Scottish Armed Forces Talent Takes Center Stage at 2025 Business Awards
The countdown is on for the sixth annual Scottish Forces in Business awards, a celebration of the remarkable achievements of veterans, reservists, and forces-friendly employers across Scotland. The esteemed awards, recognizing the invaluable contributions of the Armed Forces community, will culminate in a glittering ceremony in Glasgow on February 26th.
These awards are more than just a mark of success; they are a testament to the unique skills and experiences veterans bring to the civilian workforce. Considered the “Oscars of veteran employment,” the Scottish Forces in Business Awards, now spanning Scotland, England, and the US, have been instrumental in empowering businesses to recognise the vast talent pool within the Armed Forces community.
Over the past several years, the awards have shone a spotlight on the exceptional accomplishments of over 2,000 veterans and reservists, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for their value in various sectors. The event has also raised significantly for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, supporting over 73,000 people from the forces family annually.
Highlighting Scotland’s Unsung Heroes
The 2025 shortlist showcases the astonishing breadth of talent within Scotland’s Armed Forces community. These individuals have transitioned seamlessly into the civilian world, demonstrating their adaptability, leadership, and dedication in new and challenging roles. Highlighting this talent pool is crucial not only for ensuring veterans have ample opportunities to thrive after service but also for businesses seeking to address skills shortages and enhance productivity.
The Scottish Forces in Business Awards are a powerful reminder that the skills and experience gained in the Armed Forces translate directly into valuable assets for businesses across all sectors. By recognizing these contributions and fostering a culture of understanding and support, we can empower veterans to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the success of their chosen fields.
Aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned leaders, and the vibrant Scottish business community are gearing up for a remarkable celebration – the 2025 Scottish Forces in Business Awards.The event, known for its unwavering dedication to recognizing the exceptional talents of veterans transitioning into civilian life, promises an evening filled with inspiring stories, heartfelt camaraderie, and the vibrant buzz of achievement. This year’s ceremony, taking place in Glasgow on February 26th, will culminate in the grand reveal of winners selected from a competitive pool of hundreds of nominations.
Judging the outstanding candidates are distinguished veterans and business leaders representing esteemed Scottish companies such as Addleshaw Goddard, Baillie Gifford, Consumer Scotland, JPMorgan, Edrington, and SSE.
Adding to the allure of the evening will be the captivating presence of Scottish broadcasting icon Sally Magnusson, returning as the charismatic host. She will guide the audience through an engaging program featuring esteemed guest speakers, thoght-provoking presentations, and a touch of celebratory entertainment.
Lt Gen Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, expressed his profound admiration for the finalists, stating, “We send our warmest congratulations to all the finalists for this year’s Scottish Forces in Business Awards. SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, is incredibly proud to be the official charity partner of this exemplary event. it provides a crucial platform to showcase the remarkable talent pool of veterans and celebrate their notable contributions in the employement landscape.”
Gregory, drawing upon his experience as a former chief of Defense People, emphasized the importance of recognizing the valuable skills and experiences veterans bring to civilian workplaces. “These awards play a vital role in amplifying the visibility of both forces-friendly employers and veterans who have successfully transitioned into fulfilling second careers.”
Ben Rossi, the founder of the Forces in Business Awards, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the exceptional talent within the Armed Forces community. “The strength and breadth of talent in the Armed Forces community is truly exceptional,” he emphasized. “We are honored to provide a platform each year to showcase this talent on a national stage.We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the finalists on this year’s shortlist – they are true role models, demonstrating the immense value veterans offer across all sectors.”
The Scottish Forces in Business Awards stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of service and the remarkable resilience of veterans entering the world of business. They serve as a powerful reminder of the invaluable contributions veterans make to Scotland’s thriving economy and serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business leaders alike.
Celebrating Excellence: Scottish Awards Honor military Veterans in Business
The Scottish Armed Forces community continued to make its mark on the business landscape, with individuals and organizations recognized at the prestigious Scottish Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme Awards. The ceremony,celebrated on February 26th in Glasgow, highlighted the dedication,skill,and unwavering commitment of veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
The awards, a testament to the vital partnership between the military community and Scottish businesses, showcased a diverse range of achievements.
Championing Valor: Advocacy in Action
the “Advocate of the Year” awards acknowledged those who actively champion the employment of veterans. Babcock, FDM group, Forces Employment Charity, Mott MacDonald, and the Officers’ Association Scotland were recognized for their outstanding efforts in creating a supportive and inclusive surroundings for service leavers.
Billy Ingram of BAE Systems and Chris Ackerman of Mott MacDonald respectively won the coveted “Advocate of the Year (Individual)” award, highlighting the powerful impact that individual champions can have.
