Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) has changed its name and visual identity to become Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE), marking a bold new chapter in our century-long mission to support veterans and people with disabilities by creating jobs, providing homes, and building communities.
While the name has changed, our values and commitment remain unchanged.
A Legacy of Support Since 1919
Founded in 1919 to support veterans returning from the First World War, RBVE has always stood for opportunity, dignity, and independence. For more than a century, we’ve helped thousands of ex-servicemen and women rebuild their lives —overcoming injury, disability, long-term unemployment, and the transition to civilian life.
RBVE is a proudly independent national charity. Our work is distinct, practical, and rooted in the belief that veterans and people with disabilities deserve the chance to thrive.
RBVE is the UK’s leading employment charity for veterans and people with disabilities, investing more deeply in employment pathways than any other.
Why the Name Has Changed
The new name, Royal British Veterans Enterprise, makes our mission unmistakable. It’s clear who we help and what we do, removing any brand confusion and making it easier for people to understand our work and get involved.
Protecting Every Pound: A Cost-Free Rebrand
This rebrand was made possible thanks to pro bono support from creative agency Accenture Song. No donor funds, public money, or charitable grants were used, protecting every pound of generosity and directing it where it matters most.
£45 Million for Frontline Impact
The change also comes amid a landmark £45 million investment into RBVE’s frontline services, further demonstrating our commitment to changing the lives of veterans across the UK. This includes:
- A new Kent-based manufacturing facility, almost doubling the opportunities for veteran employment by creating hundreds of new job and training opportunities
- 100 new homes for veterans and their families through the Centenary Village expansion, due for completion in 2027
- A new community centre, gym, café, and digital learning suite to support wellbeing and connection
What RBVE Does
Creates Jobs
Employment is transformative. It builds confidence, independence, and long-term stability.
72% of our emergency referrals are able to move into independent accommodation because they have secured paid work, whether through Lifeworks or our social enterprise factories.
Our award-winning national programme, Lifeworks, helps veterans and military families find lasting and meaningful employment, with four in five participants securing paid work, training, or volunteering within 12 months.
Across our manufacturing facilities in England and Scotland, RBVE creates work opportunities that deliver real social value. More than 70% of our workforce are veterans, people with disabilities, or both, and together our three facilities contribute £1.2 million in social value to the UK economy each year.
Provides Homes
A secure, high-quality home is the foundation for recovery and independence. Since 1919, thousands have rebuilt their lives in our Kent village, many overcoming injury, disability, or long-term unemployment.
Today, we support more than 340 veterans and their families across our village. For many, the journey begins in emergency accommodation, progresses to individual living, and leads to independent life beyond the village. For those over 55 who need extra care, RBVE provides permanent supported living within dedicated homes.
RBVE’s homes set a new standard for veteran-focused social housing: thoughtfully designed, purpose-built, and embedded within community facilities.
Builds Communities
Every community RBVE builds is shaped by tailored support, meaningful work, and spaces that bring people together. From accessible gyms and IT learning suites to shared green spaces and cafés, every facility is designed to encourage intergenerational connection and personal growth.
That sense of community extends into RBVE’s workplaces. At Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company and Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, disadvantaged veterans and people with disabilities find not only a job, but also camaraderie, confidence, and renewed purpose. These work communities are built on mutual respect and shared achievement — helping individuals thrive both professionally and personally.
Care at RBVE is never one-size-fits-all. Our dedicated community care team works across every division to ensure each person receives the right support at the right time. From the Step-In programme for veterans in crisis to outstanding domiciliary care for older veterans in supported living, RBVE’s care pathways meet individual needs with dignity and respect.
A Blueprint for National Change
RBVE’s integrated model, combining employment, homes, and community, is already being recognised as a blueprint for national change. During her recent visit, HRH The Princess Royal praised the approach as replicable, highlighting its potential to support veterans across the UK.
With cross-party support and growing interest from ministers, RBVE is actively exploring ways to scale its impact, sharing best practices and advocating for veteran-first infrastructure in communities nationwide.
Tommy: A Symbol That Stands Tall
Tommy remains central to our identity. Widely recognised across the UK as a symbol of respect, remembrance, and support for the Armed Forces community, Tommy continues to stand tall across our materials, workplaces, and communities, representing every branch, every generation, and every sacrifice.
The artist behind the original silhouette, Martin Barraud, now also a Patron of Tommy Club, described Tommy as a way of “taking the names off the wall” to make remembrance visible and personal again and bring the fallen back into the heart of the community.
What began as a local act of commemoration has become a national symbol, honouring our military roots and ensuring that remembrance is both unmistakable and accessible to all.
A Clearer Future
This is RBVE, Royal British Veterans Enterprise. A name that makes the mission clear: empowering Britain’s bravest by creating jobs, providing homes, and building communities.
RBVE remains proudly independent, deeply committed, and ambitious for the future. Our work is practical, measurable, and life-changing and supports veterans and people with disabilities to live independently and thrive.
