The Milspo Life Blog
Milspo Awarded Grant from The Veterans’ Foundation
The Milspo Network CIC team is absolutely thrilled and incredibly grateful to announce a generous grant award from the Veterans' Foundation! This significant funding is a fantastic endorsement of our mission and will allow us to expand our support for the Armed Forces family. The Veterans' Foundation is a brilliant organisation, rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing military charities in the UK, dedicated to helping those who have served and their dependants. They raise funds through the Veterans' Lottery and donations, which, since 2016, has provided over £11 million in grants to hundreds of deserving organisations. As Major General [...]
Deck the Halls & Boost Your Sales: The Military Spouse’ Business Guide to Christmas
I know what you’re thinking, “Halloween is barely over Jess! We’re still eating Halloween sweets!!”, but dearest reader, Christmas is just around the corner! And while it's a season of joy and family, it can also be a whirlwind for us juggling business dreams with that military life. But fear not, because you can absolutely make the most of this festive period and thrive with your small business. Planning is Power: Let's face it, time is a precious commodity especially with the additional juggle of ‘their’ endless work Christmas parties, and SO many hangovers to contend with. So, the first [...]
How to Run your Milspo Business through the 2025 Christmas Holidays
It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year! I completely LOVE Christmas. It’s my favourite thing! But I think after a busy year of uncertainty we are all really looking forward to the New Year, and of course a little break over December. It’s usually a crazy time for my family. Not only has my husband spent the last few years on call for the RAF (you’d be surprised how much happens on Christmas Day!) I am still working on my business and taking the usual trips back to our respective parental homes whilst making sure that my two [...]
077 : From RAF Veteran to Neuro-Inclusion Advocate with Ria Jackson
Welcome to another inspiring episode of The InDependent Spouse Podcast! In this episode, your host Jess Sands sits down with the phenomenal Ria Jackson, an RAF veteran, founder of "The V Word," and CEO of Inclusive Minds UK. Join us as Ria shares her extraordinary journey of self-discovery and resilience, and learn about her mission to champion neuro-inclusion. Episode Highlights: A "Squiggly Career" in the RAF: Ria shares her 12-year journey in the military, starting as a mover and ultimately pivoting to become an avionic engineer on Typhoons. She discusses how her diverse experiences in the forces, including extensive [...]
073: Military Spouse Success: Finding “Enough” & Thriving in Chaos with Dr. Katharine McAleese
This week on The InDependent Spouse, host Jess Sands welcomes the inspiring Dr. Kathrine McAleese for a deeply insightful conversation about navigating the demands of modern military life while striving for personal and professional fulfillment. This episode is a must-listen for any military spouse seeking to find success on their own terms and reclaim their joy amidst the beautiful chaos of armed forces life. Dr. Kathrine McAleese, a psychotherapist and sociologist by background, specializes in helping high-achievers find a "deliciously satisfying life" that prioritises what's actually important, not just what's expected. She shares her unique perspective on finding your [...]
How To Run Your Business Through A Military Posting
Navigating military life while building a business can feel like a constant battle, can't it? As a seasoned military spouse, I know first-hand the unique challenges that come with postings, married quarters, and the unpredictable nature of service life. But what if I told you that your business doesn't just have to survive these moves, but can actually thrive? This is exactly why I founded the Milspo, a supportive community designed to empower military spouses and partners like you to create sustainable, location-independent businesses. In this blog post, we'll dive into actionable strategies and tried-and-tested tips for seamlessly [...]
Military Spouses are NOT “Standard Issue”
Have you seen the latest trend? People are asking AI to create images of a toy version of their job. It's a fun concept, but it got me thinking... what would a toy version of a military spouse look like? The truth is, it's an impossible task. Because if there's one thing we are not, it's "standard issue". Think about our lives for a moment. We're juggling so much! You might be balancing family life, frequent moves, and trying to grow a business. You might be launching your dream business while adapting to new locations. And for some of us [...]
Update: Running your Business from Home – SFA, SSFA, Rented Accommodation and Your Home
SFA and SSFA After the temporary pausing of applications for the Business from Home (BfH) applications are reopen. https://www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/in-home-requests/ Please send completed forms to [email protected], or alternatively completed forms can be posted to Pinnacle Service Families, 2nd Floor, Aviation house, Windward Drive, Speke, Liverpool, L24 8QR. I recommend reading the Annex A– List of Statutory Consents when applying. You may need separate insurance to run a business from your SFA. You’ll also need to check if you will need to pay business rates. To run a business from your SFA, you may need permission from your local council - for example, if [...]
