At British Veteran Owned (BVO) we believe service to country shouldn’t end with the uniform. It should evolve into service to community, economy, and fellow veterans. Born from a desire to champion veteran-led enterprise across the UK, BVO provides a free platform to showcase, verify and support veteran-owned businesses, with a special emphasis on trust, camaraderie, and the ethos of “service before self”.
How it came about
Like many of the ventures we now support, BVO started with a personal conviction. After transitioning from service, I recognised that while veterans possess unique skills – resilience, leadership, adaptability – they often lack visibility in the civilian business space. There were scattered efforts and support networks, but no central community-driven solution to highlight and unify this growing force of entrepreneurs.
The idea was simple but powerful: develop a free-to-use directory and verification mark, enabling consumers and organisations to identify easily and support veteran-owned businesses. From there, BVO grew into a social enterprise not just about branding, but about rebuilding identity, dignity and shared purpose for those who’ve served.
Where we are now
Today, British Veteran Owned proudly supports hundreds of businesses across the UK, including an inspiring and growing number based in Scotland. These businesses range from digital marketing agencies on the Moray Firth, to therapeutic coaching collectives helping veterans and their families navigate the invisible wounds of service.
Verification of businesses with BVO is entirely free. This was and always will be a cornerstone of our mission. We stand firmly against placing any financial barrier in the way of veterans seeking to grow their enterprise. Instead, we focus on fostering partnerships, building awareness, and nurturing a powerful national network where shared service becomes a badge of trust.
And beyond the practical tools we offer, we’ve become a source of community and morale. In a world where veterans can feel isolated after service, BVO reminds them they are not alone. They are part of something bigger.
How partnerships are strengthening our mission
One of the most transformative partnerships we’ve established is with Sage, a global leader in business management software. Sage has stepped up in an extraordinary way, offering six months of free accounting software to all verified BVO members. For many veterans starting a business, cash flow management and financial admin can be overwhelming. Sage’s support ensures that our members get the tools they need to invoice, budget and grow, with no upfront cost.
But the support doesn’t stop there. Sage has also built a dedicated platform where BVO members can easily register for the offer. It has also curated a library of articles, guides, and practical content, from understanding VAT to managing payroll, designed specifically for small businesses. It’s a full ecosystem of support, built with empathy and practicality.
We’re proud to work with Sage, not just because of its technology, but because of its understanding and respect for the veteran community. It is rare to find a partner that truly listens, responds, and builds something tailored to real needs.
Looking ahead, BVO is actively developing new corporate partnerships to create a comprehensive support package for our members, covering everything from legal advice and mentoring to marketing and funding access. Our mission is to make starting and growing a business accessible for all veterans, no matter their background or circumstances.
And what will never change is our founding promise: BVO membership and services will always be free. No fees. No catches. This is our way of giving back.
Where we want to get to
Our vision is twofold: to create the most inclusive, trusted directory of veteran-owned businesses in the UK, and to drive public awareness of the value they bring. Much like “Buy Local” or “Fair Trade”, we want “Buy Veteran” to become part of public consciousness – an intentional choice to support those who’ve served.
But beyond visibility, we want to build a bridge to confidence. Many veterans face imposter syndrome or feel disconnected from their place in the civilian world. BVO exists to remind them, and to show the public, that their service still counts.
Our longer-term goal is to embed veteran-led business into national supply chains, corporate social responsibility policies, and public procurement. Veterans bring integrity, determination and clarity of purpose to their work, traits any buyer or partner should value.
Scottish case studies: veteran enterprise in action
Scotland has long been a proud contributor to the UK Armed Forces, and today it’s home to some of the most inspiring veteran-owned businesses.
Take ABRH Solutions, a social enterprise delivering coaching and mental health support to veterans, emergency workers and their families. Their team uses a powerful blend of hypnotherapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and trauma-informed coaching to rebuild confidence, reduce anxiety and improve communication both at home and in the workplace. They also work with organisations to implement mental health initiatives and secure Access to Work funding, thus bringing long-term impact to individuals and institutions alike.
Or consider Donut Pig Digital Marketing, a warm, straight-talking agency based on the Moray Firth. Their fixed-price social media packages help small businesses thrive online, with a dose of humour and humanity that reflects classic veteran values: resilience, focus, and authenticity.
These aren’t just commercial ventures. They’re community builders. They’re problem-solvers. And they’re a testament to how veterans continue to serve, just in a different uniform.
Why it matters
According to the Federation of Small Businesses, over 340,000 small businesses in the UK are veteran-owned. These businesses are not only more likely to employ other veterans, they’re also more likely to scale. They operate across every sector, from construction to cybersecurity. And yet, many veterans still lack the tools, support and belief to start up.
That’s what BVO is here to change. We’re not only amplifying voices, but we’re also building capability, community, and commercial success.
Supporting veteran-owned businesses isn’t charity – it’s smart economics. It’s a vote for resilience, leadership and integrity.
Let’s support those who’ve served
Whether you’re a veteran ready to start your journey, a consumer who wants to buy with purpose, or a business looking to give back meaningfully, British Veteran Owned welcomes you.
We’re not just a logo. We’re a movement. One built on trust, legacy, and a refusal to leave anyone behind.
Let’s build it together.
https://www.britishveteranowned.co.uk
More on society:
Bylines Network Gazette is out!
The latest Bylines Network Gazette is out now. Become a Friend of Bylines Network or upgrade to a paid Substack subscription, and you will get access to a vital collection of citizen articles and stories.
Journalism by the people, for the people.
