Since 1922, The Poppy Factory (originally called the Disabled Society) has been employing wounded, sick and injured ex-Service personnel in its Factory. Major George Howson MC, who served on the Western Front, set up ‘The Disabled Society’ in 1922 in the Old Kent Road with the sole purpose of producing poppies, with the workforce being severely wounded veterans from WW1. In 1925, The Poppy Factory moved to Richmond, Surrey and there it continues to make poppies, remembrance crosses, sprays and wreaths for The Royal British Legion’s annual Appeal and Remembrance Day. The Poppy Factory is also responsible for planting and hosting The Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey.

Over the past few years, The Poppy Factory has been piloting a supported employment scheme and has successfully placed more than 80 veterans of all ages in jobs beyond the Factory, all around the UK. Finding and matching employers with clients, in many cases The Poppy Factory part-funds their client's first year’s salary, to allow for a period of flexibility and enhanced training and development.

In June 2011, The Poppy Factory announced its plans to help 500 wounded, injured or sick ex-Service men and women into mainstream employment over the next 5 years.