Meet the Judges at the Scottish Veterans Awards 2024

 

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.

Meet our Shortlisted Finalists for the Scottish Veterans Awards 2024!

The Veterans Awards are proud to announce our shortlisted finalists for this years Scottish Veterans Awards sponsored by Gone Solar, due to be held at the amazing 5* Prestonfield House, Edinburgh on the 24th April 2024. Hosted by Radio DJ BFBS Scotland presenter Mark McKenzie and in Support of The ABF The Soldiers’ Charity Scotland!

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 Print Inc 

Rod Cavanagh
John Campbell
Charles Marshall
Gregg Matthew
Archie Dryburgh
Stacy Quinn

 

Inspiration of the Year Award – Sponsored by Eyes Front Magazine 

William Stoops
Scott Meenagh
Louise Worrall
Joe Bola Sova
Calum MacLeod

 

The Community Award – Sponsored by Forces Employment Charity 

Karen Elliot
Susan Bomphray
Natalie Cutler
Calum MacLeod
Alan Deans
Laura Simpson
Neil Taylor

 

Charity Sector Employer of the Year  – Sponsored by Prestonfield house

Forth Valley College
Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company
Sight Scotland & Sight Scotland Veterans
Wings for Warriors

 

Health & Well-being Award  – Sponsored by  Be-inn Unity

Combat Journal
High Life Highland
Scottish Veterans Residences
Veterans First Point Lothian
The Veterans Garden Dumfries
Operation Cairngorms CIC

 

Leader of the year – Sponsored by Strongmind Resiliency Training 

Steve Walsh
Paul Korzeniewski
Christopher Buet
Michael Mcmillan
Craig Murney
Chris Shaw

 


Entrepreneur of the Year- Sponsored by Hugh James

Gary Ferguson
Mick Flaherty
Gregg Matthew
Andrew Patterson
Jamie Kettyles

Employer of the Year- Sponsored by Joint Force Alba

 

NHS Golden Jubilee
Lothian Buses
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Dumfries and Galloway Council
Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS)
Mott McDonald
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

 

Veteran Owned Business  of the Year- Sponsored by Lairds AV

Wilkins Chimney Sweep Lanarkshire
Hold Fast Elite Ltd
Baggage freedom
Forces Manor

 

Volunteer of the Year –  Sponsored by  Serica Energy

Laura Simpson
Ian Inglis
Maurice Kennedy
Mark Harper
Calum MacLeod
John Paul Stothard
Robert Conquer

 

Lifetime Achievement – Sponsored by Gone Solar 

Martin Bell
Steve Erskine
Chris Watson
Tom Gray
Archie Dryburgh
Mick Flaherty

 

Reservist of the Year Award –  Sponsored by Pathfinder Magazine

Sandi Bern
Christian Jetuah
John Kane
Diane Davie
Euan Smith

 

 

Veterans Group of the Year –  Sponsored by The Army Benevolent Fund 

Royal Marines Association (East of Scotland)(Arbroath)
Military Museum Scotland SCIO
Royal marine riders association North
Lothians Veterans Centre
The Veterans Garden Dumfries
Kilmarnock Branch of Royal British Legion Scotland
Gen Dit Network

 

The Winners will be chosen by our Independent Judging Panel. The Judging panels names and profiles will be released over the coming weeks.

Our Shortlisted  finalists will be invited to a FREE certificate giving, filming and networking day at the Castle Club, Edinburgh Castle on Wednesday 13th March where we will film their story and videos. These videos will then be used on our extensive media campaign and will also be played on the evening itself. Our finalists will also receive their finalist certificate on this fantastic morning and get to network with the other finalists, sponsors and awards organisers.

All our Shortlisted finalists/family/friends and business colleagues will have the opportunity to purchase Tickets for the black tie award Ceremony due to be held at the amazing 5* Prestonfield House, Edinburgh on the 24th April 2024 between 26th February – 20th March. If we have any remaining tickets left they will then go on sale to our supporters.

To have a look at last years Scottish Veterans Awards please feel free to check out the Video = (63) Veterans Awards CIC – YouTube

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. Please see more here:  Veterans Awards Grants Scheme Proudly Supporting Charitable organisations across the UK! – The Veterans Awards 

For more details about our Veterans Awards please get in touch.

