Jason Davies, Head of Capability Growth & Business Development, CXC Group.

Jason is a Royal Navy veteran having served for 28 years within the Defence Medical Services. Operational experiences include Iraq, Afghanistan and leading a multidisciplinary healthcare team providing humanitarian support for the United Nations in South Sudan

For the last 5 years since leaving the Royal Navy, Jason has enjoyed working within the independent healthcare sector delivering transformation, leadership, management and regulatory programs. Now firmly back within the veteran community with CXC, Jason’s current role sees him responsible for identifying new talent, business opportunities, fostering strategic partnerships, and developing capability growth across the organization.

This is my first time on the judging panel and I am really looking forward to representing CXC in recognising the diverse talents and amazing achievements of my fellow veterans.

Sharon Hughes – Event Executive – Army Benevolent Fund

 The Army Benevolent Fund, the Army’s National Charity, supporting Soldiers, Veterans, and their families for life. I am the Events Executive for the Southeast Region, I work with a great team based in the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.  My role is to plan and deliver fundraising events, this year we have raised funds for the charity, holding successful events at Windsor Castle, Royal Ascot, and the Pyrenees to mention a few.

I am excited to be invited to be part of the judging panel, good luck to all the candidates.

Angela Windsor, Founder of Print Inc Embroidery & Print and Tarw Sports

I am the MD and Founder of Print Inc Embroidery & Print and Tarw Sports, based in Wales.  Print Inc are specialists within the embroidery industry and supply branded clothing, workwear and uniform to companies and the Military across the UK and Ireland.  Tarw Sports specialises within the sports industry and supplies bespoke sports kit such as Rugby/ Football/ Netball to Triathlon kits to various teams and clubs from grass roots to professional levels in the community and Military.

Having worked and been personally linked to the Military for several years, I am extremely passionate about supporting the welfare of our veterans and  their families in the community.  As a company and individually we actively participate in fund raising events and awareness raising, this year and Abseil with the ABF Solders Charity.  I also founded the Shoe Box Appeal for Veterans and their families, which we will run again this Christmas after a very successful first year launch.

The Veteran Awards are such an important event in our annual calendar, and recognising the inspirational work and efforts of our Veterans who have gone above and beyond is such a privilege to be a part of.

Emily Matthews – Army Benevolent Fund

I am the Engagement Officer of the Army Benevolent Fund, South East Office. I have the privilege of working with the Army, our County Committees, and supporters as we fundraise, organise events,  and bring Charity awareness to the region.  The ABF stands at the forefront of support for the Army family, being one of the largest funders in the sector. Last year we helped 75,000 people in 51 countries around the world. I am very proud to support soldiers, veterans, and their families for life.

It has been a pleasure to be on the judging panel for this year’s awards. To be part of a process that recognises the significant role veterans play in the community and business is an honour.  I am grateful to be able to play a part in acknowledging the sacrifice, commitment, and contribution so many wonderful people have made to our society.

Peter Lewis – Leader Connect 

Through my work alongside Leader-Connect, I am passionate about giving back to the veteran community and supporting fellow service members. After transitioning from my role as an Army officer (ex-REME) to a diverse career in coaching, leadership training, and entrepreneurship, I’ve made it my mission to empower others through real-world experience and no-nonsense guidance. My work, including authoring the book ‘Operation Civvy Street’ and creating the online ‘Military Mentor Programme’, is driven by a deep commitment to helping veterans navigate their post-military careers and thrive in civilian life. It’s an honour to serve as a judge for the Veterans Awards, where I can continue to support the Armed Forces community and play my small part in their journey.

Colin Robertson  –  Securitas      

Colin is a Royal Airforce Veteran.  Colin has over 30 years’ experience in the Retail and Distribution Industry. This has allowed him to live, work and travel all over the UK and Ireland

After early Retirement Colin, joined the security industry 10 years ago and is currently an alarm monitoring agent in the Securitas Operations Centre despatching the Emergency Services when required.

Colin is also A belonging Champion actively promoting a Diverse, Supportive and Inclusive workplace Culture within Securitas delivering our belonging programme across sites and is also a member of the Securitas Veteran’s group, with specific responsibility as the Chair of the Securitas Conscious Carers Network Group supporting the unpaid carers within the company offering a safe and supportive space to the 1 in 7 people who undertake unpaid care to family and Friends.

Colin maintains his military ties as a member of the Royal Naval Association actively supporting charity events to Raise monies for our 2 nominated Charities.  Hounds for Heroes and 101 Navel cadet Group.

Colin is looking forward to being on the judging panel for the 2024 English Veterans Awards.

