Veterans Celebrated At Ex-Forces in Business Awards

The Ex-Forces in Business Awards returned in spectacular fashion last night as the veteran community descended on the O2 Arena in London. 

After more than 15 months of separation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, military veterans in second careers were celebrated in style.

Find out who won and learn about their extraordinary story below...

Every year, thousands of servicemen and women leave the military, forming an exceptional pool of talent for employers across sectors. But despite their years spent gaining skills and values that are highly transferable to businesses, transitioning into a valuable second career can be challenging. While many hundreds of thousands have gone through a similar transition, service leavers lack visible role models in industry. 

The British Ex-Forces in Business Awards provides that visibility on a national scale by celebrating the accomplishments of veterans across the UK workforce. The awards highlight the military skills and values that have enabled business success and recognise organisations that support the transition of servicemen and women into second careers.

Last night’s awards ceremony, which took place in a COVID Secure format in London’s O2 Arena, was made all the more special as it was the first time since early 2020 that the veteran community had been able to come together. The landmark event gathered business leaders, veterans, top employers and current serving officers to promote the significant value that ex-military add to the UK economy.

The finalists were whittled down from a record-breaking 500 nominations, with the winners decided by a judging panel of military veterans headed up by Admiral Sir George Zambellas, former First Sea Lord and now chairman of several companies including Galaxkey.

Other judges facing the difficult task of selecting just 20 winners from a huge breadth of talent include business leaders from Jaguar Land Rover, Morgan Stanley, Dell, Lloyds Banking Group, Serco, Stagecoach, Thales and Knight Frank. 

Admiral Sir George Zambellas commented: 

"In operational planning, UK military people are comfortable asking 'What's changed?', and then reacting accordingly.

"Those same honest qualities of analysis and agility are needed now, as we face changed business environments in the COVID-19 era.

"So, I'm delighted that so many ex-forces men and women, who have chosen a life in business, have the cunning and resilience to succeed. I'm very proud to support them.” 

Who Won What In The British Ex-Forces in Business Awards? 

TEAM LEADER OF THE YEAR - Adam Casey, i3Secure 

The judges noted Adam’s meteoric rise in a tough business sector, with a plethora of successes already behind him. He has demonstrated he has the ability to lead large teams and deliver excellent results in a complex, ever-changing environment. Adam has also shown he can introduce beneficial organisational change that leads to future career development opportunities for staff members. He has brought in other service leavers to the benefit of the business and worked his way through to the senior leadership team.  

INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR - Adam Hill, Oncimmune 

The judges referred to Adam’s work within the medical space as truly outstanding, and the impact of his innovation is extremely deserving of this award. Though Adam was only in the military for a fairly short period, he has clearly used his military-gained skills and values to bring enormous value to the medical and science field. His colleagues can’t say anything other than he is inspirational. The judges also highly commended Gary Woodhead for his groundbreaking and successful innovation in a highly complex market. 

LISTEN: BFBS, the Forces Station broadcasters Richard Hatch and Verity Geere spoke to Adam Hill a week before the awards ceremony

ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARD - Jonathan Li, SP Energy Networks 

With so many great engineers in this category, the judges liked the fact that Jonathan moved away from some of the traditional defence integrator type roles and into the field of energy, reskilling for a future-facing market. Jonathan ultimately swung the vote for his drive and determination to strive on the SP Energy Networks apprenticeship programme, as well as his keen willingness to mentor other service leavers and influence them in utilising skills learned in the forces. Jonathan’s leadership comes through strongly.

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR - Amazon 

In an incredibly tough category, Amazon took the Employer of the Year award for the second year running for their outstanding efforts in supporting ex-services personnel and military spouses, and clearly recognising their skills and values. The ‘Military Pathways’ programme stood out as impressive in committing to supporting and developing ex-forces leadership talents, with broad penetration achieved by former service personnel across the organisation. The judges also highly commended Openreach for the superb length and depth of their commitment to veterans.

