About Us

NAAFI is growing its team in Darlington, bringing fresh opportunities for ambitious and customer-focused people. But what does NAAFI actually do? Even if you already have some idea of what's behind this £100m turnover business, the scale of its operations may well come as a surprise. NAAFI, since its beginning in 1921, has taken the role of actively supporting Britain's Armed Forces right across the world, something which they continue today; from Germany to Afghanistan, from Iraq to Gibraltar. As an integral part of forces life, NAAFI stores, restaurants, bars and coffee shops offer the best brands and a real British experience for the men and women who bravely represent our country; home and abroad.

A developing business

Right now NAAFI is positioning its support service functions together under one roof in Darlington, with the primary goal being to drive a more efficient operation that will meet the fast changing needs of the Military Community. Recent developments include the launch of 'Heroes Bar' in Gibraltar, a bar aimed for those in the junior ranks who can view key sporting events on large plasma TV screens and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and great company. As well as being an ideal location to support their favourite team, it is also the perfect venue to have a bite to eat! Another example is the construction of a new 'NAAFI Max' supermarket store in Gütersloh, Germany. This 21st Century store offers improved and extended ranges; from fragrances, cosmetics and magazine titles, to the latest Bose audio range; all coming together to offer its consumers a real taste of home.

This year has also seen the extension of the 'Pay as you Dine' (PAYD) scheme, an initiative which has been designed so that a meal charge will no longer be taken from soldiers pay. Instead they will pay only for the meals they choose to eat, wherever they choose to eat them, allowing soldiers control over their budget. PAYD has been implemented in NAAFI's 'JB's' restaurants in various locations across Germany. Lynne Waite, NAAFI's Head of PAYD comments: “NAAFI is increasing and improving the facilities available to its consumers to ensure service personnel get to eat where they want and when they want.”

NAAFI is also very proud of EFI (Expeditionary Forces Institute), its own in-house division of the Territorial Army. This unique division provides essential welfare services alongside its customers in active theatre; including both Afghanistan and Iraq. Our people are with the Armed Forces every step of the way.