Sue Dorney MCTHA, Strongmind Resiliency Training 

Sue is a British Army veteran, where she served as an Experimental Assistant in Gunnery. She is the Co-founder and Director of Strongmind Resiliency training with over 30 years of experience in business administration and project management. During the first Gulf War in 1991 she was an Assistant Casualty Visiting Officer. Making her very familiar with the stresses experienced by people particularly those in public services.

Sue is really looking forward to meeting all the inspirational people at the Veterans Awards night!

Lucy Johnson, Chief Executive, Army Flying Museum

Lucy Johnson is the Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire. The Army Flying Museum tells the story of the British Army in the air, from the early days of the Royal Flying Corps through the Glider Pilot Regiment and Air Observation Post to the modern Army Air Corps we have today. This year saw the Museum permanently display the first Apache AH-Mk.1 helicopter in Europe to complete the story of the development of the attack helicopter.

 The Army Flying Museum takes great pride in supporting the serving and veteran communities through events and admission, as well as having a significant number of veterans within the staff and volunteer teams. In 2024, the Museum achieved the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Employer Award. The Museum team work closely with the Army Air Corps to ensure the heritage of the Corps is being recorded for future generations and our mission is to help share those stories with the wider community.

 Lucy is honoured to have been asked to act as a Judge this year and is looking forward to hearing about all the amazing achievements and how veterans have contributed so positively to our community.

Nia-Wyn Evans  – Senior Associate Solicitor

I am a specialist military solicitor at Hugh James, based at our London office. I work within the military team representing serving and former military personnel.

Hugh James have proudly sponsored the Veteran Awards since its launch in 2019. I have been fortunate to be invited as a panel member for the awards since its launch and continue to be taken back by the incredible nominations submitted.

I look forward to further celebrating the success and contributions of the military community at the English Veterans Awards towards the end of this month.

Allan Doak – Materials Logistics and Purchasing Manager

Allan is a proud veteran how served 12 years with the Royal Air Force supporting the Nimrod Fleet both at home and abroad, as well as other out of area deployments.  Allan left the military in 1998 joining SERCo Defence whilst undertaking various training courses with a view to joining the Oil and Gas Industry.  Allan has held various positions with Operators on Drilling Campaigns and he now works for oil and gas operator Serica Energy as the Materials Logistics and Purchasing Manager and is a member of their Armed Forces Support Group whose mission is to support their veterans, reservists and forces families, whilst also raising industry awareness of the great benefits of employing veterans. The Group also provide funding and fundraising for various military charities and are a founding member and co-chair of the Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) Armed Forces Working Group.

Allan is honoured to join the judging panel for the English Veterans Awards this year and to see the fantastic achievements of the shortlisted finalists.

Massive thanks to everyone who attended this year’s Welsh Veterans Awards hosted by Polly James and held at the 4* Vale Resort. The Awards were sponsored by Vindico and in Support of The Army Benevolent Fund and Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity It was such a fantastic event with a great atmosphere in the room in what was our largest Welsh Veterans Awards to date on our fifth year anniversary!

Well done to everyone who was shortlisted as finalists, we had a huge amount of applications and the shortlisting process was extremely difficult. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who put forward nominations, you are all doing amazing things in your relevant fields and you should be so proud of your achievements!

Extremely thankful and very honoured to have in attendance and hear from the Welsh Veterans Commissioner Col James Philips, Air Commodore Rob Woods OBE, Commander Steve Henaghen, Lt Col Dafydd Evans and Regional Director of the ABF Charity Pete Davies.

A special thanks also has to go to the Corps of drums of the Royal Welsh and the Welsh Guards who were there supporting in their famous red Tunics.

The awards were also supported with a strong contingent from the British Army Reserves based at Bridgend and the Royal Navy Reserves team from HMS Cambria.

We are so thankful to all our supporters, volunteers and sponsors who helped put this amazing night together!

Some of the highlights of the night saw Roma Eliemaude Taylor  receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and become our Welsh Veterans Awards Champion with a standing ovation. Raymond Williams won a Gold (Fitness), Silver (Role Model) and a Bronze (Volunteer). Team Alabaré become our Employer of the year.

We want to Inspire our future service leavers that great things can happen. It’s you who will act as role models and in some cases mentors, remember Positivity breeds Positivity.

