A NEW online service which will help veterans in the district to utilise their skills is now up and running.

The initiative enables ex-members of the armed forces, and emergency services, to showcase what they offer to potential customers.

Veterans Next Step provides a platform covering more than 80 business sectors, from builders, electricians and mechanics to services such as computer repairs, bookkeeping and physiotherapy.

Members of the public seeking a skilled tradesperson can access details for free at veteransnextstep.co.uk.

Customers will be able to leave rated reviews, giving feedback for the veterans and adding to their profile and knowledge bank.

Behind the venture is Darren Melia, its operations director.

He said: "More than 14,000 service personnel join civvy street each year.

"Many have a high calibre of skills and training that would be so useful in their local communities, backed by the work ethics you'd associate with service professionals.

"Some go into employment, while some become self-employed or set-up their own small business.

"The public launch of Veterans Next Step makes those self-motivated experts easy to find for customers who are looking for conscientious and reliable service providers."

Veterans wishing to be included can register at veteransnextstep.co.uk/registration. There is a £5 charge to cover admin.

The first year is free and then a £25-a-month fee applies.

Mr Melia said the venture was also supporting veterans in other ways.

"Ten per cent of all revenue is being ringfenced and allocated to self-employed veterans who may need financial help," he added.

"Monetary gifts from this will be awarded to support veterans during the start-up process or to assist with the purchase of things like tools, vehicles or specialised training.

"The gift allocation will be overseen by an independent charity.

"In the UK we're very proud of our services veterans, who give so much, put themselves in danger and ask so little.

"As they set out with their own businesses, Veterans Next Step lets us all say thank-you to them, at the same time as we benefit from their extraordinary levels of skill, knowledge, motivation and commitment."

Among those who have signed-up is former colour sergeant Ste Talbot, who now runs Lock Smart.

He helped inspire Veterans Next Step.

Mr Melia added: "The service is a far cry from the standard local trades directory.

"We aren’t just there to find a plumber or joiner but cover a very wide range of skills, trades and services, locally and nationwide."