In England, there are tens of thousands of former Military Personnel, who upon retirement from the armed forces have gone on to contribute immensely to their country. The Veterans Awards looks to celebrate these true heroes.
On the 25th September 2019, the English Veterans Awards was held at the Mercure Bristol Holland House and Spa. The Awards were sponsored by Barratt Developments and in support of The ABF Soldiers’ Charity.
The awards reward our former serving military personnel in the areas of sport, fitness, business and the wider community, and companies that go above and beyond to recruit from our veteran community. The evening saw the shortlisted finalists attend a black-tie dinner, with the ceremony itself hosted by Radio X DJ Polly James. In attendance was the Queen’s Representative Her Majesties Lord Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Goulding OBE – During the awards we also heard from Brigadier M P Christie OBE. It was also supported by the Corps of Drums of the Royal Welsh, Shenkin IV the Goat Major and Members of the Household Division.
Some of the highlights of the night saw former SAS, Special Forces Major Mr Ken Hames MBE win the Inspiration of the Year award and become the Overall Veterans Awards Champion. Sandra Murphy from Equidet UK winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award received a standing ovation following her moving speech, and to top it off a huge cheer when up when Forces Cars Direct were named Veteran Business of the Year.
During the night, £2,000 was raised for The ABF Soldiers’ Charity and also £270 for the Welsh Guards Charity! Forces Cars Direct were delighted to donate a signed copy of Brand Ambassador, Ant Middleton’s latest book, The Fear Bubble, which was bid for and finally won by Chris Steel from TMT Construction.
Founder of the Veterans Awards, Sean Molino BCA, said: “The aim of our Veterans Awards is to inspire future service leavers that they can achieve great things when the decide to leave the Armed Forces, it’s all about the positives that are happening within our veteran community! All our shortlisted finalists should be extremely proud of their achievements. Positivity breeds positivity!”
Peter Bates OBE, Regional Director Wales, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity said: “It was a tremendous evening with great representation of Veterans who continue to give so much to our communities across the UK.”