Our Winners are :

Veterans Awards Champion: Roma Eliemaude Taylor

Role Model of the Year- Sponsored by Forces Employment Charity

Gold: Kelly Farr

Silver: Raymond Williams

Bronze: Neil Jeremiah

Inspiration of the Year Award – Sponsored by Porters Estate Agents

Gold: Richard Bennett

Silver:  Desmond Paul

Bronze: Marc Sherlock

The Community Awards – Sponsored by Vigilance

Gold: Melvin Watts

Silver: Dawn Parkin

Bronze: Kevin Stanley

Contribution to the Welsh Fitness Industry and Society – Sponsored by Print Inc

Gold: Raymond Williams

Silver: Christopher McEwen

Bronze: Kieran Hackney

Health & Well-being Award  – Sponsored by  Audi Sinclair 

Gold: YourNorth

Silver: Therapies4services CIC

Bronze: Ajuda LTD

Bronze: Links

Leader of the Year Award  – Sponsored by  Eyes Front 

Gold: Ashley Thomas

Silver: James Cadmore

Bronze: Charles Scarf

Entrepreneur of the Year- Sponsored by Pinnacle Complete Office Solutions 

Gold: Daniel Edmunds

Silver: John Evans

Bronze: James Tipping

Employer of the Year- Sponsored by Credas

Gold: Alabaré

Silver: Espanaro LTD

Bronze: Cardiff Bus

Veteran Owned Business  of the Year- Sponsored by Educ8 Training

Gold: Espanaro LTD

Silver: Sudocyber LTD

Bronze: So Fit Group

Volunteer of the Year –  Sponsored by Pathfinder Magazine

Gold: Moawian Bin-Sufyan

Silver: Nigel Jones

Bronze: Raymond Williams

Lifetime Achievement – Sponsored by Hugh James

Gold: Roma Eliemaude Taylor

Silver: Mark Evans

Bronze: Melvin Watts

Bronze: Garden ‘pop’ White

Reservist of the Year Award –  Sponsored by Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK 

Gold: Simon Parsons

Silver: Huw Gruffyd Williams

Bronze: Craig Middle

Veteran Group of the Year ( 1 – 5 Years)- Sponsored by Vindico

Gold: Female Veterans Alliance

Silver: The Veterens & Communities Hub

Bronze: Taff Ely Veterans Group

Veteran Group of the Year ( 5+ Years)- Sponsored by Veterans Trees 

Gold: Barry Veterans Group

Silver: Valley Veterans Group

Bronze: The HMP Swansea Veterans’ Team

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Shortlisted Finalists, remember its you who inspire our future service leavers – Keep an eye out on Facebook and our social media sites for pictures and videos of the evening coming soon!

The Veterans Awards are proud to announce our shortlisted Finalists for this years Welsh Veterans Awards, due to be held at the fantastic venue of the 4* Vale Resort on the 3rd July and hosted by Radio X’s Polly James. Our Awards are sponsored by Vindico and in Support of The Army Benevolent Fund Charity and the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity!

Well done to everyone who has been shortlisted as finalists. We had 100’s of applications and the shortlisting process was extremely difficult. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who put forward nominations.

We want to Inspire our future service leavers that great things can happen. Its you who will act as role models and in some cases mentors, remember Positivity breeds Positivity.

Our Finalists are :

Role Model of the Year- Sponsored by Forces Employment Charity

Inspiration of the Year Award – Sponsored by Porters Estate Agents

The Community Awards – Sponsored by Vigilance

Contribution to the Welsh Fitness Industry and Society – Sponsored by Print Inc

Health & Well-being Award  – Sponsored by  Audi Sinclair

Veterans Group of the year (5yrs+ Old) – Sponsored by Veterans Trees

Veterans Group of the year (1 – 5yrs old) – Sponsored by Vindico

Leader of the Year Award  – Sponsored by  Eyes Front

Entrepreneur of the Year- Sponsored by Pinnacle Document Solutions Group

Employer of the Year- Sponsored by Credas

Veteran Owned Business  of the Year- Sponsored by Educ8 Training

Volunteer of the Year –  Sponsored by Pathfinder Magazine

Lifetime Achievement – Sponsored by Hugh James

Reservist of the Year Award –  Sponsored by Sierra Nevada Corporation Mission Systems UK

The Winners will be chosen by our Independent Judging Panel. The Judging panels names and profiles will be released over the coming weeks. No Judges will judge on categories if they have any affiliations or close relationships with shortlisted finalists that are known to them.

Our Shortlisted  finalists will be filmed in the fantastic Location of The Firing Line Museum Cardiff Castle on Wednesday 12th June. These videos will then be used on our extensive media campaign and will also be played on the evening itself, you will also receive your finalist certificate and get a chance to network with other finalists on this fantastic morning.

All our Shortlisted Finalists / Supporters have the opportunity to secure your tickets between  28th May – 14th 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. 

For more details please get in touch.

