‘Huge value’ of veterans in business recognised in Scotland

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25 March 2024

Established in 2018, the Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards (SEFBA) is the flagship platform for showcasing the veteran talent pool in the country.

Held again at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow, and hosted by Sally Magnusson, SEFBA supported SSAFA – which benefited from a silent auction and saw thousands of pounds raised on the night by the generous attendees and donors.

Sally – a well-known broadcast journalist, television presenter, and writer – said: “By showcasing the achievements of veterans in their post-military careers, this important awards programme leads the way globally in demonstrating the huge value that veterans add to the Scottish economy.”

In a speech at SEFBA, Mary Kenyon, Branch Chair of SSAFA Forth Valley, spoke of the support SSAFA gives – and has given – to members of the Armed Forces and their families.

Speaking later, Mary said: “I thought it was great that SSAFA had been invited to be the beneficiary of this high-profile charity event in Scotland. Being present at this award ceremony and being invited to speak about the work of SSAFA was a real opportunity to raise our profile across the armed forces in business sector across Scotland.

“There was a real buzz in the ballroom venue, enhanced by the presence of host Sally Magnusson, and the keynote speakers Susie Hamilton and Graeme Dey MSP, who all spoke very highly of our armed forces and the high standard of skills they had to offer to businesses so that those present felt really valued.

“One could feel the pride of the many people present who were nominated as well as those who were called forward to receive awards.”

Ben Rossi, founder of the Ex-Forces in Business Awards and its organiser Disruptive Media Group, said: “We are thrilled to have been working with the amazing team at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, for over five years now as Official Charity Partner of the Ex-Forces in Business Awards.

“Year after year this unique Awards programme has proved incredibly impactful in shifting the narrative surrounding veterans in the UK such that hiring managers and employers across the country view the Armed Forces community as the truly exceptional talent pool that it is. That we've been able to also utilise the platform to promote the tremendous work of SSAFA and raise significant sums for the charity makes us very proud.

“The 2024 Scottish edition of the Awards was another very special event showcasing the great value that veterans add to the Scottish economy and we now look forward with much excitement and anticipation to the 2024 UK edition in London on June 27.”