Last week, representatives from the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and ManpowerGroup – who had very recently been re-awarded the prestigious Ministry of Defence Gold Employer Recognition Award – co-sponsored a table at the largest ever Soldiering On Awards ceremony.
It was a fantastic night, hosted by our longstanding partners at X-Forces, where so many people from across the Service community came together to support and celebrate the work of the nominees.
Fourteen winners were announced at the 2022 Soldiering On Awards across a diverse set of categories, recognising the hard work and achievements of individuals and organisations from the armed forces community, including serving personnel, veterans and family members.
650 guests gathered at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on Thursday 27th October 2022. The 12th annual ceremony was the biggest in the Soldiering On Awards’ history as finalists from the last two years, who had been restricted to virtual celebrations, were invited to join their 2022 counterparts to celebrate with representatives from all three services, military charities, and corporate supporters.
Adrian Peters, Operations Director for the CTP said:
“It was a privilege to be part of such a powerful evening celebrating the achievements of so many great organisations and individuals. The buzz of being among so many people who are genuinely motivated to make a real difference by recognising those who have made outstanding achievements within the Armed Forces community was tangible and hugely empowering. An excellent night – thank you Ren, Martin & all at X-Forces”
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Johnny Mercer MP joined Ministry of Defence leaders at the event, which was hosted by journalist and television presenter Lucrezia Millarini and former Army Reservist and plane crash survivor Jamie Hull.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Johnny Mercer said:
"Congratulations to all the recipients of the Soldiering On Awards. The recipients of these awards highlight the incredible values that our armed forces bring to civilian life. I'm delighted to have celebrated these fantastic successes in person with award winners and nominees."
Chief of Defence People,
Lieutenant General James Swift OBE, recognised the military community’s contribution to society in his address:
“The armed forces are renowned for building people, teaching skills and providing opportunities. We hope these skills and attributes stand people in good stead for post service life and are what makes us a better society overall both in and out of uniform.
“The Soldiering On Awards help to lift the lid on those remarkable achievements and inspire so many. Tonight’s room is filled with those lived experiences and some of the extraordinary talent from our forces and their families.”
English football legend
David Beckham OBE added his praise in a video message, apologising that he could not be present:
“I’m really sorry that I can’t be with you this evening at the wonderful Soldiering On Awards. I know that you’ll be having an amazing night listening to so many inspirational stories of remarkable individuals from across the armed forces community.
“To you the finalists, the work that you do is so vital; your dedication and commitment is truly incredible. I believe that each and every one of you are winners.”
Soldiering On Awards Chair,
General the Lord Dannatt GCB, CBE, MC, DL, explained the event’s importance:
“These awards call attention to the wonderful things people in the armed forces are doing and how they hope to make society better for us all. Their stories of enviable success and achievement we hope will act as inspiration for others as well as affording them a moment of reflection and congratulations.”
Closing remarks were made by
Lt Col Ren Kapur MBE, Chief Executive of X-Forces Enterprise and Soldiering on Awards:
“The essence of the Soldiering On Awards is to shine a light on ordinary people doing extraordinary things. After the pandemic halted celebrations, it’s a joy to gather among these wonderful people and feel such mutual support in the room. The Armed Forces community represents the very best of British, leading the way in demonstrating what it truly means to be a supportive community, and these unique awards provide opportunity to both reflect on incredible achievements and inspire future endeavours.”
The evening featured musical performances from Chelsea Pensioner and Britain's Got Talent Winner Colin Thackery, Soprano Christina Johnston, the Military Wives Choirs and the Corps of Drums of the Royal Logistic Corps.
Award Winners
Healthcare & Rehabilitation Award – Sponsored by Redwood Technologies Group
With You
Education, Training and Development Award – Sponsored by Capita
Building Heroes
Working Together Award – Sponsored by FiMT (Forces in Mind Trust)
Sporting Force
Defence Inclusivity Award – Sponsored by Landmarc
Lance Corporal Natasha Day
Inspiration Award – Sponsored by NatWest (Public Vote)
Gina Allsop
Family Values – Sponsored by Amazon
Seren Killpartrick
Animal Partnership Award – Sponsored by Pets at Home (Public Vote)
Stable Lives
Sporting Excellence Award – Sponsored by BMF Human Performance (Public Vote)
Sally Orange
Business of the Year – Start Up Award – Sponsored by GKN Aerospace
Craig Smith – NDA Homes
Business of the Year – Scale Up Award – Supported by London Stock Exchange Group Foundation
Lee Harris-Hamer – White Horse Cleaning Company
Business of the Year – Community Impact Award – Sponsored by Cisco
Scotland's Bravest Manufacturing Company
Lifetime Achievement Award – Sponsored by Oracle
Sip Powers
Special Recognition Awards
Dr Alison Baverstock
Lt Col Gilly Moncur
Social Media:
Facebook: @SoldieringOnAwards
Twitter: @SoldierOnAwards
Instagram: @SoldieringOnAwards
LinkedIn: @soldiering on awards
Soldiering On Awards is a brand of
X-Forces Enterprise