Meet the exciting people behind our member businesses.
Name: Michael Parkes
Company: Erskine Veterans Charity
Job title: Fundraising & Development Manager (North)
Give us the elevator pitch for your business.
The Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North (EVAC North) in Forres supports Veterans across North-east Scotland. We offer Veterans free well-being activities and peer support, helping them reduce isolation and rediscover purpose. Across Scotland, we deliver specialist care homes, accommodation, and transitional support for Veterans.
Who are your customers?
We support any Veterans who have served in the UK Armed Forces or Merchant Navy in support of the Armed Forces. Our care homes are also accessible to spouses, widows, or widowers of Veterans, while our cottages at the Erskine Veterans Village, Renfrewshire can support Veterans and their families.
What is the biggest challenge and opportunity your organisation is facing right now?
Demand for EVAC North in Forres is constantly growing, with over 700 Veterans already registered. We must fundraise £500,000 each year to keep our doors open. Supporting our Veterans through company partnerships, volunteering and donations is vital. We’d also like to reach more Veterans living in Aberdeen and the Shire.
What is your word of advice for fellow Chamber members?
Never underestimate the power of networking. You might meet someone that you may initially feel has no connection to your workplace. But you might both have someone in your network that you can help. For example, a friend of family member of a Veteran who is looking for support.
What is the best thing about being a Chamber member?
Having the chance to meet a variety of people and businesses from across the Northeast. There are still a lot of people in the area that don’t know about the life-saving work of Erskine. The Chamber’s amazing events, insight and staff give everyone the opportunity to build new relationships and partnerships that make a difference in their community.