Key Results AT A glance
Multiple-year investments in Ice Cream Vans to support troops and families
Vehicles deployed across the UK and internationally, including Germany and Cyprus
High-spec vans built on Mercedes Sprinter chassis for durability and reliability
Distinctive military camouflage design to integrate seamlessly on bases
Used at homecomings and morale-boosting events for service personnel and their families
“ Whitby Morrison has been a fantastic partner for BFBS over the last 16 years. Working with Stuart, Ed, Kris and Antonio, who regularly go more than the extra mile at times, has allowed us to bring something special to our events for the armed forces community with, up to now, over half a million free ice cream cones dispensed. The vans are reliable, easy to operate and play a big part in creating a welcoming, positive atmosphere at homecomings, family days and forces based special events ”
Chris Pratt
General Manager, Ice Cream Ops
CLIENT OVERVIEW
BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) provides entertainment, news and support services to members of the British Armed Forces and their families around the world.
Alongside broadcasting, BFBS also helps organise events that bring communities together and boosts morale for service personnel, particularly during deployments, homecomings and family celebrations.
As part of this mission, BFBS looked for a unique way to create moments of joy and connection for troops and their families.
THE CHALLENGE
Military life often involves long deployments and time spent away from home. When troops return, families gather at bases for special events, so creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere is incredibly important.
BFBS wanted a way to deliver something simple but meaningful, a familiar British treat that could bring people together and lift spirits.
The solution needed to be:
- Reliable and durable enough to travel between military bases
- Suitable for both UK and international deployments
- Designed in a way that felt at home within a military environment
The Beginning of the Partnership
The relationship began through an unexpected connection.
During Sport Relief, comedian Eddie Izzard famously ran 43 marathons in 51 days to raise money for charity. Throughout the challenge, a Whitby Morrison ice cream van followed the same route, serving ice cream in exchange for donations from supporters.
Through the connections formed during this event, BFBS discovered the huge potential of using mobile units as part of their own events and outreach activities.
This led to a partnership with Whitby Morrison in producing specialised ice cream vans designed specifically for military use.
THE SOLUTION
Whitby Morrison worked with BFBS to design vehicles capable of supporting events across military bases both in the UK and overseas.
A Specialised Fleet
Today, BFBS operates the very latest of 10 vans built, utilising high-spec models such as the Mondial Lusso.
The vehicles have been built on Mercedes Sprinter chassis, chosen for their durability, reliability and ability to travel long distances between bases and events.
More recent vehicles have also incorporated modern emission-free technology, ensuring the fleet remains future-ready.
Designed for the Military Environment
To reflect their unique role, the vehicles feature a distinctive military camouflage vinyl wrap.
This allows the vans to sit naturally alongside other vehicles on base while still delivering the fun and familiar atmosphere of a traditional ice cream van.
Supporting Troops Around the World
The BFBS fleet travels widely to support military communities.
The vans regularly visit barracks across the UK, as well as overseas bases in locations such as Germany and Cyprus.
They are often used at:
Homecoming events welcoming troops back from deployment
Family days on military bases
Community events supporting service personnel
At these moments, something as simple as an ice cream can help create a warm, celebratory atmosphere for troops and their families.
