Finalists announced for soldiering on awards 2024

Now in their 14th year, the Soldiering On Awards celebrate excellence within the Armed Forces community across twelve distinct categories, ranging from Family Values to Business Start-Up and Animal Partnership.

These awards aim to highlight ordinary individuals accomplishing extraordinary feats.

Leading the selection process, Co-Chairs of Judges Lt Gen (Ret’d) Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE and Debra
Allcock-Tyler, CEO of the Directory of Social Change, guided a distinguished panel of independent judges.
They meticulously selected 36 finalists from an exceptional pool of nominees, with three finalists chosen
for each category.

A private reception at the House of Lords in July, hosted by Awards Patron the Rt Hon Earl Howe GBE PC,
will honour the finalists. The winners will be announced at a spectacular black-tie event at the Park Plaza
Westminster Bridge on Wednesday, 16th October 2024, hosted by special guest presenter Jeremy Vine.
Public voting will determine the winners in two categories: the Animal Partnership Award and the
Inspiration Award. Online voting will open on 23rd July and close on 26th August at www.soldieringon.org.

Soldiering On Awards Patron, the Rt Hon Earl Howe GBE PC 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."

Co-Chair of the Independent Judging Panel, Lt Gen (Ret’d) Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE 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 thirty-six finalists for their exemplary role in
inspiring us all."
X-Forces Enterprise CEO, Lt Col Ren Kapur MBE 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

Published at soldieringon.org/announcing-our-2024-finalists.
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
• Maj 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.

• Lt Col 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 January 1st, 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 January 1st, 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