The Accidental Entrepreneur: How Military Life Redefined My Career
This year’s International Women’s Day is on the 8th March, and I’ll be celebrating, along with fellow spouses, female Veterans, and widows aboard HMSBelfast, London at ‘The Female Voice’ event. I’ve also been asked to speak - something that I love to do. But, I haven’t always felt this confident in business, in fact for a little while there I was completely lost in this challenging military life that I now find myself in. Here’s my story… Female entrepreneurship isn’t a new thing, but the amount of female-run businesses that are achieving amazing things is growing and I love it! [...]
Military Life & Business Goals: Finding Your Focus Amidst the Chaos
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” – Henry Ford. Famously known for being the founder of the Ford Motor Company, an American industrialist, business magnate and chief developer of the assembly line technique of mass production Feeling stuck in a rut and not sure what to do next in your business? You're not alone! Many military spouses look for the freedom and flexibility of running our own businesses, but the challenges of military life can often feel overwhelming, and can sometimes stunt us from achieving just what we want. Whether you're a [...]
Tackle Imposter Syndrome as a Military Spouse in Business – for good!
Do you ever feel like a fraud, like you're not good enough to be running your own business? You're not alone. Many military spouses in business experience imposter syndrome, that nagging feeling that you're not as competent as others think you are. But the truth is, you're more capable than you think. In this blog post, we'll explore what imposter syndrome is, why military spouses are particularly susceptible to it, and how to overcome it. You'll learn practical strategies to silence your inner critic and step into your power as a confident business owner. I get it - Imposter syndrome [...]
Are You Ready To Start Your Own Military Posting-Proof Business?
Starting a business as a military spouse? Discover how to create a portable business that thrives amidst the demands of military life. Learn if you're ready to launch a military-spouse-owned business and overcome the challenges of frequent moves and deployments. As a military spouse I know that in the past my career has been put on the back-burner. I made the choice to follow my husband and his demanding job as he was posted with his work with the RAF. With deployments, tours, detachments, frequent postings and growing families it can be difficult to keep your career on track as [...]
An Introduction to The Milspo Network
Military life can sometimes be a bit lonely, can’t it? Add running your own business into the equation, and there’s a chance that you will be feeling even more isolated than ever! Thankfully, there’s a growing online community, online, stuffed full of amazing Milspo business owners who always have your back. The Milspo Business Network is a community of over 1,400 entrepreneurial partners of UK personnel who connect, mentor and help others to build posting-proof businesses that can survive this crazy military life. The network has grown massively in the last eight years, from a simple podcast to a complete [...]
069 : Jess Sands – Building a Business Around the Juggle of Armed Forces Family Life
Emma Gray hosts this very special episode blending business and military life, sharing Jess' journey as a business owner, military spouse, and new mum. Jess Sands founded the Milspo Network CIC in 2018 to support military spouses in business, offering networking, training, and community - but, it's been far from a smooth ride. Get to know Jess and why Milspo exists by listening to this unique episode of The InDependent Spouse podcast. Emma Gray is a Widow, mother and solicitor (non-practicing), now helping others as an adulting coach, trainee counsellor and grief expert. Find her here https://www.rainbowhunting.co.uk/ The InDependent [...]
066: Helen Willamson – Financial Planner, Veteran & Milspo
Jess Sands, a business owner and military spouse, hosts the Independent Spouse Podcast, offering support to business-owning military spouses. In a recent episode, she interviewed Helen Williamson, a financial planner and ex-RAF veteran, emphasising the importance of financial planning for military spouses and self-employed individuals. Helen shares her journey of retraining as a financial planner after leaving the Air Force and advocates for more awareness of parental leave policies and flexibility in the military. The episode highlights the impact of military background on career choices and encourages women to take control of their finances. You can find Helen right [...]
