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

I am the Sales Manager for Bridgend Audi, part of the Sinclair Group. I have been at Bridgend Audi for some 20 years, previously working with other brands within the motor trade sector following my 7-year service in the HM forces (Army). I have four Grandchildren and live in Bridgend.

We service, maintain and retail all types of Audi from the Audi A1 to the new all electric Audi Etron GT RS. Bridgend Audi was recognised as the Number 1 Approved Centre in the UK in 2021 and consistently comes in the top 10 for the industry recognised Q Power. 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 present at the 2022 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 2023 finalists.

Francesca Bamsey – Senior Associate Solicitor

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

I am delighted to be part of the Welsh Veterans Awards Judging Panel this year. Since it’s launch in 2019, my firm Hugh James have been proud sponsors of the Veterans Awards and I have attended the majority of the events held in Wales, England and Scotland and I was honoured to be asked to present an award at the Scottish Veterans Awards in April 2023.

I am looking forward to hearing the inspiring stories and recognising the fantastic achievements of our finalists this year and celebrating their success at the Welsh Veterans Awards in July.

Lisa Rawlings  – Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Gwent

I am the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer for the 5 local authorities that constitutes Gwent. A role I have had for the past six years and one that I enjoy immensely. I am also the vice chair of VAPC Wales and co-run 2 veteran hubs with a third to open this year.

I spent 25 years in the Royal Air Force as a Flight Operations Manager, from which I served worldwide. I have 2 daughters, Scarlett (17) and Holly (23).

I have followed the Veteran Awards since its inception and last year I was fortunate to win the Role Model of the Year and Overall Champion 2022. I look forward to reading all the amazing work that is ongoing in Wales.

Peter Davies – Army Veteran, Business Owner, Regional Director, Wales (ABF The Soldiers’ Charity).

Peter Davies is a former long-serving British soldier and a fifth-generation member of a family with a proud Army tradition. With over 23 years of regular service in the British Army, Peter has a deep appreciation for the mission of the Veterans Awards.

Currently serving as a Regional Director for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity in Wales, Peter is passionate about promoting its work and engaging with a diverse range of audiences to raise support and funds for those in need. In 2016, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours military list, recognizing his outstanding service to the British Army.

In addition to his work with ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Peter is also a director of Gum Blitzer Ltd, an external commercial cleaning company that provides top-quality services to businesses in the UK. He takes pride in leading a team that is dedicated to delivering exceptional results and maintaining strong relationships with clients.

Outside of work, Peter is an avid adventurer and loves to take on new challenges. He has completed the Toughest Footrace on Earth, the Marathon des Sables, along with over 100 marathons worldwide. He has also cycled in America and the French Alps, trekked to Everest Base Camp and Mount Toubkal, and recently trekked 100km across the Sahara & Jordanian deserts and climbed the highest mountain in Jordan, Um Dami. He believes in living life to the fullest and making the most of every opportunity.

As a judge for the Welsh Veterans Awards, Peter brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. He understands the challenges faced by veterans and their families and is committed to recognizing and celebrating their contributions and achievements.

Nicholas Ledingham – Chief Operating Officer, Credas Technology Ltd, Cardiff

Nicholas is a former Royal Navy Artificer and Officer

Since leaving the Navy I have held board level positions in multiple industry sectors, leading multi-national and multi-cultural teams across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Having experienced first-hand the breadth of talent that exists in our Armed Forces, I am proud to be able to join in recognising the achievements and initiatives of the 2023 finalists. As a leader within one of leading tech ventures in Wales, I am pleased to support the Welsh Veterans Awards.

Colonel David Hammond – Head of engagement RFCA Wales

David is a former regular Army Commanding Officer.

Since leaving the Army in 2007 he has operated at board level in the overseas security and sustainable energy sectors, where amongst other things, he has raised funding for a broad portfolio of overseas energy-related projects, as well as overseeing Intellectual Property Rights development programmes and business start-ups.  Currently, in the UK he is the head of engagement for the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’  Association for Wales.

Away from work he has been actively involved within the voluntary sector. He was Commandant of the Dyfed and Glamorgan Army Cadet Force from 2012-2015 and Colonel Cadets for Wales from 2015 to 2019. He is the chair of trustees for the veterans charity Valley Veterans, based in the Rhondda; is chair of the business advisory group to the Council for Wales of Voluntary Youth Services (CWVYS); is Chair of the Army Cadets Charitable Trust (ACCT) Cymru/Wales, and is a trustee of the Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust (MSTC).

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.

Clive Hamilton – MD  Pinnacle Complete Office Solutions 

I am a Navy Veteran serving for 6 years with the RFA in the 80`s and a Falklands veteran.

