Cobseo’s Employment Cluster meeting on 5 March provided an important opportunity to update members on the development of Op ENTERPRISE, the emerging pathway designed to formalise and strengthen the Continuum of Self‑Employment Support across the Armed Forces community.
Self-employment continues to offer a meaningful, flexible and often portable career route for Service leavers, veterans, spouses and partners. Unlike traditional PAYE employment routes, the needs of potential entrepreneurs evolve across the entire business lifecycle, from early-stage exploration to growth and long-term sustainability.
Op ENTERPRISE recognises this distinct journey and seeks to ensure that individuals can access the right support, at the right time, regardless of where they sit on that pathway.
Current Delivery Focus
The programme is now concentrating on enhanced advocacy, visibility and coordination across organisations involved in self-employment support. This includes close alignment with:
• Department for Business & Trade and British Business Bank
• Department for Work & Pensions
• X-Forces Enterprise
• Local Authorities & Enterprise Hubs
• MOD and OVA
This collective approach not only increases awareness among potential beneficiaries but also helps each organisation maximise its impact.
Value to the Sector
Op ENTERPRISE is well positioned to deliver both personal and societal benefit:
• enabling individuals to build confidence, autonomy and meaningful economic participation;
• supporting partners and spouses to pursue flexible careers that help retain Service personnel;
• contributing to UK economic growth through the creation and expansion of micro and small businesses;
• increasing the visibility and pipeline of veteran-owned SMEs within the Defence supply chain.
Wider Opportunity
The well-established human benefits of business ownership (improved wellbeing, confidence, and resilience) are strongly evidenced. When delivered effectively at scale, Op ENTERPRISE unlocks these individual gains while simultaneously supporting national economic objectives.
Thank you to everyone who has taken part over the last 18 months shaping Op ENTERPRISE and to Cobseo members for their engagement.
For further information or to engage with Op ENTERPRISE activity, please contact the XFE team at info@x-forces.com