Veterans Awards Summary 2023

 

The Veterans Awards

Rewarding Veterans, Serving Reservists, those companies that employ from our community and organisations that support us in the areas of Business, Fitness, Sport and the wider Community!

In support of The Army Benevolent Fund, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and Little Troopers.

The Veterans Awards are a Not for Profit Organisation that promotes the positives from the Veteran and Military Community and those organisations that support us. It’s been put together by Veterans for Veterans in what has become our home nations national awards with three separate award ceremonies taking place in England, Scotland and Wales, we also support the Northern Irish Awards. 2023 saw the introduction of the first Service children awards in Wales in support of the charity Little Troopers.  During our awards evenings we fundraise for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity alongside the Army Benevolent Fund and Little Troopers.  Any money above and beyond costs is then distributed via a small grants scheme to smaller CIC’s and Charities who work at grass routes level within the veterans community and have a turnover of under 100k per annum! 

This year has seen our organisation promote and showcase so many positive individuals and organisations that are doing great things within our community, we have issued grants to multiple Charitable Organisations that support our community across the UK, some of these grants were issued for events that bring veterans and their families together, health and well-being training and also supporting local breakfast hubs that are the beating heart of our community. 

Our running total including donations, from our Auctions, raffles and our grant giving is sat at a fantastic

£48,074.65

Thank you for everyone who supports our Awards, from sponsors, attendees, nominators, donators to finalists you are all really making a difference to our community!

 

The Army Benevolent Fund is the Army’s national charity, here for soldiers, past and present, and their families for life

 

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity is the Principle Charity of the Royal Navy. The Charity Exists to support Sailors, Marines and their families for life!

Little Troopers is a registered charity supporting all military children who have parent(s) serving in our British Armed Forces, regular or reserve.

 

Our Veterans Awards team are fully committed to supporting our Veteran Community. We celebrate the success and inspiring stories from our community by promoting them via our social media channels, networks and fantastic  media partners that include Pathfinder International Magazine and Eyes Front Magazine.

We have a Board of Directors and an Inspirational panel in place who operate in a voluntary capacity to run Veterans Awards CIC, ensuring all money raised above project costs goes back into our Veteran Community and is used to improve services or to run projects that will help our Veterans and our Community.

In the UK, we have a huge number of highly successful Armed Forces Veterans that have made the transition from the Military to civilian life and we want to reward these veterans who have gone above and beyond and excelled in their relevant fields. They will act as role models for future service leavers. We want to find the people who even during the most difficult periods have excelled!

As such, we feel they should be given every opportunity to highlight their achievements and success, which is why the awards and our other projects have been created.

The Veterans Awards are open to all our Military Veterans that are doing great things in the UK, Reservists that are going above and beyond and those companies that go the extra mile to support or recruit from our community!

If you are a Company or Organisation that wish to become one of our Partners or Sponsors at our Awards or projects please feel free to get in touch. We have a number of fantastic companies that currently support us and we are so thankful to them because without these companies we wouldn’t be able to do what we do! We will ensure we work with you and your team or building a strong relationship and partnership.  To get in touch or find out more click here

If you have a positive story or journey please get in touch and we are happy to promote it via our social media sites through our media team!

Remember it’s you that will act as a role models for future service leavers!

CIC Registration  number: 12249389

Welcome to our Winners at this years Service Children Awards Cymru 2023

Service Children Awards Cymru

 

Massive thanks to everyone who attended this year’s Service Children Awards Cymru held at the Infantry Battle School Brecon with Veterans Awards. The Awards were sponsored by Powys County Council and in Support of Little Troopers! It was such a fantastic event with a great atmosphere in the room!

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 CEO of Powys County Council Emma Palmer, Cllr Sandra Davies, Portfolio holder for future Generations,  Armed Forces Champion Cllr Matthew Dorrance and Major DJ Greaves from the Army in Wales.  It was also lovely to hear from Caitlin Henson, a service child talking about her experiences! A special thanks also has to go to The Band of the Prince of Wales who entertained our guests and the Regional engagement teams from the 160 Brigade and the Royal Air Force.

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

Some of the highlights of the day saw the Woodhouse Family of three boys (Luke,  Jack-Gwyn and Sion) picking up four awards between them and Riley Barn became our Service Children Ambassador of the year and our very first Service Children Awards Cymru Champion, three schools were also presented with Gold AFFS SSCE Cymru Gold Award, Ysgol Pen y Bryn, Haverfordwest High VC School and Mount Street Infants School.

