It gives us great pleasure to announce that two members of our team have been nominate for a Scottish ex-force in Business Award. Lee Thomas form Levenseat Renewable Energy and Lisa Heffernan form Levenseat Ltd. Lee has been nominated in the service leaver of the year category and Lisa in the Military Values in Business category.
The Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards are set to land in Glasgow for the fourth time next month, showcasing the tremendous talents of military veterans in second careers.
The programme has celebrated the second-career achievements of over 1,000 veterans and reservists while demonstrating the huge value that military-gained skills and qualities adds to the UK economy. The award ceremonies, which are attended by up to 1,200 veterans and employers, have raised nearly £250,000 over the past several years for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, which is the official charity partner of the Awards.
Transitioning from the military into a meaningful second career is known to be a notoriously difficult endeavour for many Armed Forces veterans. Levenseat are proud of all our ex- forces team members, andwe value the skills and experience that those who have served bring to enhance our organisation. We also recognise the important role we play as an employer, in supporting veterans in their transition to civilian employment and in developing a fulfilling career path.
Lisa Heffernan, Community Engagement Officer at Levenseat commented ‘I am utterly shocked and awed to be a finalist for the Military Values in Business Award. Embodying the Royal Navy core values gave me an advantage when starting my employment journey, securing a strong work ethos that is a completely unique which stays with you throughout your life, and I believe it has made me a better employee. Thanks to Levenseat who spotted my potential and have helped me to further my career in community engagement’
Lee Thomas, EFW Operations and Maintenance Technician, Levenseat Renewable Energy, added ‘I can’t believe it, I am very proud to be nominated and of my career in the military and now with Levenseat. It can be difficult to find a second career out with the military and to be part of an event that celebrates this is an honour, I hope other veterans read our stories and realise there are opportunities out there, best of luck to all the nominees.
The finalists of the 2023 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 20 veterans and business leaders from major Scottish employers such as Addleshaw Goddard, Barclays, JPMorgan, Edrington and the Scottish Government.
Lt. Gen. Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said: “We are proud to once again be the official charity partner of this important awards programme which promotes the tremendous talents of the Armed Forces community to employers and increases visibility of business role models for servicemen and women.
“As a former Chief of Defence People, I know just how important it is to have strong visibility both of the wide breadth of forces friendly employers and of veterans who have transitioned into meaningful second careers – these awards lead the way in amplifying that visibility.
“Our warmest congratulations but also sincere thanks must go to all of those who have been shortlisted for this year’s Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards for setting such a great example of how military-gained skills and values can be successfully applied across all sectors.”
The winners will be revealed and celebrated at the prestigious award ceremony on 18 April in the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow’s Grand Ballroom. Broadcasting legend Sally Magnusson will host the event and introduce a programme of entertainment and guest speakers including Scotland’s first female Veterans Commissioner, Lt Cdr Susie Hamilton.