Royal British Legion Industries

Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), founded in 1919, is the UK’s most ambitious veterans’ charity, delivering housing, employment, and welfare support through a fully integrated model based in Aylesford, Kent. Employing over 200 staff, RBLI’s unique “veteran village” includes emergency accommodation, supported housing, and social enterprise opportunities through Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC), which employs veterans and disabled individuals across three UK sites.

Powered by our STEP-IN model, RBLI provides holistic support addressing mental health, social isolation, and long-term empowerment. In the past year, we’ve expanded our Centenary Village, opening new veteran housing, launching the UKs first HMO for female veterans, and creating new community spaces. Our employment programme, Lifeworks, has now supported over 6,000 veterans and military families UK-wide.

Amid rising operational costs, RBLI made difficult but strategic decisions to ensure sustainability, including the sale of two non-core care homes. We also overcame a major funding gap for Centenary Village construction through record-breaking campaigns like the Great Tommy Sleep Out, raising £2 million.

RBLI is a proven, scalable model of inclusive veteran support. Winning this award would amplify our impact, champion those we serve, and further embed our role as a national leader in veteran care and social value.