We want to Inspire our future service children 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 :

Service Children Awards Champion:   Riley Barn

 

Contribution to Sport under 11  – Sponsored by Forces Fitness Ltd

Gold – Jack Woodhouse
Silver – Ollie Evans
Bronze– Harry Moore
Bronze-Freddie Scott

 

Contribution to Sport over 11 – Sponsored by Forces Fitness Ltd

Gold – Mollie Bastock 
Silver – Luke Woodhouse
Bronze– Bleddyn Gibbs
.

The Service Children Ambassador of the year  – Sponsored by Powys County Council 

Gold – Riley Barn
Silver – Beth Symmons
Bronze– Lyla McGuinness 

The Community Award Under 11 – Sponsored by Your North

 

Gold Samridhi Gurung
SilverSion Woodhouse 
BronzeFaith Lees
BronzeArushi Rai

The Community Award Over 11 – Sponsored by Your North

Gold -Luke Woodhouse
Silver – Cari Javis
BronzeWilliam Grant

Unsung Hero Award – Sponsored by General Dynamics 

Gold Shan Kenchington
Silver – Delyth Marshman
Silver – Tara Rana
BronzeSarah Hayward
.
Gold AFFS Cymru Awards 
Gold  – Ysgol Pen y Bryn
Gold  – Haverfordwest High VC School
Gold  – Mount Street Infants School
.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Shortlisted Finalists, remember its you who inspire our service children – Keep an eye out on Facebook and our social media sites for our official pictures and videos of the evening coming over the 48hrs.

Meet the Judges at the Service Children Awards Cymru 2023

 

Kieran Hackney – Forces Fitness Ltd   

Kieran is a military veteran that served in the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, he now works for Forces Fitness delivering inspiring Health and well-being sessions within the education sector, Sports Teams and businesses across the UK!

He is very much looking forward to the event and seeing all these amazing people  being recognized for the great work they do!

 

Millie Taylor – SSCE Cymru Programme Manager

Supporting Service Children in Education Wales (SSCE Cymru) has a mission to provide the best possible educational support to Service children in Wales. SSCE Cymru is a Welsh Government funded programme, managed by the Welsh Local Government Association.

Established in 2014, SSCE Cymru works with all 22 local authorities across Wales to provide schools and other educational settings with a better understanding of how they can offer support to the children of Armed Forces personnel living in Wales.

Millie took over managing the SSCE Cymru programme at the beginning of 2018, with a focus on setting strategic goals and a mission that would expand the support available to Service children in Wales. As an advocate for Service children, Millie is always keen to speak with them directly and has coordinated activities to involve Service children in the work of SSCE Cymru. Millie has created many opportunities for collaboration in Wales and is always keen to share good practice with organisations across the UK.

 

Ged Murphy – Head of Concepts – General Dynamics UK  

As a veteran, Ged served across the spectrum of operations with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers before Battalion command with The Royal Welsh. Ged uses his operational and leadership experience to advise on emerging operational trends whilst providing a focus for all Armed Forces and Veterans matters. He has led the business to success as Gold Award holders in recognition of GD UK’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, whilst promoting the social impact that the business and the defence sector has within the community.

Ged is active across the community, supports veterans in transition and has organised numerous money raising events for a number of military and community based charities. He was successfully nominated by his colleagues for the Veteran Leader Award Wales in 2023. Ged is the proud father of Joe (17) and Pete (13) and loves spending time in the hills with his boys whenever he can!

 

Sarah Court – Specialist Teacher, Vulnerable Groups – Powys County Council

Sarah Court, who lives near Brecon, started her teaching career 30 years ago and during her time, she developed her teaching and leadership skills through a variety of teaching, senior leadership and advisory roles in the UK and around the world.  Sarah spent eleven years working for Service Children’s Education for the British Armed Forces in Germany and the rest of the world.