Currently the Group MD of Pinnacle Complete Office Solutions where we are proud Silver Armed Forces Covenant holders and proud to support our Armed Forces & Veterans Communities as best we can.

I am also currently a Trustee with Woody`s Lodge serving as Co.Chair to the Board of Trustees which I passionately support their work in caring, supporting and signposting our Veterans, Reservists & Blue Light Emergency Services.

As a past nominee for the Welsh Veterans Awards I am  honoured to be part of their journey in highlighting how great the Veterans Community is in Wales.

Pip Lee-Woolf MRICS, Commercial Manager at Vigilance

I started my career working for various commercial property consultancies within London, qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor in 2015, before joining Vigilance in 2020; who supply private security services to the real estate sector UK-wide. Since our founding in 2008, our military heritage has been at the heart of everything we do, proven by our discipline, integrity & commitment to excellence. The vast majority of our operational staff are recruited from the Brigade of Gurkhas, and His Majesty’s Armed Forces. Their valuable skills & experience are a major asset to our business and our clients; they have a professionalism that is unmatched in the industry. In 2020 we proudly received the Armed Forces Covenant “ERS Gold Award”, reflecting our ongoing endeavours to further the Armed Forces’ agenda within Vigilance. We have supported the Veterans Awards for a number of years and it’s an honour for me to join the 2023 judging panel.

The Veterans Awards are proud to announce our shortlisted Finalists for this years Welsh Veterans Awards, due to be held at the Village Hotel Cardiff on the 5th July and hosted by Radio X’s Polly James. Our Awards are sponsored by GHN Property and Developments and in Support of The ABF The Soldiers’ Charity Wales 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 

Leader of the Year Award  – Sponsored by  Veteran Trees 

Entrepreneur of the Year- Sponsored by Pinnacle Document Solutions Group

Employer of the Year- Sponsored by AB Glass

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 AB Glass 

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 Firing Line Museum Cardiff Castle on Wednesday 15th 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  6th June – 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. Please see more here:  Veterans Awards Grants Scheme Proudly Supporting Charitable organisations across the UK! – The Veterans Awards 

For more details please get in touch.

Emma Davies,  Director of Joint Force Alba

Emma is the director for Joint Force Alba, a specialist ex-military recruitment company dedicated to the Scottish jobs market. She is a Veteran herself, having served for 13 years in the British Army, working in tri-service and multi-national environments in Germany, Iraq, Afghanistan and the USA. Alongside that, she developed a career in HR and recruitment in Scottish businesses, focusing on SMEs. She’s Chair of the Board of Trustees for military charity Lothian’s Veterans centre and a board member for West Lothian Chamber of Commerce. In her personal life, Emma is married to a fellow Army Veteran and mum to 2 young boys.

Roy McLellan, Employer Engagement Director – Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association

My primary role within the business is meeting with employers to explain the benefits of employing Military Veterans / Reservists and the skills that they can bring to the workplace, promoting signing the Armed Forces Covenant and taking part in Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encouraging them to show publicly their commitment as an employer.

I have seen countless times the benefits that these people can bring to the workplace with their military skills easily transferring to civilian life, I was very keen to join the judging panel to see the fantastic showcase of achievements that former military staff have undertaken since leaving the armed forces.

Chris Gillan – Founder and Director of Heroes Drinks Company C.I.C

Chris founded Heroes Drinks Company in 2011, a multi-award winning premium alcohol producer and not-for-profit organisation that supports the military community.  Having served nine years in the Royal Air Force, with tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, Chris was discharged from service in 2010 with a minor injury that would impact his chosen career aspirations.  A sequence of events after his discharge, lead to him turn to the Armed Forces charities for help.  Chris founded Heroes Drinks to give back to these charities and to help promote awareness of their great work.

Chris is also a member of the Scottish Government’s Business Leadership Group, working alongside Scottish business leaders from various sectors to advise and support the Scottish Government’s Business Pledge, which was created for the purpose of supporting and encouraging high quality and fair work within Scotland based businesses.

“I am delighted and honoured to join the judging panel for the Scottish Veteran Awards; I have been an avid supporter of the Veteran Awards since its formation.  The awards do a fantastic job in highlighting the success and positive impact our veterans have in our local communities”.

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.

Gavin Nunn (MD – GHN Property & Developments & Founder of Ridgesteel)

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 ABF Soldiers’ Charity and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

The Veterans Awards are a Not for Profit Organisation that promotes the positives from the Veteran 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. During our awards evenings we fundraise for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity alongside the ABF The soldiers Charity.  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 issue grants to multiple Charitable Organisations that support our community across the UK, from 30 places on an all inclusive retreat for Military Veterans, 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

£23,920.25

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!

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity 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!

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 BFBS.

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