Meet The Judges 

Our Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners of each category have been chosen by our Independent Judging Panel. The Judging panels names and profiles are all below. No Judges took part in judging of any categories they have affiliations or close relationships with or shortlisted finalists that are known to them on a personal level, full disclosure was carried out at the start of the panel and Judges were spilt into separate pods to ensure fairness to all shortlisted finalists.

Our Shortlisted  finalists were filmed in the fantastic Location Maindy Barracks on the 9th June. These videos will then be used on our extensive media campaign and will also be played on the evening itself, on this day they also received their finalist certificates and got to network with other finalists on this positive afternoon for our community.

All our Shortlisted Finalists / Supporters have the opportunity to secure your tickets between  28th May – 20th June.

All money above costs from our awards will put back into our  Veteran community via our small grants scheme for small grass routes Charitable organisations that support our Veteran Community and with a turnover of under 100k PA. 

Jennifer Smith Biography – Service Delivery Manager – Thales Wales, Cyber Digital Solutions (CDS) UK

Jennifer Smith is a Service Delivery Manager at Thales Ebbw Vale, known for her exceptional leadership in delivering complex projects and services to the highest standards. With a sharp focus on customer satisfaction, Jennifer oversees the entire lifecycle of assigned projects from initial requirement capture and planning through to completion, ensuring that delivery is achieved on time, within budget, and to exacting quality benchmarks.

Jennifer Smith is delighted to support the Welsh Veteran Awards, as she believes passionately in recognising and celebrating the contributions of veterans across Wales. As someone who values teamwork, leadership, and dedication. Jennifer finds deep inspiration in the stories and achievements of veterans who have continued to make a difference in their communities and workplaces.

 

 

Phillip Morgan – Sales Operations Manager for Bridgend Audi, part of the Sinclair Group

I am the Sales Operations Manager for Bridgend Audi, part of the Sinclair Group. I have been at Bridgend Audi for some 22 years, previously working with other brands within the motor trade sector following my 7year regular service and 5years Reserve in the HM forces (Army). I have also been involved with a local Veterans Hub, playing an active part and with Bridgend Audi supporting them with events and helping the Local Veterans, when I’m not doing that, I have 5 Grandchildren so they keep me busy!

Sinclair group are celebrating their 80^th Year a significant milestone. For 80 years, we’ve proudly represented some of the most prestigious automotive brands in the World. As a family-run business, our success is built on trust, exceptional service, and strong connections with our people and customers. We have a lasting commitment to relationships and excellence in everything we do. We take extreme pride in our position within the community and see supporting the Veteran’s Awards as a great union for us.

Bridgend Audi was first involved with the Veterans Awards in 2020, I was privileged to be asked to present at the 2022 awards and have been truly inspired by the outstanding efforts and contributions of everyone involved. To see some of the endeavours and accomplishments of the ex-service personnel is remarkable. I am really excited to be participating in the judging panel this year and meeting and learning about the 2025 finalists.

 

 

Nikolai Llewellyn  – Solicitor, Hugh James

Nikolai is a solicitor within the military department at Hugh James, where they specialise in supporting current and former military personnel with a wide range of service-related health conditions and injuries. Their legal work places a particular focus on occupational disease, including noise-induced hearing loss, non-freezing cold injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Driven by a deep admiration for the armed forces, Nikolai brings both professional expertise and personal respect to every case. Growing up inspired by the courage and resilience of military heroes—ranging from the defenders of Rorke’s Drift and the Zulu warriors to the quiet leadership of Captain Dick Winters and Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment—Nikolai developed a lasting appreciation for those who have served. A lifelong fascination with military aviation, especially the B-17 Flying Fortress and the iconic Lancaster bomber, has further shaped their perspective on the profound sacrifices made by generations of servicemen and women.

In his role at Hugh James, Nikolai is proud to stand alongside those who have served, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected. Their work is grounded in a daily reminder of the strength, dedication, and quiet resolve of the armed forces community.

Outside of the office, Nikolai has demonstrated his personal commitment to military causes by raising funds for charities, including completing the renowned Fan Dance—an SAS selection test—within the required time parameters.

With a steadfast respect for those who have worn and continue to wear the uniform, Nikolai is honoured to contribute to events that recognise the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces, past and present.