She currently leads the Powys County Council’s Vulnerable Groups Team, supporting schools, pupils and families from minority ethnic and Armed Forces backgrounds. She moved to Wales over five years ago and was previously part of the Supporting Service Children in Education (SSCE) Cymru team, working across Local Authorities and Schools in Wales and played an instrumental part in developing the new SSCE Cymru website and information. During the ‘Month of the Military child’ she worked with groups of Service children, creating pictures and poems, linked to the theme ‘ Friends near and far’. Some of these poems were winners in a national competition and were awarded their certificates and prizes at the Ministry of Defence building London, a great achievement. Working alongside the Welsh Rugby Union engagement team, Sarah has also developed well-being sessions in schools for Service children, using wheelchair rugby activities.

She is very privileged to be asked to be a judge at the first Service Children’s Awards and is amazed by the achievements that all Service children make with their learning, sport and well-being despite the challenges that they may face. Sarah is excited to able to celebrate their successes with the Armed Forces community in Wales.

 

Kelly Farr – Director – YourNorth 

Kelly is an award-winning entrepreneur, wellbeing trainer and veteran, with 17 years service in the Royal Air Force as an Avionics Engineer. Kelly is the co-founder of YourNorth, a wellbeing training company focusing on mental health, mindset, communication, mindfulness & happiness. Kelly is also the co-founder of YourNorth Veteran Support CIC, a not-for-profit organisation offering tailored wellbeing services for the Armed Forces community & Emergency Services.

She is very active in the community as a volunteer and co-runs Caerphilly Veterans Support Hub, and sits on the board for VAPC (Wales). Kelly also co-runs the Female Veterans Alliance; a community organisation that aims to empower and support females that have served in the UK Armed Forces.

Kelly is a huge advocate for the Armed Forces community and is so grateful for the opportunity to be involved with the Service Children Awards Cymru. She has 2 daughters, aged 14 & 4, so appreciates and understands the incredible qualities displayed by this amazing cohort.

Andy Jones –  Armed Forces Liaison Officer  – Powys County Council 

I joined the Army at the age of 16 and served in the Welsh Guards, my service included the Falkland Islands Conflict in 1982. After leaving the Armed Forces I worked in HM Prison Service mainly in London and Cardiff but incorporating being a National Instructor for Prison Staff across England and Wales. Finally ending up on secondment into the Probation Service in Wales developing an ‘all Wales’s support structure for ex Armed Service Personnel  who had come into the Justice system.

I took up the post of Armed Forces Liaison Officer (AFLO) in Powys in March 2020 just in time for the covid outbreak. All 22 Local Authorities in Wales are covered by 7 AFLO’S who promote and assist in the execution and delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant including the new Armed Forces Bill 2021.

Having worked closely with the delivery of support for Service Children in the Local Authority I fully appreciate the work that is needed and am encouraged by their fantastic commitment. It is an honour to be a part of the judging panel in the Service Children Awards.

 

 

Welcome to our Winners at this years English Veterans Awards 2023!!

English-Veterans-Awards-Logo

Massive thanks to everyone who attended this year’s English Veterans Awards hosted by Polly James and held at the Village Hotel and Leisure Club Bristol on the 21st September. The Awards were sponsored by Company X Consulting Ltd and in Support of The ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and The Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity! It was such a fantastic event with a great atmosphere in the room!

Well done to everyone who was nominated and 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 Brigadier Jock Fraser MBE  and Andrew Jameson OBE during the evening. It was lovely to have in the room former Special Forces solider Gordan Mathers MM (SAS).

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

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

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:  Sally Orange MBE 

 

Role Model of the Year- Sponsored by Print Inc 

Winner  – Sally Orange MBE
Silver – Stuart Bratt
Bronze – Andrew Kershaw
.

Inspiration of the Year Award – Sponsored by GHN Property and Developments

Winner  – Anthony Stephen Malone
Silver – Paul Jacobs GM
Bronze –   Martin Flint Johnson

The Community Award – Sponsored by Strong mind Resiliency Training

Winner  – Ashley Winter
Silver – Ria Jackson
Bronze – John Adams
.

Contribution to the English Fitness Industry and Society – Sponsored by  KJB Kitchens 

Winner  -Tom Blackwood
Silver – George Stobbs
Bronze – Samantha Neil
.

Health & Well-being Award  – Sponsored by  Company X Consulting 

Winner  – Shropshire Council
Silver – East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
Bronze – Veteran Aware accredited Trusts
.

Leader  of the year Award  – Sponsored by Leader Connect 

Winner  – Ger Fowler
Silver – Gareth Davies
Bronze – Dan McCoy
.

