As spring approaches so does awards season, and today we can reveal the shortlist of exceptional finalists for the fifth annual Scottish edition of the Ex-Forces in Business Awards, the world’s largest celebration of veterans in second careers.
Since 2018, this flagship Awards programme has been on a crusade to showcase the diverse talents of the Armed Forces community to employers. The Awards promote a positive and, crucially, more accurate presentation of veterans than their often stereotypical portrayal in mainstream media, which can negatively influence hiring decisions. A third of UK hirers told a SSAFA study they’d feel reluctant hiring a veteran.
Increasing awareness of this underrated talent pool is not just important for ‘levelling up’ job opportunities for people who served their country, but also helping companies solve long-standing economic challenges such as skills shortages and productivity gaps.
Dubbed the ‘Oscars of veteran employment’, the Awards lead the way globally in spotlighting the economic opportunities that exist in leveraging the veterans talent pool. In recent years the Awards have recognised the business achievements of over 1,500 veterans and reservists while also raising over £300,000 for charity partner SSAFA.
The finalists of the 2024 Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards were whittled down from over 300 nominations. The winners are decided by an independent judging panel made up of 24 veterans and business leaders from major Scottish employers such as Addleshaw Goddard, Barclays, JPMorgan, Edrington, SSE and the Scottish Government.
This year’s winners will be revealed on 14 March at a sparkling awards ceremony which has become a firm fixture in Scotland’s business calendar. Hosted by broadcasting legend Sally Magnusson in the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow’s Grand Ballroom, the evening includes a programme of entertainment and guest speakers including Graeme Dey, Veterans Minister, and Lt Cdr Susie Hamilton, the Scottish Veterans Commissioner.
Lt Cdr Susie Hamilton, Scottish Veterans Commissioner, said: “People who serve in the Armed Forces gain world-class skills and values which are highly transferable into every sector. Yet while the business case in hiring veterans is strong, it’s not always well understood.
“I applaud the work of the Ex-Forces in Business Awards in demonstrating this business case in the best way possible: by showcasing the business achievements of this tremendous talent pool as well as the Forces Friendly companies across Scotland which actively seek to employ from the Armed Forces community.
“I send my warmest congratulations to the finalists of this year’s Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards, which once again display the sheer breadth of talent in this community. They are all fantastic role models for service leavers and represent on an exceptional level the value that veterans are able to bring to Scottish employers and the wider economy in their post-military careers. I look forward to celebrating with you all in Glasgow on 14 March.”