 

Gwenllian Evans – Hugh James Solicitors

Gwenllian is a specialist solicitor within the Military Department at Hugh James, providing support and legal advice to former and serving military personnel, with a particular focus on assisting clients who have suffered with cold injuries.

Through her work, Gwenllian is committed to supporting soldiers and veterans. Hugh James has proudly supported the Veterans Awards since 2019, and Gwenllian is honoured to be part of an initiative that celebrates the outstanding achievements, resilience and contributions of the military community.

Outside of her legal work, Gwenllian has taken part in a number of firm initiatives and charity walks, helping to raise funds for military charities including ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and The Royal British Legion.

George McVey-Hugh James Solicitors

I am a solicitor in the Military Department at Hugh James, where I work with serving personnel, veterans and their families in relation to a range of service-related legal matters.

My connection to the military community is both professional and personal. Both of my parents served as Majors in the British Army, in the Adjutant General’s Corps and the Royal Logistic Corps. Growing up with that close connection to military life gave me a strong appreciation of the commitment, resilience and sacrifice shown by service personnel, veterans and their families.

Through my work at Hugh James, I am proud to support those who have served and to help ensure that their voices are heard and their rights protected. It is a privilege to work with the Armed Forces community and to play a part in recognising the contribution they continue to make beyond their military service.

I am honoured to join the judging panel for the Welsh Veterans Awards and look forward to hearing the stories of this year’s finalists, celebrating their achievements, and recognising the positive impact veterans continue to have across Wales.

Gintare Sauksciute – Hugh James Solicitors

I am a solicitor within the Military Department at Hugh James, specialising in legal work for members of the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel and veterans.

My work includes assisting clients affected by occupational illnesses and conditions linked to military service, with particular experience in cases involving noise-induced hearing loss, non-freezing cold injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

I have deep respect for those who have served, and those who continue to serve, in the Armed Forces. I am proud to support initiatives and events that recognise the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices of military personnel, both past and present.

Nerys Clement – Hugh James Solicitors

Nerys is a Solicitor within the Military Department at Hugh James which represents thousands of soldiers and veterans in a wide range of legal issues and claims against the Ministry of Defence, Nerys has specialised in noise induced hearing loss claims against the MoD since 2019 and now also caries out some non-freezing cold injury work.  

 Outside of the office, Nerys is a fitness enthusiast who has utilised her passion to raise funds for various military charities, including taking part in the Cateran Yomp to raise funds for the Army Benevolent Fund.

 Having attended numerous Veterans Awards over the years, Nerys is proud to have been invited to join this year’s Welsh Veterans Awards judging panel and play a small role in honouring the achievements of our veterans.

Sarah Vaughan – Service Delivery Manager at Thales

A Service Delivery Manager at Thales UK, known for her strong leadership and sound decision-making qualities. Sarah’s excellent interpersonal and communication skills enable her to build strong relationships with project teams, customers, and suppliers alike, supporting effective external partnerships.

Sarah takes immense pride in supporting the Welsh Veteran Awards on behalf of Thales UK, recognising the profound importance of honouring those who have served in the armed forces. Thales’s commitment to supporting veterans reflects the company’s deep respect for the dedication, sacrifice, and skills that veterans bring to both community and industry.

Matthew Hale – Hugh James Solicitors

Matt is a solicitor in the Military Department at Hugh James, based in Cardiff. He specialises in acting for current and former military personnel, with a focus on individuals who suffer with noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus as result of their service.

Matt also assists clients with obtaining compensation through the War Pension Scheme and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and has represented individuals at First-Tier Tribunals.

Matt is a keen fundraiser for the veteran community and has run the London Marathon, as well as other half marathons for military charities. Having attended the Welsh Veterans Awards on several occasions in the past, Matt is honoured to be part of this year’s judging panel and grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the fantastic individuals who have been nominated.

Annie Martin, Group Marketing Manager at Pinnacle Complete Office Solutions

 Having worked at Pinnacle for over 9 years, I am honoured to of had the opportunity to be involved with many serving and ex-Military personnel, from charity events, training and being awarded both the Bronze and Silver Covenant status. Having attended the Veterans Awards and listened to the fantastic achievements of our former Military, I am privileged to form part of this year’s upcoming judging panel and look forward to hearing the fantastic stories and accomplishments of those involved.