The resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Armed Forces community were celebrated this week at the Heropreneurs Awards 2025.
Hosted by the Forces Employment Charity and sponsored by Warwick Business School and Goldman Sachs, the ceremony on 3 November at The Shard recognised the exceptional leadership and achievements of veterans, reservists, and military family members who are forging new paths in business and delivering meaningful impact across society. The awards were attended by Minister of Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP.
From mission-driven start-ups supporting veterans’ mental health to developing a world-class defence technology company, this year’s winners demonstrated the extraordinary talent within the military business community.
The Forces Employment Charity delivers the Heropreneurs programme, which provides free mentoring, business support, and development programmes tailored to the Armed Forces community, ensuring entrepreneurs have access to expert guidance and opportunities to grow their business.
Chief Executive of the Forces Employment Charity, Alistair Halliday, said:
“The calibre of this years’ entries really was outstanding and a testament to the remarkable qualities, drive and talent that exists throughout the Armed Forces community.
“Members of the Armed Forces community bring strategic thinking, teamwork, drive and commitment – qualities that thrive in service life, and when they combine with an entrepreneurial spirit and then apply them to build new businesses, the results can be remarkable. We at the Forces Employment Charity are proud to recognise and champion their success.”
James Murphy, Director of Veterans and Families Employment for the Forces Employment Charity, said:
“The Heropreneurs Awards are a powerful celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit within the Armed Forces community. Resilience, adaptability, and a relentless drive to overcome challenges – these qualities don’t just define our Service leavers, veterans, and families; they fuel their success as business founders, innovators, and job creators.
“For me, the awards recognise a community that continues to serve society in new and enterprising ways, building ventures that make a lasting impact.”
This year’s award categories and winners were:
- Heropreneur of the Year – Army veteran Nigel Seaman, founder of Combat2Coffee
- Start-Up of the Year – Army veteran Adele Furness for CG Cleaning
- Product of the Year – British Airborne Forces veteran Jon Reynolds for The55, developed by Battle Bag Ltd
- Tech Business of the Year – Royal Marine veteran Gus Lersten for Labrys Tech
- Warwick Business School Scholarship Programme – joint winners Nathan Flye, Army veteran, and Hugo Mitchell-Heggs, Royal Navy veteran.
