Careers at Cadent

Each year, Reserves Day offers us the chance to celebrate and recognise the incredible commitment and contribution of the UK’s Reserve Forces. 

Falling on Wednesday 25 June, this important day shines a spotlight on the men and women who balance civilian careers with military service - and who make an essential contribution to the UK’s defence and security.

Reservists serve across all the armed forces, training in the evenings and on weekends, ready to support their full-time colleagues during operations, emergencies, and humanitarian missions both at home and overseas. Whether responding to natural disasters, supporting NHS efforts during the pandemic, or deploying abroad, Reservists play a vital role in keeping the UK safe and resilient.

Balancing two demanding careers requires real dedication. Reservists bring invaluable skills to their civilian roles - from leadership and teamwork to crisis management and technical training. At Cadent, we’re proud to support colleagues who serve as Reservists and bring this unique experience into the workplace.

This Reserves Day, we want to take a moment to celebrate one of our own:

Lloyd Downing may be a Reinstatement & Collaboration Specialist in North London during working hours, but he also serves as a rifleman in the British Army with the Seventh Battalion, The Rifles.

Lloyd’s commitment, both in uniform and at work, is a great example of the strength and professionalism that Reservists bring to every team they’re part of.

“Being a Reservist has challenged me in new ways and given me opportunities I never imagined,” said Lloyd who is in his second stint serving with the army having previously been a reserve between 2011 and 2013.

“I’m so grateful for the support from the business as there is so much on offer for those who want to be reservists. People may be aware of the HR policies that are available to assist being a reservist, but for me, having access to the Wellhub has been instrumental. I need to be physically fit for my role in the infantry, so having the ability to access a gym to train wherever I may be in the country really is a huge benefit.”

At Cadent, we’re committed to supporting our Reservist colleagues and honouring the vital contribution they make. Whether through flexible working arrangements, special leave for training, or simply recognising their service, we believe in standing behind those who serve.

“The support I’ve received from the management team has been brilliant all the way through,” added Lloyd. “The last part of my training as a rifleman is the Combat Infantry Course (CIC) which is hard work, but once I pass that, I’ll be able to further my military career with deployments wherever I may be needed. I believe my unit may be deployed to Kenya next year, which I'm looking forward to despite being ginger!"

“While there is a lot of hard work in the army, there is also a great social aspect to it as well. There are plenty of sports teams to be a part of, but I was most surprised at seeing an E-Sports Team which I’ve joined. I was so bad when I first started, but I’m slowly getting the hang of it.”

But the competition isn’t just confined to sports pitches and games consoles. There’s also plenty of family pride at stake as Lloyd’s father and brother-in-law also serve in the armed forces.

“My dad is a Grenadier Guard while my brother-in-law is a Warrant Officer in the Irish Guards so there is some healthy banter between all of us, but they are too pretty to get dirty, so makes sense they would be in the household division”

As we mark Reserves Day, let’s all take a moment to thank our Reservists for their dedication, resilience, and service — and show our appreciation for the unique role they play in both military and civilian life.