Yorkshire-based manufacturer ACS Stainless Steel Fixings, with the support of national logistics operator DX Group, today launches its fifth annual Steel Soldiers Remembrance campaign – with a poignant new silhouette inspired by Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Leeds schoolgirl Elizabeth Harrison.
Continuing the tradition of honouring service and sacrifice, the 2025 design commemorates Queen Elizabeth II’s wartime role as a mechanic in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. The campaign once again supports the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) – the national charity of the British Army. For a donation, communities across the UK can receive a steel silhouette of the Queen, created in her WWII likeness; the statues will be delivered by DX Group, with proceeds directly supporting soldiers, veterans, and their families.
Queen Elizabeth II succeeded her father Patron of the Army Benevolent Fund in 1953 and supported the Army’s national charity throughout her reign.
Barney Barnbrook, Regional Director, North East and Yorkshire, Army Benevolent Fund, says: “The Steel Soldiers campaign is incredibly important to the Army Benevolent Fund, which is the Army’s national charity, here for soldiers, veterans, and their families, for life. Last year, we supported over 80,000 people in 52 countries through our grants to individuals and funding for 93 other organisations which provide specialist support to members of the Army family.
“It is wonderful to see this campaign evolve, with a truly poignant design that resonates with our audience. We’re enormously grateful to ACS, DX Group, and all those involved for helping us meet that need – and for helping to keep alive the spirit of service that Her Late Majesty embodied.”
The winning silhouette was created by Elizabeth Harrison, a talented student from Leeds who entered the ACS design competition. Her thoughtful portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II reflects the campaign’s 2025 theme: Service. Sacrifice. Legacy.
The design was unveiled this week at Catterick Garrison, in the presence of representatives from ACS, the ABF, and logistics partner DX Group, which will deliver the silhouettes nationwide for the third consecutive year.
David Flannery, Managing Director at ACS, said:
“This year’s design is especially meaningful. A tribute from one Elizabeth to another, it captures the intergenerational spirit of service that defines this country. Our Steel Soldiers campaign started as a simple idea and has grown into a powerful annual tradition that brings communities together and honours the Armed Forces in a unique way.
“We’re proud to once again support the Army Benevolent Fund and deeply grateful to everyone – including our brilliant young designer – who makes this possible.”
Nicola Walker, Regional Sales Manager at DX Group, added: “It was an honour to deliver these symbols of remembrance across the UK last year, and we’re proud to support ACS again this year. This campaign reaches the nation raising awareness to aid the continual support ABF provide veterans and their families, and we’re pleased to play our part in keeping its message moving.”
Since launching in 2021, ACS has produced over 780 steel soldiers, distributing them to towns and villages across the UK. Last year alone, the campaign raised £7,000 for the ABF. Silhouettes are available in four sizes – 150mm, 310mm, 600mm, and 1500mm – and can be ordered online until Wednesday 5th November 2025.
ACS is welcoming orders from communities, churches, schools, and individuals. A suggested donation will apply to most orders, with several non-contributory silhouettes available for those on low incomes, as well as educational and community groups.
In addition to the Steel Soldiers campaign, ACS is a long-standing supporter of the Armed Forces community. Having signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2021, the company guarantees a face-to-face interview for any applicant with UK military service – helping veterans transition into civilian employment.
ACS Stainless Steel Fixings is one of the UK’s leading designers and manufacturers of structural building components, supplying wall ties, windposts, masonry support and brick slip systems to the construction industry. The 117-strong team operates from a state-of-the-art facility in Yorkshire, exporting high-quality, British-made solutions across the UK and beyond.
Find out more about this year’s campaign visit https://acsstainless.co.uk/blog/steel-soldiers-2025/
