Ballyclare mortgage advisor showcases reservist role

Mark Hoban, a mortgage advisor at the business located on Main Street, is a member of 152 (North Irish) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps - the Army’s only fuel regiment.

An invitation to accompany other employers to an operation had instant appeal for Mark’s boss, James Smyth.

“I was delighted at being given the chance to see Mark at work as an Army Reserve and to demonstrate my support for him with my presence, but I have to admit that I was just as keen to get a more general insight,” he said.

James explained how companies can benefit from having employees in the Army Reserve.

“In the past I’ve given support primarily through a sense of civic duty, but now I’m keenly aware that it also makes sound business sense. Instructions and objectives are expressed with clarity; plans and outcomes are agreed and people get on with the job in hand: no faffing. Again, that’s highly valuable in business.”

The operation involved Mark building and protecting a bulk fuel installation in a Danish forest, which is a far cry from his day job. However, he balances both careers successfully, and was happy to showcase his role in the Army