The Heropreneurs Awards 2026 returns on 2 November to celebrate the remarkable entrepreneurial achievements of the Armed Forces community.
Hosted by the Forces Employment Charity and proudly sponsored by the Warwick Business School, the awards recognise the significant business achievements of veterans, reservists and military families who have made a lasting impact across a wide range of sectors.
Held at London’s iconic skyscraper The Shard, the awards continue to inspire the next generation of the military community seeking to build their own successful ventures.
Heropreneurs Lead at the Forces Employment Charity, Victoria Greenhalgh, said:
“Each year, the Heropreneurs Awards showcase the talent, determination, and imagination within the Armed Forces business community. This year’s finalists have set an exceptional standard.
“Our partnership with Warwick Business School and the opportunities they provide through MBA scholarships give aspiring entrepreneurs the skills and confidence to turn their ideas into successful ventures. We are proud to work with the School and thank them for their ongoing commitment to supporting innovation in the military community.”
Here are the categories and finalists:
Heropreneur of the Year
This award holds a distinguished place, recognising an individual who has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial achievement, outstanding leadership, and a strong commitment to supporting and inspiring the wider military business community.
Our finalists:
- Thomas Nicoll, B25 Private Investigation Limited
- Oliver Spence, CybaVerse Ltd
- Sam Tant, Connect Advisory
Product of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding product, physical or digital, and demonstrates the skill, determination and vision needed to bring it to market successfully.
Our finalists:
- Carina Evans, Marine Kind
- Laura Milward and Laura Moore, Replenish
- Gary Tucker, Network Training Partnership
Tech Business of the Year
This award recognises a business whose main area of operation is technology, either focusing on the development and manufacturing of technology or providing technology as a service.
Our finalists are:
- Simon Kirkpatrick, RuleXis (a division of Duforest Ltd)
- Andrew Nicholson, Osprey Flight Solutions
- Oliver Spence, CybaVerse Ltd
Start-Up of the Year
This award recognises early-stage businesses – no more than five years old – that demonstrate innovation, traction, and exceptional growth potential.
Our finalists are:
- Laura Milward and Laura Moore, Replenish
- John Sibary, On Tha Moor (The Natural Dog Soap Company)
Micro-Enterprise of the Year
This award celebrates small businesses that exemplify entrepreneurial strength, operational stability, and sustained performance. Nominees will have created solid foundations and proven that small, focused teams or individuals can achieve remarkable things.
Our finalists are:
- Thomas Nicoll, B25 Private Investigation Limited
- Sarah Stone, Samtaler Ltd
Warwick Business School Award
The Warwick Business School Award is designed to recognise ambition and help individuals transition to the next stage of their career. The winner will receive an extraordinary 100% scholarship to pursue one of their prestigious MBA programmes. Seven made it to the final stage for the WBS Award.
