Heavy Haul Rail Signs the Armed Forces Covenant
Heavy Haul Rail has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant at its Vehicle Maintenance Facility in Leeds on 2 July 2026.
The signing marks an important milestone for the business and reflects Heavy Haul Rail’s commitment to creating opportunities for veterans, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), Service spouses, partners and military families.
By signing the Covenant, Heavy Haul Rail has pledged to recognise and value the skills, experience and perspectives that members of the Armed Forces community bring to the workplace. Commitments include promoting Armed Forces-friendly recruitment and employment practices, supporting Reservists and CFAVs through special leave arrangements, engaging with the Career Transition Partnership and championing Armed Forces-related events and charitable initiatives.
Toby Miller, Regional Director North at Heavy Haul Rail, said:
“Signing the Covenant reflects who we are as a business: purpose-driven, responsible and committed to doing the right thing. The values shared by the rail freight sector and the Armed Forces, including discipline, teamwork, reliability, resilience and accountability, are central to how we operate.
We recognise the valuable contribution that veterans, Reservists and military families make to our workforce and communities, and we are proud to demonstrate our support through this commitment.”
Neil “Jacko” Jackson, Director of Defence Relationship Management, said:
“Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a public statement and commitment recognising the value that serving personnel, both Regular and Reserve, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military families bring to our nation, local communities and workplaces.
By pledging their support, organisations demonstrate that they understand the mutual benefits gained from the unique skills, experience and perspectives that the Armed Forces community offers, while helping to ensure those who serve or have served are treated fairly and with respect.
I encourage every organisation, regardless of its size or sector, to consider how it can support the Armed Forces community, and I salute those who have already signed. Together, through the Armed Forces Covenant and Employer Recognition Scheme, we can help build stronger organisations, stronger communities and a stronger, more resilient nation.”
Heavy Haul Rail would like to thank Lieutenant Colonel S J Barker RLC, Emily Cowan and Defence Relationship Management (DRM) for joining the signing event, as well as everyone involved in making the occasion possible.
As one of thousands of organisations across the UK that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, Heavy Haul Rail is proud to stand alongside employers that recognise the contribution of the Armed Forces community. The company’s focus now turns to delivering on its commitments and ensuring the pledge translates into meaningful action and support for current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.