Celebrating sponsors for the first ever UK military family awards event
Sponsors have now been confirmed for the very first Celebrating Forces Families (CFF) awards evening, taking place on Friday 29th April 2022 at the Victory Services Club (VSC), London.
This black tie awards evening is being organised to give thanks to military families, and focus on the huge contribution that they provide to the whole Armed Forces community - and the MOD is supporting the event through its Partner Employment Steering Group. The top three shortlisted nominees, from each of the nine awards, will be invited to be part of the awards evening where the winners will be announced!
The financial support provided by the sponsors has allowed the small team of military charities and organisations to run this tri-Service, not-for-profit event and make it a truly memorable evening for all families who attend.
The Carisbrooke Hall ©Victory Services Club
Our sponsors
Headline event sponsor: Parkdean Resorts
Parkdean Resorts provide the Headline Sponsorship to the main event, and you’ll also see them during the seated dinner in the Carisbrooke Hall. They are also sponsors of the Inspirational Family Member of the Year award and the Exemplar ‘Forces Friendly’ Employer of the Year award.
Steve Richards, CEO, Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s largest holiday park operator says:
“We are constantly in awe of the huge sacrifices Serving personnel and their families make, so these awards are our way of showing our support to these inspirational people, alongside our ongoing commitment to gifting holidays to the Army Central Fund and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, and to raising funds for SSAFA.
“Our company values drive our aim to support the Armed Forces community within our organisation as well, promoting understanding and awareness, and investing in training and development to allow them to thrive professionally and personally with us. As a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, and having attained a Silver Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, we are delighted to celebrate fellow employers working to engage military personnel and their families.”
Media partner: BFBS
BFBS is the official Media Partner for the event, bringing the awards to life through big screens at the event itself and live streaming the awards evening online for those who are unable to join the celebrations in person. They will also be running a Green Room, sponsored by RBL for interviews to hear and record the winning and inspiring stories. BFBS Radio presenter, Amy Casey, who is also an RAF Reservist, will co-host the Awards with former Coronation Street actor, Antony Cotton.
Simon Bucks, Chief Executive, BFBS said:
“We’re delighted to bring our entertainment, media streaming and event production experience to support the Celebrating Forces Families Awards. It’s a superb opportunity to say a huge thank you and honour the achievements of the families whose pivotal role in the Armed Forces community so often goes under the radar.”
“We look forward to delivering a glittering night of celebration and recognition for the nominees and guests.”
Reception sponsor: Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Harrison Clark Rickerbys will be sponsoring the Drinks Reception where guests will begin their evening.
Head of HCR’s Hereford Office, Rebecca Kirk said:
“These awards highlight the pivotal role played by the families of our Armed Forces; their dedication and sacrifice matches that of those Serving and enables them to take their place among the best in the world.
“We have several Armed Forces family members within the team at HCR, so we know first-hand just how much military families give to the Armed Forces community and how family members are often the heroes behind the scenes.
“So we are honoured to be able to support these inaugural awards to recognise and celebrate the selfless commitment, fantastic work and incredible achievements of all Armed Forces families.”
Young People’s Award: Giving back to the Armed Forces Community Sponsor: Right Management
Right Management are supporting this award, which is looking for a child of someone who Serves who has given their time and energy to the betterment of the Armed Forces community.
CTP’s Quality and Performance Manager, Charlene Brookes says:
“Over recent years staff via The Career Transition Partnership (CTP), a partnering agreement between the Ministry of Defence and Right Management Ltd, have worked to raise money for nominated charities. One of these charities is Scotty’s Little Soldiers. Like Scotty’s Little Soldiers we know how important, as part of the wider military family, supporting our Armed Forces children is which is why we are delighted to support this award recognising a child of someone who Serves.”
Overcoming Adversity Award Sponsor: Anglia Ruskin University
Anglia Ruskin University supports the award for a military family member who has experienced and achieved success, despite living through an unfortunate event, experiencing difficulties or challenges. This could be based around mental, emotional or social challenges - or all three!
ARU’s Chief Operating Officer and Armed Forces Champion, James Rolfe, said:
“Equalities, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of ARU’s innovative and entrepreneurial research and education. ARU is proud to play its part in our local, regional and national communities, and supports military families through the research outputs of the Veterans and Families Institute for Military Social Research and through our educational and employment opportunities.
“We are thrilled to be involved in this unique opportunity to celebrate the achievements of military families.”
Military Charity of the Year Award Sponsor: Defence Discount Service
The Defence Discount Service supports the award looking for a charity or CIC, which has provided exemplar support to Armed Forces families during 2021.