INSPIRATION OF THE YEAR - Danny Shanahan, SKYNET Defence Digital (MoD) 

In another highly competitive category, the judges championed Danny for his success in the face of exceptional adversity. The way Danny has turned incredibly difficult experiences into a positive while helping others in the same situation speaks to his character and humanity. Overcoming his own mental health challenges, and being able to use his experience to support others, Danny has likely inspired more people than he is aware of. It took bravery and resolve to not only open up, but to find channels for him to broaden the impact he is having.

MILITARY VALUES IN BUSINESS AWARD - Mark Duggan, The Pallet Network 

From a ‘wayward teenager’ to a spectacularly successful businessman, Mark stood out to the judges because he has taken the military values and lived and breathed them. Mark has ‘civilianised’ the military ethos for the people that work for him and has built his successful company around it. The delivery of sustainable performance as well as community value swung Mark the judges’ votes. The judges also highly commended Sam Instone who has driven military values in the financial services industry with great effect.

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR - Andrew Powell, route2work 

The judges loved that Andrew has built a successful social impact business with a commercial outlook, fuelled by his great vision. Building a profitable business that also helps the disadvantaged is outstanding, the judges noted, while moving this to an international stage is a real stand-out achievement. In addition to this, Andrew has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting veterans. The judges also highly commended Alan Dempsey for driving such extraordinary growth in a very competitive industry through innovation while at the same time promoting the industry to youth.

LISTEN: BFBS, the Forces Station broadcasters Richard Hatch and Verity Geere spoke to Andrew Powell a week before the awards ceremony

NEW SERVICE LEAVER OF THE YEAR - Nick Garland, CDW / Sunnies 

The determination to overcome an injury, set up a business and start a new IT career is an inspiration to anyone leaving the forces. The judges were impressed by Nick’s entrepreneurial ethos, seeing a gap in the market and stepping into the unknown by starting his own business while also maintaining a full-time career.  There cannot be any better way of making the transition into the commercial sector.  His transition is all the more inspiring given his injuries sustained in Afghanistan, his rehabilitation since and how he has given time to support others going through similar trauma. An innovative approach has ensured he has always remained on his road to success.

RESERVIST OF THE YEAR - Jon Wheale, Barclays 

Jon impressed the judges for the wide, impressive scope of his work as a Royal Naval Reservist, and previously an Army Reservist, while also project leading an important communications initiative at Barclays that is driving support for local businesses and communities. As a reservist, Jon has offered his advanced communications and public relations skills and expertise to support some very high-profile engagements. His savvy juggling of commitments to both the military and business make him a terrific role model.

RISING STAR OF THE YEAR - Holly Ferneyhough, Atalian Servest 

The judges were drawn to Holly’s brilliant story of getting a first ‘foot in the door’ job as an executive assistant and then showing her worth to move into management. They noted it is a good example of how if you choose the right company and have the right skills and attitude then anything is possible. Holly clearly not only adds value in everything she does but also always something extra. In an incredibly high-grade field of rising stars, Holly pipped victory for the breadth of her impact and the value she offers.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR - James Harrison, Virtual Clarity 

The combination of his commercial and charitable success in his board role secured victory for James in this competitive category. James has grown an impressive career outside the military and the judges were especially impressed with the range of projects, achievements and tasks he’s completed in a complex business, both in the UK and internationally. He has brought the best of his military experience and attitude to a wide range of clients while keeping a foot in the charity sector. The judges also highly commended Josie Preston for her determination and perseverance.

ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR - Sharon McCann, Solent NHS Trust 

The core skills, determination, ethos and adaptability Sharon learned in the Royal Navy has clearly enabled her transition into a key role in a stretched, challenging NHS business. She’s transformed how her NHS Trust recruits nursing staff and the Trust is now more diverse and richer thanks to her out-of-the-box thinking. The judges said Sharon’s unique way of looking at different options, and the wider picture, is inspirational. Her drive to support others starting second careers, offering them tools and inspiration, makes her a superb role model.

LISTEN: BFBS, the Forces Station broadcasters Richard Hatch and Verity Geere spoke to Sharon McCann a week before the awards ceremony

ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR - Ellen Harrison, Boeing Defence UK 

The judges enthused about Ellen’s breadth of impact ranging from the benefits to SSAFA, girls in STEM advocacy and her own MSc studies. Her girls network involvement, especially, is inspirational, the judges said, while she is also an outstanding advocate of military skills and values, creating a great support structure for service leavers. She has also demonstrated how her military experience can assist in business by being a successful reservist herself, alongside driving various valuable initiatives forward nearly single-handedly.

