Suttle Projects has appointed Major (ret’d) Richard Walker MBE as Operations Manager HR, in this feature Richard discusses his transition from a long military career into finding new challenges and opportunities.
“After over 36 years in the Army, you rarely imagine the day your service will come to an end. When you have been part of something for so long, military life becomes woven into your identity, and the routines that once felt ordinary take on a deeper meaning. Ironing your uniform, standing on parade, taking part in PT sessions whether enjoyed or endured, and all the small customs and traditions that accompany daily service become markers of who you are. Alongside this, the shared experiences that come from exercises, operations, and even the day to day jobs that have a profound impact on your life, and on the lives of your unit and their families, shape you in ways that stay with you forever. A regiment or unit is never just a place of work. It is a family, a regimental family that you join for life.
During the transition out of service, everything seems to gather speed. You focus on preparing for your final day and move steadily towards it, yet when the moment arrives it comes far sooner than expected. Almost overnight, the familiar structure, the team environment, and the practices that once shaped your identity simply stop. Only then do you realise how significant these customs, traditions, and shared experiences truly were.
Understanding this made it clear to me that finding a workplace where belonging still mattered would be essential. That realisation is what led me to Suttles.
From my very first conversation with Joe, it was clear that Suttles is a family business in the truest sense of the word. The culture is consistent throughout the organisation, from operatives on site to long serving employees and senior leadership. Many colleagues have been with the company since its early days, and many families have multiple members who have worked here over the years. This creates a genuine sense of continuity and shared purpose. It is also rare to meet a CEO who knows each employee by name and takes the time to understand their families and personal stories. This level of connection speaks to the strength of the company culture.
After leaving the Army, and a short but enjoyable stint as an MoD Civil Servant, it mattered to me that I joined an organisation where values, respect, and community sit at the heart of everyday work. Suttles offered exactly that, and it was the decisive factor in choosing to join the company.
I am delighted to begin my role as Operations Manager HR, and I look forward to contributing to an organisation with a strong set of values and a sincere commitment to its people.”
Livvy Williams Head of Compliance at Suttle Projects commented:
“We are delighted to have been able to attract Richard to our business. Richard will lead our HR operations, ensuring we have the most effective people management processes, workforce capacity is carefully planned to meet our growing operational needs, further promoting strong employee engagement, wellbeing, and a positive workplace culture
Last year we signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant an important step for us as many of our colleagues have close links to the Armed Forces, and we believe it’s essential to formally recognise and support the unique contribution that service personnel, veterans, and their families make to both our business and the wider industry.”
The signing of the covenant is part of our wider commitment to promoting inclusion, opportunity, and wellbeing across our workplaces. It also supports our ongoing recruitment and retention initiatives aimed at attracting talented individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, including those with a unique set of skills from their military experience.”