A veteran who started a first aid business after saving the life of his newly-born daughter has won a prestigious award. Lee Whitworth, from Richmond, won the service leader of the year category at the inaugural British Ex-Forces in Business Award after launching A&E Harmonious Compliance Training.
Lee left the military in 2015 after a 25-career. He was inspired to launch the business after delivering his youngest child, who then three weeks later stopped breathing. The first aid Lee gave her saved her life.
Lee, who served with military bands during his career and is also musical director of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, says he knows first hand the importance of first aid which is why the company uses the slogan Basic First Aid, Saves Lives. He has thanked his wife Alison and children Cadence and Talisia for understanding the long hours and time away while building the business. He added: “I am touched that all the time away from the family, the long hours and the amazing enjoyment of training people to save lives, has resulted in A&E Harmonious Compliance Training Ltd and I being awarded service leader of the year.
The finalists for the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards 2018 were whittled down from more than 250 nominations that demonstrated outstanding business achievements enabled by transferable skills gained in the military. The winners of the awards were revealed on May 17 at the inaugural British Ex-Forces in Business Awards in London’s De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms.
The ceremony was the largest ever celebration of the ex-forces in business community, bringing together top business leaders, companies, military personnel, politicians, journalists and other stakeholders to raise awareness of resettlement issues, encourage the development of ex-forces employment schemes and promote the significant value that military-gained skills can provide to the UK economy if better utilised across the workforce.
What is the Armed Forces Covenant?
To those who proudly protect our nation, who do so with honour, courage, and commitment, the Armed Forces Covenant is the nation’s commitment to you.
It is a pledge that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.
What is being done?
The covenant focusses on helping members of the armed forces community have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen.
This support is provided in a number of areas including:
- education and family well-being
- having a home
- starting a new career
- access to healthcare
- financial assistance
- discounted services
Further information about support services available to both serving personnel and their families , and veterans and their families are provided on GOV.UK.
Find information about working, jobs and pensions for members of the armed forces and their families .
For more information about the background of of the Armed Forces Covenant go to the covenant policy .
You can also read the Armed Forces Covenant promise in full here .
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The covenant supports serving personnel, service leavers, veterans, and their families. And is fulfilled by the different groups that have committed to making a difference.
These include:
- Central government
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- Businesses of all sizes
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Does it apply to you?
If you are a member of the armed forces, a veteran, or a family member, the Armed Forces Covenant offers a wide variety of support to ensure you are being treated fairly.
If you are a business, or a community organisation, you can find out how to show your support.
This site will help direct you to the most relevant information regarding policies, services and projects that you can benefit from.
Visit Armed Forces Covenant guidance and support for information on the breadth of the covenant and the support it provides.