Colin Vooght, Head of Engagement- Lowland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association

I’m responsible for engagement with the community including employers in the Lowlands of Scotland on behalf of Defence Relationship Management and Lowland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association . I am a veteran having served in the Army, a small business owner and a very proud Rotarian. I never cease to be amazed by just how successful service leavers can be, when they move from one chapter to another in their lives. I’m delighted to have been invited to be a judge for this competition and look forward to meeting you all.

Shelley Bamford – Strongmind Resiliency Training as Head of Training.

Shelley is a highly experienced and knowledgeable practitioner and trainer, with 15 years’ experience within the Social and Occupational Health domain. Shelley served for 23 years in the Royal Military Police and Army Welfare Service branches of the British Army.  Shelley was responsible for the delivery of specialist emotional and practical support to service personnel and their families, line management and relevant stakeholders worldwide, providing the moral component of fighting power for the armed forces.  Shelley worked with service personnel recovering from injury and was responsible for the delivery of policy in this area.  Committed to improving the health and well-being of all staff, she co-founded and successfully led a three-day holistic support programme for the Ministry of Defence, an innovative project designed to support those experiencing occupational stress.

Shelley holds a BSc (Hons) Psychology, Diploma in Social and Occupational Welfare, Diploma in Domestic Abuse studies and is a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Lone Working and Personal Safety Trainer.  Shelley has varied qualifications in counselling and mentoring and has vast experience in the development and delivery of training opportunities regarding employee well-being.  Shelley’s area of expertise is domestic abuse, in particular, working with perpetrators and she provides training and consultancy on safeguarding, domestic abuse awareness, engaging with perpetrators and family court advocacy.  Shelley is a UK lead authority on domestic abuse in the military community.

Jason Hare – Director of Courses – Horseback UK

Jay studied engineering before entering the British Forces joining the Royal Marines Commandos. He served for over 14 years and was medically discharged in late 2014 due to life changing injuries.

Jay has deployed on many operations globally and led men in some of the world’s most stressful and hazardous environments, including a tour of Northern Ireland and three tours of Afghanistan. During these tours he was injured twice, once by a suicide bomber and secondly by standing on an IED. Jay lost his left leg below knee, digits to his right hand, suffered extensive shrapnel wounds, lost his left eye and suffered significant facial disfigurement in which it took 11 operations to rebuild his facial features.

Deploying all over the world from desert, jungle, and mountainous areas to arctic regions on numerous occasions, Jay brings a wealth of knowledge of leadership, teaching, coaching and mentoring to any event. He has delivered motivational and inspirational talks to various leading oil and gas companies, charities, VIP’s, events, television, radio, business organisations and universities, as well as instructing and aiding in workshops for many of them all over the country.

Jay holds various certificates and awards in teaching, personal development, sports and recreation, assessing, coaching and mentoring and is also the first and most injured serviceman to conduct offshore oil and gas safety training as well as spending time on a platform in the North Sea.

Jay has worked for HorseBack UK since the beginning, having been seconded initially by the Royal Marines Commandos during his own recovery; he is now the Course Director within the organisation and a Royal Marines Support Network Officer for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Jack Dickinson – Solicitor, Hugh James  

I am a solicitor at Hugh James, based at our head office in Cardiff. I specialise in providing legal representation and legal services for serving, and ex – forces individuals. I also spend a lot of time supporting veterans communities through various events and fundraising efforts.

I have attended the previous Scottish, Welsh and English Veterans awards and enjoyed these thoroughly. I look forward to meeting all the finalists, and celebrating veterans who have made a difference, and all their incredible achievements after transitioning to civilian life.

David Dent MBE, CMgr, CCMI, FIoD, is an Executive Director and Head, Market and Business Development, EMEA  at Parexel Biotech

David  is an Executive Director and Head, Market and Business Development, Co-Leads of Global Disability Steering Committee and Honorary Professor at the University of Stirling and Entrepreneur in Residence at the Hayden Green Institute University of Nottingham.  He is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors and a Chartered Companion of the Chartered Management Institute.

He is a former winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award and Champions Award.

He in addition to his  work in business and education has competed Internationally in disabled veterans sport specifically in field athletics and Highland games where he is current world champion and record holder in Shot Put and an official at Scottish Athletics.

He served with the Army Medical Services mainly as a battlefield trauma specialist and critical care nurse and Regimental Nursing Officer in the 1990’s, he is a war disabled veteran after sustaining combat injuries himself, and in 2022 received and MBE for services to Students People with Disability and Veterans

The ability to see and be part of a process that recognises the significant role veterans play in life community and business  is an important way for us to show our appreciation and recognise the service sacrifice and contribution to our society at the same time as raising awareness of the extant challenges faced by these individuals.