Leadership and Innovation: Strong Examples Emerge
The “Business Leader of the Year” award went to inspiring leaders who demonstrated exceptional business acumen and championed veteran success. The winners, Fiona Forrest-Anderson from Edinburgh Napier University, James McLaren from TrustFord Glasgow, Malcolm Sutherland from Caledonian Concepts, and Rob Young from Wood Mackenzie, serve as role models for their dedication to fostering a culture of opportunity.
Several individuals stood out in the “Innovator of the Year” category, demonstrating the impactful contributions veterans make to innovation within their respective fields. Alexander Keenan of BAE Systems, Drew Gall of RDK Environmental, Jock Boyle of Viz-Ovalz, Precious Kweku Obeng of ScottishPower, Scott MacDonald of Flying Scotsman UAS, and Shehzad Afzal of FilmedUP showcased the ingenuity and adaptability that define many veterans.
inspiring Courage: The Power of Mentorship
The “Inspiration of the Year” award recognized individuals who embody the spirit of resilience, leadership, and perseverance, inspiring others through their journey and achievements. Andrew Geelan of BAE Systems, Chris Ahern of Perth and Kinross Council, Craig Causer of Scottish Water, Gerry McGregor of Veterans Tribe Scotland, and Mick O’Connor of Thales were all recognized for their impactful contributions.
Adhering to Values: Excellence in the Private Sector
The “Military Values in Business Award” acknowledged organizations that exemplify the core values of the armed forces – respect, integrity, loyalty, and courage – within their operations and culture. brian Howieson from the University of Limassol, David O’Loughlin from DE&S, Paul Gilligan from BT, Paul Sowton from Capgemini / FDM Group, Stephanie Grieve from Scullion LAW, and Timothy Bradshaw from Sandstone Communications were recognized for their commitment to upholding these values.
Transitioning with Purpose: Success Stories Emerge
The “New Service Leaver of the Year” awards celebrated the accomplishments of individuals who had recently transitioned from military service to civilian careers, showcasing their adaptability and resilience. Gavin Pickin of Companies House / FDM Group, Helen Shropshall of Mott MacDonald, Hugo Morgan of BAE Systems, Jimmy Bellis of the British Antarctic Survey, Liam Andrews of BAE Systems, and Mark Whittle of Barclays were all recognized for their outstanding achievements.
Reaching New Heights: Celebrating Excellence
Outstanding achiever of the Year
The “Outstanding Achiever of the Year” awards were presented to individuals who had made exceptional contributions to their fields,demonstrating the transformative impact of military experience on civilian success. Andrew Lawrence of Nucleus Financial, Ian Drysdale of Carbon60, Li Stark of BAE Systems, Paul Edmondson of AECOM, Ross Higgins of Barclays, and Scott Muir of Forces Employment Charity all received this prestigious recognition.
Emerging Leaders: A Luminous Future Awaits
the “Rising Star of the Year” award was presented to Adam King of JP morgan, recognizing his potential for future leadership and success in the business world.
These awards served as a powerful reminder of the valuable skills, experience, and dedication that veterans bring to the Scottish business community.
Honoring Excellence: A Look at Inspiring Award Winners
Every year, remarkable individuals dedicated to service and leadership are recognized for their outstanding contributions. This year’s awards ceremony shone a light on a diverse group of professionals who embody the values of dedication, teamwork, and innovation.
From the halls of finance to the forefront of technology, these honorees showcased the significant impact individuals can have across various sectors.
**danielle Wood of Barclays took home the prestigious “Role Model of the Year” award. The accolade highlights her dedication to mentorship and inspiring others to excel, proving that leadership goes beyond titles and responsibilities. Other nominees in this category included David Gillespie of Agile Solutions, Dawn Fletcher of Barclays, Gavin Rae of BAE Systems, Scott Findlay of Galliford Try, and Steven Bell of SP Energy Networks.
The “Service Leaver of the Year” award recognized individuals who successfully transitioned from military service to civilian roles. Callum Buchan of Stork UK was lauded for his seamless transition, highlighting the transferable skills and valuable experience service members bring to the workforce. This year’s nominees exemplified dedication, resilience, and adaptability, proving that service goes beyond a specific uniform. The list included Gerry Boyd of Mott MacDonald, Ian Palmer of LevertonHELM, James Nelson of NHS Lothian, Lisa Watt of BAE Systems, and Simon Wilderspin of Diageo.
the “Team Leader of the Year” award celebrated individuals who inspire and guide their teams to achieve exceptional results. Findlay Farquharson of HPR ROV, Gary Dunn of BT, Ross Samson of BAE Systems, Stewart Cuthbertson of Police Scotland/ FDM Group, and Tim Wigham of Exceed were recognized for their collaborative leadership styles, demonstrating that success is often a team effort.
These awards serve as a powerful reminder that excellence originates from individuals who strive for continuous enhancement, inspire others, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
