Former soldier starts business in Shifnal with help from Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion has helped an ex-soldier start up his own business in Shropshire.
Water Forces hand car-wash and valeting has been opened by award-winning entrepreneur Kelvin Currens from Shifnal.
But he says he couldn't have done it without help from the Legion and other service charities.
After serving in the Army, Mr Currens, 29, was given support by the Legion to find accommodation and get benefits, money advice and guidance on how to set up a business.
The help paid off as Mr Currens received the Doing Good Along The Way award at the Young Brit Awards, which recognises the achievements of entrepreneurs who have started and grown their businesses.
To say thank you, he hopes to make a donation to the Legion from the proceeds of his new business, which is up and running and located at The Beehive in Shifnal.
He said: "I hope the local community, particularly those with an Armed Forces background, will come and support me by using the service, as I would like to employ other ex-service men and women in the future if the business grows."
Annette Summers, advice and information team leader for the Royal British Legion, said: "We are here to help people in addition to statutory services that may be available, and with invaluable support from other charities and trusts.
"We are pleased to have supported Kelvin into accommodation and then link with local partners for the specialist services and funding he required for this new venture.
"It is also great to see Kelvin is looking to both support others in the ex-service community and also the Legion within his business and we wish him well."
The hand car wash and valeting service was started with funding and advice from Young Britain, which the Royal British Legion directed him to.
Each week the Legion spends £1.4m delivering practical care and support to the whole Armed Forces community.
The charity offers a range of services including benefits and money advice, advice on compensation claims and the inquest process, and family holidays to seaside break centres around the UK.
In Telford, Leanne Patel and Michael Webb offer Legion services at First Point Telford, Addenbrooke House every Wednesday from 10am to 4pm.
Those who live in Shropshire also call the contact centre on 0808 802 8080 or visit the website www.britishlegion.org.uk
