AN army veteran has returned to Ellesmere Port to launch a new business venture with the mission of helping his hometown become "prosperous" again.

Former Sergeant Major Carl Roberts, who served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Northern Ireland, wants to use the skills he gained during a 23-year military career for the benefit of the town.

Last week, Carl and his team launched a new training and assurance group "in the heart of the town centre" on Whitby Road, which was officially opened by MP Justin Madders and Mayor of Ellesmere Port, councillor Lisa Denson.

TAG International will offer several training courses to help equip people with the tools they need for roles in both the private and public sector.

Currently it can deliver various first aid and mental health first aid courses for adults within the workplace or anyone seeking their own personal development, or students within an education setting.

Initial courses starting in January next year are for those seeking a career in construction,

Carl, 43, is hoping to secure both Government and council funding to offer everyone the chance to undergo the training they need for a career in their chosen field, whether it be in retail, hospitality, leisure, social care, and security.

With the well-documented, long-term vision for the Ellesmere Port area to form one of the first Net Zero Carbon industrial clusters in the world, his aim is to make sure people in the town are at "the front of the queue" for the thousands of jobs that would be created as a result and also highlight any other potential job opportunities within the region within other sectors.

"I'm passionate about my town and to get it moving," explained Carl, who left the army in 2019 and recently returned from Swindon to live in the town.

"It used to be prosperous and it will be again.

"I decided to move back to Ellesmere Port to give back to my community. I want to invest in people, to inform the opportunities for growth and inspire through driving performance and excellence.

"This is about raising awareness and aspirations, and to give people confidence and skills. We want people to feel like they are good enough.

"I want people to believe in this and I will work around the clock for it."

Chester and District Standard:

The TAG International YouTube channel has also been launched to "assist and support anybody and everybody" with regards to knowledge of mental health, well-being and resilience.

In the coming weeks, Carl will be hosting an employer engagement event and working with Cheshire West and Chester Council to better understand what roles businesses are looking to fill.

Any businesses who would like to be part of the event can contact TAG International on info@taginternational.co.uk.

During the official launch, TAG International were also presented the Armed Forces employer recognition award from the Ministry of Defence which demonstrates exceptional support to veterans, cadets and spouses/partners after leaving the military,

People can join the TAG Veterans group on Facebook.

  • For more information on the services that TAG International provides visit taginternational.co.uk , email enquiries@taginternational.co.uk or call 0151 356 5500.