John Gillie – Engagement Officer, ABF

The role encompasses briefing a wide range of audiences both military and civilian on the work of the Charity to encourage support to regional fundraising, provision of fundraising support to the Regional Office and Events, including organising events, establishing and maintaining key relationships with Army units both Regular and Reserve and continual development of our volunteer fundraising team.As an army veteran himself, John completed a 39 year exemplary career in 2020. He feels so privileged and honoured having the opportunity to once again read over all the wonderful stories that make our veterans so special in Scotland. He looks forward to the SVA’s annually, listening to how successful our veterans have been throughout the year.He is married to his wife of 35 years Sherrilyn with 3 sons, Liam (33), Danny (31) &  Ewen (26) all currently living life to the full both home & abroad. A close family who enjoy socialising together.“I was very pleased once again to be asked to be a judging panel member. As a veteran, this event is always one of many highlights I’m lucky enough to attend on an annual basis. It fills me with pride & emotion watching as the finalists get their deserved recognition on the night highlighting what improvements they make within their local community & nationally. Once again, I’ll look forward to celebrating the success of our Scottish Military Veteran Community in April along with those companies that support us”

Dougie MorganMy role encompasses supporting a wide range of Veterans, their families and serving personnel. It includes organising drop-in sessions over Scotland and Northern Ireland, establishing, and maintaining key relationships with Army units both Regular and Reserve and continual developing relationships with other charity organisations who also support Veterans.Dougie completed 38 years’ service in the Army and he feels so privileged and honoured to be the Operational Manager for Fighting With Pride covering Scotland and Northern Ireland.He has been in the role for 18 months and has had many challenges to face and has assisted so many LGBT+ Veterans to have their voice again after over 40 years of being silent.Dougie is married to his husband Graeme who has been great support over the years allowing him to be himself. They are a very close team who enjoy socialising together and are passionate about living life to the full.“I was very pleased to be asked to be panel member especially as a Military Veteran myself, I’m looking forward to celebrating the success of our Military Veteran Community in Scotland on the night itself along with those companies that support us”

Joanne Wilkinson-Thom – HSEQ Advisor – Serica Energy PlcJo is a proud veteran who served for 8 years with the Army as a Combat Medic, completing operational tours in Rwanda, Bosnia, and Kosovo. Jo left the military in 2000 and as part of her resettlement, undertook the NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety with a view to joining the Oil and Gas Industry. Having held various health and safety posts, Jo now works for oil and gas Operator, Serica Energy, as an HSEQ Advisor and is a member of their Armed Forces Support Group whose mission is to support their veterans, reservists and forces families, whilst also raising industry awareness of the great benefits of employing veterans. The Group also provide funding and fundraising for various military charities and are a founding member and co-chair of the Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) Armed Forces Working Group.Jo is honoured to join the judging panel for the Scottish Veterans Awards this year and see the fantastic achievements of the shortlisted finalists.

Nathan Goldsworthy  – Director Gone SolarI am the Director of Gone Solar and a HM Submarine veteran. Having served 12 Years in the Submarine Service, not really what you would call a high flyer and Just short of the 3 badge AB status. Since leaving the forces I moved into the world of IT working alongside the largest companies in the world. Now I run a number of companies, Fast WIFI Wales, Campsite WIFI and Gone Solar. All of which are based at our head office in South Wales.I understand what the military background can bring to business while also acknowledging the things military life has taken away. I want to use my experiences gained to help anyone looking to go down the same path. I am looking forward to being on the judging panel this year and seeing what other veterans are progressing with.

Danny is the Founder and Director  – Be-inn Unity

Danny is the Founder and Director of Be-inn Unity, a social enterprise that exists to inspire and educate communities, so that individuals are empowered to thrive. Danny served with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards for 9 years and is now a serving member of the Army Reserves with 32 Signal Regiment. Danny launched the social enterprise in 2021 and they have grown over the years to deliver education programmes across several local authorities in Scotland, working closely with young people, educators and business leaders, to create environments that promote meaningful relationships. Danny also launched The Veteran ERV, a Mental Health and Suicide Prevention peer support group for veterans.

Claire Sally –  Ex Forces Employment Consultant Scotland Central  – Forces Employment Charity

Forces Employment Charity understands and appreciates the tenacity and resilience of those who have served in the Armed Forces. Ex-servicemen and women hold many attributes including their dedication, humility and strong work ethic which is noticed and valued amongst the civilian community. We are proud to support the Scottish Veterans Awards 2024, which celebrates the veterans and organisations who continue to show the value that the veteran community brings to society in Scotland.