Entrepreneur of the Year- Sponsored by Hugh James
Winner  – Patrick Glennon
Silver – Sandra Murphy
Bronze – Simon Jones
.

Employer of the Year- Sponsored by Veteran Trees 

Winner  –  6 Point 6
Silver – South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Bronze – FM Conway
Bronze – FDM Group
.

Veteran Owned Business  of the Year- Sponsored by Serica Energy 

Winner  – Sir Fix-a- Lock
Silver – Alpha56 Solutions
Bronze – Performance Edge
Bronze – Patrick James Solutions
.

Volunteer of the Year –  Sponsored by Pathfinder International Magazine

Winner  – Gina Allsop
Silver – Michael Donne
Bronze – Matt Lyons
Bronze – Leon Stokes
.

Lifetime Achievement – Sponsored by FDM

Winner  – John Thompson
Silver – Patrick Lyster Todd
Bronze – Bernie Broad
Bronze – Anthony Malone
.

Reservist of the Year Award –  Sponsored by Ethos 

Winner  – Shehan Hettiaratchy
Silver – Joanne Cooke
Bronze – David Tatton
Bronze – Alex Saunders

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!

Meet our Shortlisted Finalists for the Service children Awards Cymru 2023!

The Veterans Awards are proud to announce our shortlisted Finalists for this years Service children Awards Cymru in partnership with SSCE Cymru. The awards are due to be held at the Infantry Battle School Brecon on the 28th October in Support of Little Troopers and Sponsored by Powys County Council.

Well done to everyone who has been shortlisted as finalists. We had a large number of applications / nominations 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 Community 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 :

 

Contribution to Sport under 11  -Sponsored by Forces Fitness Ltd

 

Freddie Scott
Jack  Gwyn Woodhouse
Harry Moore
Ollie Evans

 

Contribution to Sport over 11 – Sponsored by Forces Fitness Ltd

Jake Davies
Owen Lock
Harrison Flowers
Luke Woodhouse
George Tuckley
Bleddyn Gibbs
Mollie Bastock

The Service Children Ambassador of the year  – Sponsored by Powys County Council 

 

Lyla McGuinness
Riley Barn
Beth Symmons

The Community Award Under 11 – Sponsored by Your North

Faith Lees
Samridhi Gurung
Arushi Rai
Sion Woodhouse

The Community Award Over 11 – Sponsored by Your North

Cari Javis
William Grant
Luke Woodhouse

Unsung Hero Award – Sponsored by General Dynamics 

Aysha Waghorn
Sarah Hayward
Shan Kenchington
Delyth Marshman
Tara Rana
Peter (“Poj”) Rowlands

The Winners will be chosen by our Independent Judging Panel. The Judging panels names and profiles will be released over the coming weeks.

All our Shortlisted Finalists / Supporters have the opportunity to secure your tickets between  19th September – 1st October.

We will also be holding a raffle on the day for the fantastic charity Little Troopers so please bring along cash for raffle tickets!!

For more details please get in touch.

English Veterans Awards 2023- Shortlisted Filming day SS Great Britain

   

What a fantastic day celebrating the success from our Veterans, serving reservists and companies that support our #ArmedForces community based in England at the historic venue of SS Great Britain. Below are the links to our photos from our certificate presentation and the shots around the grounds with the English Veterans Awards Shield  and the famous Sword Excalibur. It’s fantastic to see the finalists get the recognition they deserve and we are really thankful for all involved who made this happen!

Huge thanks to everyone that came to SS Great Britain, including all the staff, support staff, sponsors and fantastic Finalists for making this such a fantastic day.

 

Please find the links below for Photos:

 

Well done everyone – Lets Celebrate the success from our Armed Forces Community together!

Very thankful for the day to be covered by BFBS Radio and our media partners at Pathfinder International Magazine.

Thank you to our sponsors / Judges who presented certificates during the day  Nia – Hugh James, Matt -Serica energy, Jon – Company X Consulting and Guy – Wessex RFCA

Positivity breeds Positivity!

Our English Veterans Awards are Sponsored by  Company X  Consulting  and in support of the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity #veterans

Sponsored by the fantastic Company X Consulting, KJB Kitchens, Hugh James, Veterans Tees, Pathfinder, Leader Connect, Strongmind Resiliency, Serica Energy, GHN Property and Developments, Training, FDM, Pathfinder, Ethos & Print inc

We look forward to celebrating all your success on the night itself!

