English: Pictured:The North West’s second annual Armed Forces Business Awards have taken place in Manchester honouring companies and organisations from across the region for the support they give to the military.Military personnel nominated 35 employers, ranging from household names to small family businesses, for the awards which were staged at the Imperial War Museum North in Trafford on Friday, June 26. Each had shown outstanding commitment the Armed Forces; assisting staff who serve in the Reserves, working with military families or supporting the region’s cadet forces.Seven regional awards were presented including ones for small business support to the Reserves; support to families, veterans and those personnel wounded, injured or sick; and best public sector employer.HM Revenue and Customs, which employs thousands across the region, walked away with the evening’s overall Regional Award after being nominated by the RAF’s 611 Squadron for encouraging Reservists to apply for jobs there, offering special leave to help meet Reservists’ training commitments and addressing potential tax issues for Reservists who are sent on military operations.The Reserves (Small Business) Award was presented to Merseyside-based freight container manufacturer Bootle Containers for its support to Reservists on its staff, particularly when they have been serving on operations, and its sponsorship of Army Winter Sports.The evening also saw seven organisations recognised through the MOD’s Corporate Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme; the scheme’s Silver Awards reward support for Defence through employment opportunities and having a ‘Defence friendly’ HR policy.Brigadier Chris Coles, Commander of the Army’s 42nd Infantry Brigade and HQ North West, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the winners and the nominees. The commitment they have shown really has made our job a lot easier. Military personnel, be they Regular, Reserve or Cadet Adult Volunteers live a