A list of finalists showcasing the incredible achievements of veterans on civvy street has been revealed in the run up to the Ex-Forces In Business Awards in October, which includes our very own Managing Director, Steve Thornton as a Business Leader of the Year finalist.
This year, the glittering ceremony highlighting the successes of former serving personnel in their second careers will take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Appropriate COVID-19 health and safety measures will be put in place to ensure the event can take place safely.
The prestigious awards programme, of which BFBS is a media partner, recognises the achievements of ex-forces personnel who are now excelling after life in the armed forces. By showcasing the military-gained attributes that have enabled their post-service success, the awards aim to demonstrate to employers the business value of hiring veterans.
The thousands of servicemen and women who leave the Armed Forces each year create a rich pool of talent for employers, underpinned by skills and values that easily transfer into a wide spectrum of roles. Yet transitioning back to civilian life and establishing a meaningful second career can be challenging. Visibility of role models across different sectors is often lacking, and some stereotypes and perceptions of veterans can fuel damaging misconceptions.
In a study by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, three in ten UK hirers said they would feel reluctant to hire someone who served in the military.
Since launching in 2018, the Ex-Forces in Business Awards has become a crucial initiative for promoting a positive narrative, nationally, of veterans as great assets to employers across all sectors, and the awards have led the way in increasing visibility of business role models for service leavers. Last year, the awards showcased the second-career achievements of almost 300 veterans and reservists at ceremonies in London and Glasgow attended by more than 1,400 business leaders and over 450 employers.
The awards ceremony gathers business leaders, veterans, top employers, current serving officers, politicians, journalists and other stakeholders to highlight the significant value that ex-military add to the UK economy.
Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO at SSAFA, the official charity partner of the awards, said:
“I am delighted that the Government’s new guidelines mean the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards can take place in October.
“Congratulations to all of those businesses who have been shortlisted for an award. SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, is very proud to be associated with this important event which celebrates veteran employment.
“As a former Chief of Defence People, and now Chief Executive at a charity which operates a mentoring scheme for service leavers amongst other vital services, I am very aware of the challenges that can be faced by service leavers during their transition, with employment a major challenge for many.
"It is very heartening to see so many employers acknowledging the skills and experiences of those who have served their country.”
The 2020 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 said:
"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.