SERVICE LEAVER OF THE YEAR - Stephen Gailey, Panaseer 

The judges noted how Stephen’s achievements since leaving the forces have been phenomenal, and he is still breaking new ground. Despite some setbacks with the end of the dotcom boom and the credit crunch, he has continued to build his skillsets through his career. He has adapted and been successful in large company environments, including the impressive role of Head of Technical Security for Barclays Capital as well as setting up his own firm. He has shown his ability to adapt to market forces, evidenced by his impressive move into artificial intelligence.

EX-FORCES INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR - LifeWorks, Royal British Legion Industries 

In a close-fought category, the LifeWorks initiative pipped victory for having taken those who are struggling to form a second career and given them the structure and support but also the confidence to gain employment. This will undoubtedly have enhanced the self-confidence of those who have found transitioning out of the forces difficult and broken the vicious circle of unemployment, low self-esteem and poor mental health. The judges also highly commended incredibly impressive and impactful initiatives from both Barclays and Barrett Developments.

BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR (Large Company) - David McGinley, Cammell Laird ShipRepairers and Shipbuilders Ltd / Atlantic and Peninsula Marine Services 

In another extremely tough category to judge, full of incredible business leaders, David took victory for his excellent management of a truly global organisation. David has grown both the client base and turnover significantly through his formidable leadership in safety and operations. He is clearly a very strong figurehead of the businesses that he runs, and as well as steering them to growth through astute leadership he has also been personally instrumental in winning the contracts. A superb business leader.

CHAMPION OF WOMEN AWARD - Caroline Paige, CazTac 

In an incredibly important category, Caroline secured the judges’ vote for her incredibly important personal journey, as well as the hugely impactful role she has taken on globally as a role model and mentor for the trans community. What she has done to further diversity and gender equality is truly inspirational, genuinely changing attitudes and culture within the Armed Forces to ensure those who are faced with the same challenges do not need to suffer as much and can call for support. She is highly committed to advocating, promoting and supporting others to overcome barriers.

LISTEN: BFBS, the Forces Station broadcasters Richard Hatch and Verity Geere spoke to Caroline Paige a week before the awards ceremony

YOUNG LEADER OF THE YEAR - Dean Fennell-Connell, Conduent 

Dean impressed the judges for rising quickly in his business career to become a sales director. His achievements have shown he is able to lead from the front and make things happen. Dean has held a number of different roles since leaving the service – excelling in them all and being promoted with additional responsibilities in a short period of time. He has consistently performed well in the challenging sales world, which can often seem alien to ex-military, making him a great advert and role model for what service leavers can achieve.

BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR (SME) - Kerryanne Wilde, CERT (UK) 

Kerryanne filled the judges with inspiration, applying her vision and foresight to see how the future could be changed, and tackling many challenges along the way. Her can-do attitude clearly seeps through, and her personal approach and principals have enabled her to develop and grow not only in business but as an individual. The judges were highly impressed by her passion for charity and excellent work with a diverse population, from people in poverty to apprenticeships. Kerryanne’s strong sense of civic duty is backed up by energy and leadership.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - Anthony Knights, Knights Group 

Amidst an outstanding array of talent in this lifetime category, Anthony’s truly impressive record as a businessman, entrepreneur and pillar of the community shined through. Following a highly successful career in the Army, the success of the businesses Anthony has built in his second career has created a foundational platform for him doing amazing things that transcend his business efforts. His focus on charity and giving back has made a huge difference to the communities he lives and works in, impacting the lives of many, including through extraordinary contributions to veterans causes.

Who Sponsors the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards? 

The British Ex-Forces in Business Awards are sponsored by Barclays, A&P Group, Atkins, Barratt Developments, FDM Group, Galliford Try, Jacobs, Marsh, M Group Services Santander, Security Alliance and Sopra Steria.

The media partners for the Awards are BFBS, Real Business and Quest Magazine, while other supporters include the Officers’ Association, RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity, SaluteMyJob and the White Ensign Association.