St Helens Andy Reid nominated in British Ex-Forces in Business Awards

The event showcases the vast and exceptional talent within the UK's Armed Forces community.

This year there was a record-breaking number of nominations, with Andy, a triple amputee since being injured in an IED blast in 2009 while serving in Afghanistan, shortlisted for the Inspiration Award.

Andy, who lives in Rainford, scaled Mount Kilimanjaro last year.

Scaling Mount Kilimanjaro

The dad-of-two achieved his goal of becoming the first triple amputee from the UK to climb the 18,000 feet to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Andy Reid during his climb up Kilimanjaro (Image: Andy Reid)

Over the years, Andy has also used his story to inspire others, setting up the Standing Tall Foundation, a charity he co-founded to support the delivery of mental health counselling and addiction support services.

His inspirational efforts earned him the MBE and he has won numerous other accolades over the year, nationally and locally, including at the Pride of St Helens awards.

'Second-career achievements'

The Ex-Forces in Business Awards have led the way in showcasing the second-career achievements of more than 1,200 UK veterans and reservists at events that have been attended by thousands of employers and engaged with by millions more online.

This year's awards programme, which returns to London for the sixth time on June 29, following last month's Scottish edition, has attracted more than 1,100 nominations.

Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said: "As a former Chief of Defence People, I know just how important it is to have strong visibility of forces-friendly employers and of veterans who have transitioned into meaningful second careers.

"These awards lead the way in amplifying that visibility, which makes us very proud to once again be the official charity partner of this important awards programme.

"Our warmest congratulations and sincere thanks go to all those who have been shortlisted for this year's British Ex-Forces in Business Awards.

"They set such a tremendous example for how military-gained skills and values can be successfully applied across all sectors."

TV presenter and broadcaster Jacqui Oatley will return to present this year's event at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel's prestigious Great Room on London's Park Lane.

Andy Reid in one of his inspirational feats - taking on the St Helens 10K

Ben Rossi, founder of the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards, said: "Six years ago we set out a vision for a grand showcase of veteran talent to promote to all UK employers the business case of hiring from the Armed Forces community, while also giving service-leavers the confidence to dream bigger.

"Each year we are even more blown away than the last at the response to this programme.

"The extraordinary achievements displayed through the nominations received for this year's British Ex-Forces in Business Awards should leave no doubt in anybody's mind that the veteran talent pool must never be overlooked."