Meet the Judges at the English Veterans Awards 2023

 

Mr Jon Carter (JC) – Head of Capability Growth and Business Development CXC Group

JC joined Company X Consulting following an 18 year career working in the MoD. Although JC has a civilian background, he has worked closely with the armed forces throughout his career in both the public and private sector. Since joining CXC as a consultant in 2018, JC has risen to Head of Capability Growth and Business Development. Over the last 24 months JC and the CXC team have provided transitional support to over 10% of all service leavers, providing free advice and guidance for those who are looking to take a step into consultancy as a career path. This support to veterans, wider veteran causes, and as an employer of over 90% veterans, have seen CXC achieve Armed Forces Covenant Gold status.

 

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!

 

Jack Dickinson – Solicitor, Hugh James 

I am a military solicitor at Hugh James, based at our head office in Cardiff. I specialise in providing legal representation and legal services for veterans and currently serving members of the armed forces.

I am also involved with various groups in the veterans community, and fundraising for key veterans charities.

Hugh James have proudly sponsored the Veterans Awards since 2019, and I have seen the awards grow from strength to strength. I look forward to meeting all the finalists and celebrating the difference they have made,

and their incredible achievements after transitioning to civilian life.

 

Guy Williams, Volunteer for the Veterans Advisory Pensions Committee South West, Facilities for Wessex RFCA

Guy Williams works for the Wessex Reserve Forces and Cadets Association and a member of the VAPC SW for 3 years leading on Transition. Served in the Royal Marines for 27 Years. After leaving the Royal Marines in 2009 joined the

Wessex RFCA in the Facilities Department looking after the Reserve Forces and Cadet Buildings with Soft FM issues. Also helps organise the Falklands Reunions for 42 Commando Royal Marines every 5 years. A keen runner and completed 230 marathons since leaving the Royal Marines.

This is the first time he has judged at the Veterans Award and is looking forward to seeing what great work Veterans are doing for the Country and local Communities.

 

Hannah Cullen – Associate Solicitor, Hugh James 

I am an Associate Solicitor with Hugh James, I am based in our Cardiff office and I provide specialist legal representation and legal services for current and former members of the armed forces.  As a team we provide advice on a number of issues to include military deafness, PTSD and NFCI.

As a firm we are involved with many organisations raising money and awareness for the veterans community and this is something I am passionate about.

Hugh James have sponsored the Veterans Awards since 2019 and I have attended many of the ceremonies, they are always a fabulous occasion and a real celebration of fantastic achievements.  I am honoured to be on the judging panel this year and know it will be another great event.

Matthew Williamson TMIET Eng Tech VR (Telecommunications Technician FTT) Serica Energy.

An Experienced long serving specialist in Telecommunications systems within the UK energy sector, as well as a serving army reservist for over 23 years. I am Employed by Serica Energy who positively support my Reserve activities and actively looks for and supports veterans in industry.

I am an active volunteer member of 39 Signal Regiment, a local Reserve Signal Regiment based in Bristol, and I have lived in the area and southwest for much of this time.

Having served for a long time as well as working in a highly skilled sector I have experienced what veterans can bring to industry and being employed with in the Offshore Energy sector, I actively use my experience in promoting veterans.

I have not sat on a judging panel before and am honored to have been invited to do so, I am really looking forward to seeing some of the amazing differences veterans have made.

 

 

Darren Fuller – FDM Group – Regional Manager South, Ex Forces Programme

I am The Regional Manager South for FDM Groups Ex-Forces Programme, my day-to-day role sees me helping Ex-service personal of all ranks into successful careers within Tech or Business and continuing to support them whilst on that journey.

I had a full military career myself, spending over 20 years in The Parachute Regiment, those 20 years were some of the most exciting years of my life giving me memories that will last a lifetime. This time also helped me, gain considerable skills and experience that whilst at the time I might not have realised are highly sought after and transferable into the civilian job market. On leaving the forces in 2014 I settled in Colchester with my wife and children.

During the past 9 years I have stayed within the force’s community working for military charities gaining experience in employment, Fundraising, Governance and Welfare, before starting in my current role with FDM.

I’m really looking forward to being on the judging panel for the 2023 English Veterans Awards, to play a small part in Celebrating the talent and success that Ex-Forces bring to their communities is something I’m honoured to do.

