2 Jul 08

Aspire Defence is proud to be the main sponsor for the Aldershot Army Show for the fifth year in succession. Taking place over the weekend of 5 and 6 July, the Aldershot Army Show is a major attraction for the area and carries on the tradition of bringing the Army and the general public together for a weekend of events, displays and entertainment. 

Peter Smart, chief executive of Aspire Defence Limited, said, “We are delighted to be the main sponsor of the Aldershot Army Show again this year and are pleased to see the show grow year-on-year. The whole ethos of our relationship with the Army and with Rushmoor Borough Council is one of partnership and it is good that we can support them in this way.”

Under Project Allenby/Connaught, Aspire Defence, a joint venture between Carillion and KBR, is improving the quality of life for over 18,700 soldiers, 20% of the British Army by providing modern, high quality, fully serviced, purpose built living and working accommodation. More and more soldiers returning from demanding operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are now moving into new accommodation which is of a standard they deserve and of which the nation can be proud. 

Over the course of the 35 year contract Aspire Defence will be delivering a number of services to the Army, but these take on an extra impetus during the preparation for the Aldershot Army Show. For example, Aspire Defence provides the expertise necessary to prepare the showground for the varied arena events from licensing to grounds maintenance. After the show is over, Aspire Defence works hard to return the site to its previous sports use so the Army and local rugby and football clubs can train. Once restored to a sports ground – which takes just a week – no-one would know that the show and its many attractions had been on site.

Aspire Defence is working in partnership with world class sub-contractors and service delivery organisations who offer specialist expertise such as Sodexo, VT Land, Corus and MUJV, who are also sponsoring this year’s Aldershot Army Show.

Across the garrisons in Aldershot and on the Salisbury Plain, Aspire Defence will:

• Undertake construction and refurbishment of 11,500 en-suite bedrooms for single soldiers
• Build new dining centres, messes and community facilities
• Provide:
  • Mess management
  • Catering services
  • Transport management
  • Building maintenance
  • Stores management
  • Grounds maintenance