Defence Discount Service CEO, Tom Dalby said:
“As the Armed Forces continues to go above and beyond in protecting the British public and supporting other frontline services, this can place immense strain on their families and loved ones. Additionally, members of the Defence community may experience their greatest challenges only after leaving life in the Armed Forces. Together, this means the work of military family charities is even more vital in 2022 and why we’re delighted to be sponsoring the award for Military Family Charity of the Year”
“Congratulations to all of the nominated organisations, here’s to a wonderful evening celebrating all of your achievements.”
Social Media Influencer of the Year Sponsor: Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer is sponsoring the search for someone who is part of the military family, has over 5k followers on a platform and been instrumental in spreading the word and supporting the Armed Forces community through social media.
Head of Logistics and Veterans Network Senior Sponsor (VNSS), Paul Burns said:
“I have huge respect for our Armed Forces, of the work they do and the sacrifices they make for our safety and well-being. As Sponsor of the Veterans Network, and Head of Logistics where we are privileged to have so many veterans as colleagues, it is great to see due recognition and the chance to share this with pride with their families”
In addition, Director of Communications and VNSS, Victoria McKenzie-Gould said:
“As the director of communications and sponsor of our Veterans network I’m delighted that we’re sponsoring this award for social media. Our Armed Forces do so very much for our country and communities around the world. Telling that story is so important so we never forget the remarkable contribution they make.”
Armed Forces Advocates of the Year Sponsor: Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald supports the search to find the winner who publicly and positively supports the Armed Forces. This could be a school, group/club, family or an individual.
Mott MacDonald’s Armed Forces Steering Group Chair, Liz Baldwin says:
“We’re delighted and honoured to be involved in this inaugural Celebrating Forces Families Awards ceremony.
“We are proud to employ a significant number of military family members across the business and strive always to look after their needs through our flexible employment and wellbeing policies. We recognise that military family members often make significant sacrifices in support of their serving loved ones and, as a strong advocate for inclusivity and openness, we are particularly pleased to be sponsoring the Armed Forces Advocate(s) of the Year award.
“We wish all the nominees the very best of luck!”
Family Volunteer of the Year Award Sponsors: The Naval, Army and RAF Families Federations
The Naval, Army and RAF Families Federations support looking for a military family or individual family member of any age who has volunteered towards an Armed Forces cause.
Director of the RAF Families Federation, Maria Lyle said:
“As the three organisations who provide an independent voice for the families of all three single Services, we are thrilled to be sponsoring the Family Volunteer of the Year Award. We know there are many deserving winners here, so look forward to hearing the inspiring stories of the nominees and celebrating the winner on the evening itself.”
Small Business Owner of the Year Sponsor: Supporting the Unsung Hero
Supporting the Unsung Hero is supporting this award looking for a military family member who has set up their own business, due to the nature of a mobile lifestyle in the Armed Forces - and made it the best it can be, no matter what size.
The Black Country Chamber’s Sarah Walker, who runs Supporting the Unsung Hero says:
“We feel privileged to support so many inspiring individuals start and grow their business and this award recognises the determination, skills and resourcefulness of those within our Armed Forces community. We are honoured to sponsor the Small Business Award category.”
Pre-dinner entertainment by the Military Wives Choirs Sponsor: Barclays
Barclays are sponsoring the Military Wives Choirs to sing to us as we enter, take our places and prepare to enjoy the three-course dining experience in the Carisbrooke Hall at VSC.
Barclays Head of Military and Veterans Outreach, Kevin Gartside said:
“Barclays is delighted to be involved in the inaugural Celebrating Forces Families Awards Evening and in particular, we are proud to be sponsoring the fantastic Military Wives Choir, who are providing such a fantastic accompaniment on the night. Barclays is committed to supporting military spouses and the broader Armed Forces community; both through employment opportunities and bespoke banking products and services, recognising the positive role Forces Families play in our society. Congratulations to all involved and in particular the worthy finalists and winners, have a fantastic evening.”
Green Room sponsor: Royal British Legion (RBL)
The RBL is sponsoring the event’s Green Room where all winners will be providing interviews for the live streaming of the event. These interviews will also be recorded for families to enjoy after the awards evening itself.
Alex Owen, RBL’s Head of Armed Forces Engagement said:
“Military families, which make up more than half our Serving community, are the first, and most important, source of support for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines throughout their military life. That’s why the RBL is so proud to be playing a role in recognising their contribution at these special awards. We will enjoy celebrating forces families on the 29th April, but we’ll continue working hard to support them for the rest of their lives.”
Meet our presenters
All awards will be announced by celebrity guest presenter, Antony Cotton, alongside BFBS Broadcaster, Amy Casey who is also an RAF Reservist in her spare time. Well known-voiceover specialist, Peter Dickson will also be providing key announcements during the course of the evening.
Questions?
You can read the FAQs on the CFF website and tickets will also be on sale at a cost of £75pp, available through the CFF website.
You can contact the CFF Event Team at info@celebratingforcesfamilies
Follow the event as it unfolds on Facebook and Instagram @celebratingforcesfamilies.