, including war veterans. It is a timely reminder of the practical help we can give to men and women who have served t heir country.

“I am really impressed by what I’ve seen,” he told Civvy Street magazine. “This is an excellent example of the way the public, private and third sectors can work together, giving veterans a focus to their lives.”

One of Blindcraft’s most recent recruits is Scott Woods, formerly of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, who was medically discharged with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after completing eight years including tours in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Bosnia and Afghanistan.

Currently working on a machine press, producing everything from doors to desktops, Scott travels to Glasgow every day from near Stirling. “It’s keeping me active, and I’d recommend it as a place to work to anyone coming out of the Forces.”