A trusted hallmark for veteran-led business in the UK.
Not-for-profit. Free to list. Run by veterans, for veterans — a directory and verification scheme designed to give the UK's 340,000 veteran-owned small businesses the visibility they deserve.
- Founded
- 2023
- Status
- Social enterprise
- Coverage
- 12 UK regions
- Cost to list
- Free, always
Our Mission & Objectives
British Veteran Owned is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to raising awareness of veteran-led businesses throughout the UK. Our mission is to create a platform that promotes these businesses while making it easy for consumers to find and support them.
We believe in recognizing the valuable skills, dedication, and work ethic that veterans bring to the business world. By highlighting their enterprises, we aim to help veterans succeed in their post-military careers and contribute to the UK economy.
Key Objectives
Free Verification
Provide free verification services for veteran-owned businesses across the UK
Business Directory
Maintain an accessible directory of verified veteran enterprises for public use
Equal Platform
Offer equal platform representation regardless of business size or revenue
Public Awareness
Raise public awareness about the value of supporting veteran entrepreneurs
Stephen James
Founder & Director
Intelligence Corps Veteran
Campaigner
Educator
Veterans' Advocate
Leadership That Understands Service
Following his military service in the Intelligence Corps, Stephen James recognized the unique value that veterans bring to business ownership. Drawing on their military training, veterans demonstrate unparalleled work ethic, adaptability, and commitment — qualities that translate perfectly to entrepreneurship.
Stephen founded British Veteran Owned with the core principle that all veterans deserve equal recognition for their service and business endeavours, regardless of the size of their enterprise. That's why our platform remains free of tiered membership systems or fees.
"Service Before Self remains our guiding principle. We're committed to creating a platform that treats all veteran business owners with the same respect and offers the same opportunities."
With a background in both military intelligence and education, Stephen brings a unique perspective to the organisation. His vision is to create a thriving ecosystem where veteran-owned businesses can gain visibility, credibility, and community support without financial barriers.
Our Ethos
The principles that guide everything we do at British Veteran Owned
Service Before Self
We prioritise supporting veterans above all else. Our organisation exists to serve those who have served, continuing the military tradition of putting others first.
No Fees, No Tiers
Every veteran business gets the same level of support and visibility. We don't believe in charging fees or creating premium tiers that advantage some veterans over others.
Equal Platform
Whether you're a sole trader or employ hundreds, your service and your business receive the same respect and visibility on our platform.
Growing Together
Since our founding, British Veteran Owned has been making a meaningful impact across the UK. With an estimated 340,000 veteran-owned small businesses nationwide, we're on a mission to verify and highlight as many as possible.
Our community continues to grow as more veterans discover the advantages of our free verification scheme and the credibility our hallmark brings to their businesses.
Can You Help Us Grow?
We're always looking for partners, volunteers, and supporters who share our mission of promoting veteran entrepreneurship in the UK.