The Milspo Network Recieves a Prime Ministers Points of Light Award
UK Points of Light Points of Light are outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their community. Every week day the Prime Minister recognises an inspirational volunteer with the daily Points of Light award. First established by President George H. W. Bush in 1990, over 7,000 US daily Points of Light have been recognised through the USA programme. UK Points of Light was developed in partnership with the US programme and launched in the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street in April 2014. Since then, hundreds of people have been named Points of Light by the [...]
Milspo founder, Jess Sands, named as a Telegraph NatWest 100 Female Entrepreneur to Watch
Milspo Network (Milspo) founder Jess Sands is showcased by The Telegraph and NatWest on their 100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch list. The list shines a spotlight on some of the most exciting businesses in the UK and includes The Milspo Network, a social enterprise that helps all armed forces, military spouses, partners and other-halves (SPO) to build their own sustainable businesses. Founded by Jess Sands in 2018, Milspo offers inspiration, business advice and peer-to-peer support to armed forces partners worldwide. Today, the network has over 1,300 members and continues to develop and expand. Its goal remains to alleviate the [...]
060 : Nicola Swann – Made With Mud
Hello you lovely lot, today I am chatting to the fab Nicola from Made with Mud. Nicola has a fascinating story about her business and how social media has both helped and hindered her business in the most dramatic way. But first, a little mention of the sponsors of this series – the RBL. After 100 years of supporting the Armed Forces community, the Royal British Legion understands and recognises the challenges faced by serving people and their families. That’s why they’re still here to support us in any way they can. From financial support to housing advice, [...]
059 : Carrie Moss – Networking with the Military Matchmaker
Hello, you wonderful lot, today’s podcast is all about the power of networking, and it’s great to be able to share with you the interview that I did with the fantastic Carrie Moss from the Military Matchmaker. But, before we get stuck in a little message from the RBL, who sponsor this series. The Royal British Legion offers all members of our Armed Forces community support. But we also understand that sometimes what’s needed is just a bit of advice. So whether it’s recommending specialised services, advice on housing, finances, or employment, they’ve got your back. Head to www.britishlegion.org.uk [...]
058 : Caroline Hocking, Mona Accountancy Services
If you’re a business owner, you’ll know that as soon as we get past Halloween, there’s another scary event on the horizon – tax season! Luckily, I know the most fantastic accountant, who also happens to be a military spouse, and Milspo Ambassador – and that’s who I am talking to today. My guest today, Caroline Hocking, is an expert in all things tax and HMRC, so it gives me great joy to be able to bring you this episode today, just as we start creeping towards that January HMRC deadline. But, don’t worry – this episode may [...]
055 : Eleanor Tweddell: Why Losing Your Job Could be the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You
Happy Friday you wonderful lot, I hope you’re keeping well and enjoying this new series of The InDependent Spouse. This entire series has been sponsored by the Royal British Legion, who are gearing up for their busiest time of year. The Royal British Legion have been the national champions of Remembrance for 100 years , but they are about much more than just poppies. They’re here 365 days a year to support us and our families. Whether it’s helping to ease the transition for your family into civilian life with finance and employment advice from their teams of [...]
054 : Kelly Farr – YourNorth
Hello you wonderful lot, welcome to a new episode of the InDependent Spouse. This week I have been talking to founder of YourNorth, and RAF Veteran Kelly Farr. Before we get stuck in to the episode I should tell you about the wonderful sponsors of this series – the RBL. The Royal British Legion offer all members of our Armed Forces community support. But they also understand that sometimes what’s needed is just a bit of advice. Whether it’s recommending specialised services, advise on housing, finances or employment, they’ve got your back. Just search for the Royal British Legion [...]
040 : Sarah Walker – Supporting The Unsung Hero
Today I've been talking to the wonderful Sarah Walker from the free Supporting the Unsung Hero Business Start-Up course. The course is open to all members of the Armed Forces Community and gives easily digestible business advice to help you start your business.
‘The Milspo Business Network supports military partners during Covid-19 outbreak’ – PRESS
Original Article from Blasting News - 15th May 2020 Original Article Milspo Business Network is a community organisation that supports the partners and spouses of Military personal to achieve their business goals. It was created by RAF wife and Graphic Designer Jess Sands, who after her frequent house moves due to her husband's career in the forces, had to quit her dream job. Employers in her sector were reluctant to employ military partners due to the uncertainty of relocations. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the hive mind has evolved into much more than a business network; it is a lifeline to many partners who [...]