THE founder of a property management company helping ex-servicemen and women find work on ‘civvy street’ is to become a social enterprise ambassador.

Richard Tucker will represent the North-East for X-Forces, which helps nurture entrepreneurship in the military community.

Mr Tucker, who was previously awarded an MBE for services to business and the local community, set up AAA Property (North-East) after leaving the RAF.

Initially concentrating on property management and student accommodation in Durham City, the company has since extended into Scotland and North Yorkshire.

And, following a new deal with Teesside-based Snaith Signs, an estate agency board erection services company, the business has big plans to extend its services across the country.

Mr Tucker, who spent nearly 20 years in the RAF and saw action in the first Gulf War, already works closely with X-Forces, which has helped launch more than 1,000 new businesses since its founding in 2013, and has now approached him to play a key role in future work.

He said: “It’s a great honour to be asked to become an X-Forces ambassador; our organisations have worked very closely for the past couple of years.

“X-Forces helped open doors for my company – giving me the chance to see what a power for good it could be at first hand.

“I see it as a fantastic opportunity to help other ex-services personnel by giving them the benefit of my experience in setting up a new business.

“It also gives us a chance to promote the things we have done thus far as a company.”

X-Forces will mark the start of its fourth birthday celebrations with a North-East networking event due to be held at HMS Calliope, the Royal Naval reserve centre in Gateshead, on Wednesday, October 4.

The event will be used to introduce Mr Tucker as a regional ambassador, honour supporters and present awards to firms recognised through the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

Mr Tucker’s company already holds ERS bronze accreditation, given for its status as being open to employing reservists, veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses or partners.

He said he was looking forward to helping fellow entrepreneurs find a route to market and advising existing businesses on how to grow.

Mr Tucker, who runs the firm with daughter Alison, added: “It’s more than just a job.

“We provide emotional and spiritual care for all our employees and it’s great to be doing something to help fellow veterans through X-Forces.”