 

Meet our Shortlisted Finalists for the English Veterans Awards 2023!

The Veterans Awards are proud to announce our shortlisted Finalists for this years English Veterans Awards, due to be held at the Village Hotel Bristol on the 21st September 2023. The awards are in support of The ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and The Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity!

Well done to everyone who has been shortlisted as finalists. Every year we have more and more applications and this year yet again we had the most amount of applications received for any of our previous Veterans Awards in the UK 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 Print Inc 

Sally Orange
Andrew Kershaw
Jope Tikoisuva
Stuart Cook
Louisa Clarke
Kerry Gospel
Stuart Bratt
Kayam Iqbal

Inspiration of the Year Award – Sponsored by GHN Property and Developments

 

Austin Beaven
Sandra Murphy
Martin Flint-Johnson
Anthony Stephen Malone
Paul Jacobs GM
Leon Stokes
Gina Allsop

 

The Community Award – Sponsored by Strong mind Resiliency Training

John Adams
Paul Haigh
Jonathan Lowe
Terry Whitty
Ria Jackson
Peter Maiden
Matt Simmons
Gary Stockton
Ashley Winter

 

Contribution to the English Fitness Industry and Society – Sponsored by  KJB Kitchens

 

Samantha Neil
George Stobbs
Tom Blackwood

 

 

Health & Well-being Award  – Sponsored by  Company X Consulting 

Shropshire Council
Blue Van Armed Forces & Veterans Drop In
Allsports Coaches Coaching CIC
Veteran Aware accredited Trusts
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

Leader of the Year Award  – Sponsored by Leader Connect

Alison Anderson-Mcintosh
Dan McCoy
Ger Fowler
Gareth Davies
Edward Dean

 


Entrepreneur of the Year- Sponsored by Hugh James

Simon Jones
Sandra Murphy
Patrick Glennon
Adam Kastein

 

 

Employer of the Year- Sponsored by Veteran Trees

FDM Group
6point6
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Veterans into Logistics
CDS Defence & Security
FM Conway Ltd
Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

 

Veteran Owned Business  of the Year- Sponsored by Serica Energy 

 

SL Jones Ltd
Performance Edge
Sir Fix-a-lock
Patrick James Solutions
Alpha56 Solutions

Volunteer of the Year –  Sponsored by Pathfinder International Magazine

Michael Barrett
Alexander (Sandy) Beattie
Michael Donne
Sarah Geddes
Gina Allsop
Leon Stokes
Amanda Wadey
Matt Lyons

Lifetime Achievement – Sponsored by FDM

Anthony Stephen Malone
Bernie Broad
John Thompson
Patrick Lyster-Todd
Edward Dean
Jacqui Swan-De La Maziere

Reservist of the Year Award –  Sponsored by Ethos

David Tatton
Joanne Cooke
Shehan Hettiaratchy
Alex Saunders

 

The Winners will be chosen by our Independent Judging Panel. The Judging panels names and profiles will be released over the coming weeks.

Our Shortlisted  finalists will be filmed in the fantastic Location of the SS Great, Bristol on the 6th September.  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 & Badge on this fantastic morning and get to network with the other finalists, sponsors and dignitaries.  There is also the option to look around the museum and ship prior or after your filming slot.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain tells the incredible story of one of Britain’s greatest engineers and one of the most important ships in maritime history. Brunel’s SS Great Britain is one of the most important historic ships in the world. When she was launched in 1843, she was called ‘the greatest experiment since the creation’.

In 1970, the SS Great Britain Project brought the rusting shell of the SS Great Britain home from the Falkland Islands, braving 8,000 miles of stormy sea, in an attempt to save it from ruin and keep its story alive. That ‘project’ became the SS Great Britain Trust, and today with your help, we continue to care for the ship and Brunel collections for the good of everybody, for all time. Brunel’s SS Great Britain is now Bristol’s number one visitor attraction, with two museums and the lovingly restored Victorian ship, a leading research centre, a wedding venue and a purpose built conference facility.

All our Shortlisted Finalists will have the opportunity to purchase tickets between 16th August –  1st September.

We are Charitable Not for Profit Organisation and 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 less than 100k per year. Details of this scheme will be released over the coming months. 

For more details please get in touch.