Recognising accomplishments of military as Soldiering On Awards 2024 finalists announced
The time has come for all named as finalists in this year's Soldiering On Awards to step into the spotlight.
Now in its 14th year, the awards ceremony celebrates excellence within the Armed Forces community across 12 distinct categories, ranging from Family Values to Business Start-Up and Animal Partnership.
The awards aim to recognise ordinary military individuals who have achieved extraordinary feats and the finalists are listed below.
Leading the selection process were Co-Chairs of Judges Lieutenant General (Retired) Richard Nugee and Debra Allcock-Tyler, CEO of the Directory of Social Change.
They guided a distinguished panel of independent judges who meticulously selected 36 finalists from an exceptional pool of nominees, with three finalists chosen for each category.
The finalists will be honoured in July at a private reception at the House of Lords hosted by awards patron the Rt Hon Earl Howe.
The winners will be announced at a black-tie event at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on 16 October 2024, hosted by broadcaster Jeremy Vine.
Public voting will determine the winners in two categories – the Animal Partnership Award and the Inspiration Award.
Online voting will open on 23 July and close on 26 August at www.soldieringon.org.
Rt Hon Earl Howe said: "With immense pride, I am delighted to announce the finalists of the 14th annual Soldiering On Awards.
"These remarkable individuals, projects and organisations have demonstrated unparalleled passion and unwavering dedication to excellence, truly embodying the core values cherished by our Armed Forces.
"They are deserving recipients of this prestigious recognition and we wholeheartedly applaud their outstanding achievements."
Lt Gen (Ret'd) Nugee said: "In my first year as co-chair of judges, I want to give my warmest thanks to all who have contributed to this vital endeavour.
"The judges showed unwavering dedication in selecting the finalists and we are all hugely grateful to the nominators and nominees for sharing stories that exemplify exceptional talent, dedication and achievements.
"These awards epitomise the very best of our community and I congratulate this year's 36 finalists for their exemplary role in inspiring us all."
The Soldiering On Awards is a brand of X-Forces Enterprise, the UK's leading provider of enterprise support for the military community.
Lt Col Ren Kapur, X-Forces Enterprise's CEO, said: "Year after year, the nominations never cease to inspire.
"Shortlisting candidates is no small task for our category and independent judges, reflecting the exceptional quality of entries we review.
"We extend sincere congratulations to every nominee and finalist.
"Their humility enhances the profound impact of their achievements.
"The Soldiering On Awards are crucial for spotlighting these remarkable stories and ensuring their inspirational achievements receive national recognition.
"Congratulations to all the 2024 finalists for their outstanding contributions and the example they set for us all."
Soldiering On Awards finalists 2024
Animal Partnership Award – in partnership with Pets at Home (Public Vote)
An award to honour the unique relationships and companionship provided by animals, and/or the achievements of individuals or organisations engaged with animals that support and empower members of the Armed Forces community. The winner will be decided by public vote.
• Hero Paws
• James 'Jimmy' Hill, Pawseidon
• Jane Hoare, Service Dogs UK
Inspiration Award – in partnership with NatWest (Public Vote)
An award to honour a person that has overcome significant challenges, injury or disability, and whose ongoing or past outstanding achievements are an inspiration to others within the Armed Forces community. The winner will be decided by public vote.
• Andy Reid MBE
• Hari Budha Magar MBE
• Jonathan Thomson CBE QGM
Healthcare & Rehabilitation Award – in partnership with Redwood Technologies Group
An award to honour a person or team that has demonstrated a major commitment and contribution in support of the physical or mental welfare of serving or former members of the Armed Forces community. This may be through healthcare, therapeutic treatment or rehabilitation services and support.
• Mohammed 'Mo' Amjid
• Veteran's Clinical Service, Help for Heroes
• VICTOR Intensive Treatment Service, Combat Stress
Defence Inclusivity Award – in partnership with Barclays
An award to honour the commitment and achievements of an individual, team or organisation in delivering greater diversity and inclusion within UK defence and the Armed Forces community.
• British West India Regiments Heritage Trust
• Major Daljinder Singh Virdee MBE
• Rank Outsiders
Family Values Award – in partnership with Right Management
An award to honour a person, family or group whose selfless commitment, dedication and support for others in the Armed Forces Community ensures that they are cared for, supported or helped. This selfless act is therefore a shining example to society.
• Lieutenant Colonel Georgie Symonds
• John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation
• Military Coworking Network
Business Start-Up Award – in partnership with GKN Aerospace
An award to honour an individual or group of individuals linked with the Armed Forces community who have started a successful new business venture within the last two years (since 1 January 2022) and who still retain a minimum of 50% interest in the venture.
• Andrew and Lorraine Laverton, We Are Bert Ltd
• Chris Shaw, GenDit Network Ltd
• Phillip Jones, The Chocolate Soldier Ltd
Business Scale Up Award – in partnership with LSEG Foundation
An award to honour an individual or group of individuals linked with the Armed Forces community who have started a successful new business venture more than two years ago (before 1 January 2022) and who still retain a minimum of 50% interest in the venture.
• Daniel Sylvester and Dion Sutherns, AlphaOne Electrics Ltd
• Nick Orde-Powlett, TIB Services Ltd
• Ryan Evans, MK Loft Boarding Ltd
Business Community Impact Award – in partnership with Cisco
An award to honour an individual or group of individuals who have started and are still running a business, charity or social enterprise that has a made a significant positive impact on the lives of people within the Armed Forces community.
• Brendan Williams, Building Heroes
• e50K CIC
• Veteran Retreat Club CIC
Education, Training & Development Award – in partnership with Reed in Partnership
An award to honour excellence in the provision of vocational education, training or skills development. This may be in the fields of preparatory, ongoing or transitional development for members of the wider Armed Forces community. The provision could be delivered by an individual, team or organisation.
• CAPSLOCK
• Learning and Development Team, Combat Stress
• Wings for Warriors
Employee Champion Award – in partnership with Landmarc
An award to honour an exceptional individual who has made a significant contribution to support members of the Armed Forces community achieve success within civilian roles, championing the employability of service leavers, reservists, veterans, spouses and family members.
• Andy White (Barclays)
• Chris Shaw (ex-Jacobs)
• Kat Barrett (Wincanton)
Working Together Award – in partnership with Forces in Mind Trust
An award to honour a group of people, team or organisation that has demonstrated an enduring commitment to a collaborative approach, engaging with others to support the sector within the wider Armed Forces community.
• Cornwall Council
• Midlands Op COURAGE Partnership
• Sunderland City Council Armed Forces Partnership
Lifetime Achievement Award – in partnership with Oracle
An award to honour a person whose lifetime of dedicated service has provided a significant contribution in support of the Armed Forces community.
• Nicky Murdoch MBE
• Sarah Geddes
• Tony Wright
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