Royal Navy Veteran Encourages Young People to Consider Joining the Armed Forces
Tymoor Nabil, a 46-year-old Royal Navy veteran from Swansea, is calling on more young people to consider joining the Armed Forces. Nabil, who served as a warfare specialist and assisted with English-Arabic translation during his 14 years of service, credits the Navy for giving him “discipline, independence and values that civilian life never could.”
After being medically discharged from the Navy, Nabil struggled to find stable employment. However, with the help of a grant from The RNBT (The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust), he was able to purchase essential tools and equipment to launch his own business, Swans Bay Painting & Decorating & Cleaning, and rebuild his life.
Today, Nabil is thriving as a self-employed tradesman and attributes his success to the mindset he learned in the Royal Navy. He encourages young people to seriously consider joining the Armed Forces, stating, “You learn discipline you’ll never learn from mum and dad or school. It gives you pride in being independent. It makes you the person you couldn’t be in civilian life. Respect, work ethic, morals, time management, attention to detail — you learn far more of that in the Armed Forces than anywhere else.”
Nabil also acknowledges the support he received from The RNBT, stating that it played a crucial part in helping him start his own successful small business. “Starting a business is tough, especially when you leave the Forces, but their support coupled with the discipline and time management I’d learned during my time serving, made it possible.”
But Nabil isn’t just rebuilding his own life, he’s also passing on his knowledge and skills to others. He is currently mentoring 22-year-old apprentice Shane, teaching him not just how to paint and decorate, but also how to manage and conduct himself. Nabil explains, “The Navy gave me the foundations for the business I run today. It teaches you to be part of something bigger than yourself.”
The RNBT is an organization that supports serving and former Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their families. They provide advice and financial assistance to those facing hardship or needing help to rebuild their lives. Debbie Dollner, CEO of The RNBT, said, “Many veterans leave the service with incredible skills, but the transition into civilian life can be challenging — especially when trying to start a business or return to the workplace. We’re proud to have supported Tymoor on his journey and proud of all our beneficiaries who continue to contribute so much to their communities after service.”
For more information on The RNBT or to apply for support, visit rnbt.org.uk.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.