AQUILA DIRECTOR EX-FORCES BUSINESS AWARDS FINALIST
Aquila’s Director of Service Delivery Sophie Thomas has today been named as a finalist in the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards. The awards are the World’s largest celebration of veterans in second careers. Sophie is through to the final round of contention for the Champion of Women Award.
Sophie served as an officer in the British Army’s Royal Corps of Signals prior to her career in the defence industry. She is the industry’s co-chair of the Women in Defence Charter and joined Aquila in 2021.
Aquila CEO Michael Stoller said:
“We are extremely proud of Sophie’s nomination and it is well-deserved. Sophie has actively helped to drive Aquila’s focus on employing a more diverse workforce to enhance our skillset and expand the opportunities we have to more women.
“With an average 19% female workforce in the defence sector, it is vital for the industry’s effectiveness to increase that. Sophie is driving that not only within Aquila but, through the Women in Defence Charter, across the industry.”
Sophie said:
“I am delighted to be a finalist for these prestigious awards. I’m proud of my military service and of being a Director at Aquila where we really value the contribution that ex-forces personnel make to our business. I am committed to improving gender balance in the defence sector and through my work with the Charter and in Aquila aspire to see women represented and succeeding at every level. I truly believe a balanced workforce is better for government, for business, and for the communities we serve.”
The winners of this year’s British Ex-Forces in Business Awards will be announced and celebrated at a ceremony on 8 September 2022. Broadcaster and sports commentator Jacqui Oatley MBE will host the event for over 1,000 business and military leaders at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane in London. Special guest speakers will include Air Marshal Dame Sue Gray, the UK’s first female three-star officer.
Taking place in London and Glasgow, the awards are dedicated to providing a platform for uncovering and showcasing the business achievements of ex-military, presenting them as role models to service leavers and recognising the employers that support current and former members of the British Armed Forces. The prestigious events promote the huge value that military-gained skills and values add to the UK economy in their second careers.
Lieutenant-General Sir Andrew Gregory, former Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff and CEO of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity and official charity partner of the Awards, said:
“All of us at SSAFA send our warmest congratulations to those who have been shortlisted for this the fifth annual British Ex-Forces in Business Awards. SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, is extremely proud and grateful to be the official charity partner of this fine event that celebrates veteran employment and helps to increase visibility of business role models for servicemen and women. It is heartening to see such a large volume and breadth of employers acknowledging the skills and values of those who have served their country.”
