Our Heroes

Meet Kate, a Warehouse Administrator at NEXT and veteran. We spoke to Kate about what serving in the Armed Forces meant to her and why it's so important we celebrate and highlight the Forces at NEXT. 

Why is it important to celebrate our Armed Forces?
It is important to celebrate our armed forces because we wouldn't be here today without them and have the freedoms in life that we have. We should celebrate them with pride.

How does it make you feel to be/have been a part of this community?
It fills me with such a deep filled pride to know that i served and contributed to my country for 11 years. Also met my husband on my first tour of Iraq in 2006 so also forever thankful.

Why is it important for brands like NEXT to work with charities like Help for Heroes?
I think for NEXT to work with Armed Forces charities it helps with recognition and helps spread the word of these charities. I think NEXT might have a different customer base that might not have had an association to the Armed Forces but having merchandise and partnerships reaches more people.

Meet Farhat, Infrastructure Engineer at NEXT and former solider. We spoke to Farhat about  why it's so important for NEXT to be to highlight Armed Forces Day and celebrate the community. 

Why is it important to celebrate our armed forces?
Celebrating our armed forces is important because it honours their sacrifices, acknowledges their role in national security and patriotism. It supports veterans and active-duty members, educates future generations, and strengthens civil-military relations, ensuring respect and understanding between the military and civilians.

How does it make you feel to be/have been a part of this community? Being part of the armed forces community often brings a strong sense of pride, purpose, and belonging. Soldiers commonly feel deep camaraderie with their fellow service members, forming tight bonds through shared experiences. There's also a strong sense of duty and responsibility, but it comes with sacrifices—like time away from loved ones, physical risk, and emotional stress. For many, the military becomes a key part of their identity, offering both fulfillment and challenges.

Why is it important for brands like NEXT to work with charities like Help for Heros?
Moral Duty – Gives back to those who’ve served and sacrificed.
Employee Pride – Boosts morale and connection among staff.
Attracting Talent – Helps recruit skilled veterans into the workforce

Meet Adam, Maintenance Manager at NEXT who we spoke to from the Uniformed Services community on why it's so important for NEXT to be joining forces with Help for Heroes and celebrate the community.

Why is it important to celebrate our armed forces?
For me it allows us to acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice that some have made as well as expressing respect, supports and gratitude for those that have and are still serving.

How does it make you feel to be/have been a part of this community?

Immensely proud, to have been part of our Military, it has given me great foundations both professionally and personally.

Why is it important for brands like NEXT to work with charities like Help for Heroes?
For me it helps boost brand image as well as helping to support amazing causes.

Meet Tom, a 30 year old Security Analyst in our Information Security team at NEXT.

Tom joined the army in 2015 as a Gunner in the Royal Artillery. He then transferred to the Adjutants General Corps as a HR Admin in 2018 and became a physical training instructor in 2020. Tom then went on to leave the army in September 2021.

We spoke to Tom about how important it is for NEXT to work together with Help for Heroes and the impact this has on those from the Armed Forces community. 

"NEXT working with charities like Help for Heroes allows the business to not only assist veterans in need but also allows for better understanding of employees who have previously served. This ensures that veterans can feel like they are part of an organisation where they are valued, where they can be proud of their previous service and use their experiences to contribute to the business."