ESS and Royal Navy Win Institute for Collaborative Working’s Prestigious Chairman’s Award
ESS Defence, specialist provider of foodservice and FM to military establishments across the UK, and the Royal Navy have won this year’s Institute for Collaborative Working Chairman’s Award. The accolade recognises ‘No Single Wets’, a joint initiative to remove single-use cups from Navy Command Headquarters at HMS Excellent.
50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans 2026
Compass Group UK & Ireland has been included in the ‘50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans 2026’, for its ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Community. The list is the definitive national ranking of forces friendly employers and provides an in-depth showcase of the companies setting the benchmark for meaningful pathways into high-value careers for the military community.
Armed Forces Week
At a time when the values of service, resilience and teamwork remain as important as ever, Armed Forces Week provides an opportunity to recognise those who have served and continue to serve.
A Q&A with Angela Lewis, Co-Chair of the Compass Group UK & Ireland Armed Forces Network
Angela Lewis, Strategic Relationship and Contract Governance Lead for ESS, talks to us about the Armed Forces network and more.
ESS and Peabodys join forces at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom
ESS, specialist provider of foodservice and FM to military establishments across the UK, has collaborated with Peabodys Coffee to open an exciting new outlet at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom.
ESS partners with SSAFA to create the ‘Frontline Fuel’ flapjack
ESS, specialist provider of foodservice and FM to military establishments across the UK, has partnered with SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity to create the ‘Frontline Fuel’ flapjack.
Finalists Revealed for 2026 British Forces in Business Awards
We’re proud to celebrate four outstanding Compass Group UK & Ireland, Forces in Business 2026 finalists, recognised for their leadership, inspiration and impact in supporting our Armed Forces community.
Angela Lewis wins Celebrating Forces Families Award
Angela Lewis, Strategic Relationship and Contract Governance Lead for ESS, has won the Armed Forces Advocate Award at this year’s Celebrating Forces Families Awards.
Compass named ‘Inclusion Maturity Curve - Stakeholders’ at WiHTL & DiR ‘Inclusion-In awards’
Compass Group UK & Ireland has been named the 'Inclusion Maturity Curve - Stakeholders', at the WiHTL & DiR 'Inclusion-In awards'! Compass' Armed Forces Committee was also highly commended for the most impactful Employee Resource group in HTL.
Compass Group UK & Ireland shortlisted for four British Forces in Business Awards
Compass Group UK & Ireland is proud to have four finalists in the annual British Forces in Business Awards, reflecting its commitment in supporting veterans and the wider armed forces community.
"Business Award" at the Celebrating Forces Families Awards - 2025
In one of only three categories open to businesses, the Compass team won the Business Award, sponsored by Forces Employment Charity, in recognition of the key initiatives that have been implemented in support of the Armed Forces community.
“Advocate of the Year Award” at the Ex-Forces in Business Awards - 2023
Angela Lewis, Business Performance Manager in our ESS business, won “Advocate of the Year” for her extraordinary work which includes designing, leading and implementing numerous initiatives and policies for services leavers and the wider military family.
Finalists - Exemplar Forces Friendly Employer 2023
For the employer who has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, uses Forces Families Jobs and is actively seeking and supporting the employment of partners of those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Compass Group UK & I Culinary Director recognised by British Ex-Forces in 2022 Business Awards
Compass Group UK & I Culinary Director, Nick Vadis was shortlisted for the Outstanding Achiever award at the 2022 British Ex-Forces in Business Awards, in recognition for his extraordinary work with the NHS.
ESS Awarded Platinum Bridge Partnership by RNRMC - 2022
ESS Defence, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has been recognised as a Platinum Partner of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), enjoying a longstanding relationship with the charity which is the principal charity of the Royal Navy, and exists to support sailors, marines and their families for life.
Large Employer of the Year - Heropreneurs Awards 2021
Recognising the contributions of our business in actively seeking to employ and support members of the military community, specifically military veteran and dependents.
Lifetime Achievement Award - Ex-Forces in Business Awards 2021
Michael (Mick) Hickman MBE FIH, Foodservice Director at Compass Group UK & Ireland, has been announced on the Lifetime Achievement Award shortlist for the 2021 British Ex-Forces in Business Awards - the world’s largest celebration of veterans in second careers.