13 Nov 2019 . . A day in a Life

Euan Fenelon shortlisted in Ex-Forces in Business Awards

Euan Fenelon, Natural Power’s Director of Operations and Asset Management, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Outstanding Achiever of the Year category of the Ex-Forces in Business Awards.

The Ex-Forces in Business Awards is the world’s largest celebration of ex-military in second careers. It recognises the value veterans add to businesses as well as the employers that support them transition.

Stephen Trotter, Managing Director at Natural Power, said: “Congratulations to Euan for making the shortlist. We are delighted to see his contribution to our business being recognised.”

He continued: “Most businesses have a need for strong processes and discipline, especially those in engineering, and ex-military personnel not only demonstrate these skills in abundance, but are often eager and very capable of learning new skills.

“We employ a wide range highly skilled staff throughout the, UK and globally. From roles in engineering to environmental, and analysts to HR, we recognise the value of experience gained from a multitude of industries. We currently employ more than 30 individuals who previously worked in the forces, and they bring a blend of skills and experience gained in a uniquely high-pressure environment that can be transferred to our fast-paced, evolving industry.”

Euan joined the business in 2016 from Scottish Power where he was the Health and Safety Programme Manager for UK and European offshore renewable projects, and responsible for developing and implementing appropriate processes for the safe development, construction, operation and maintenance of offshore assets.

Euan has taken active roles in industry groups (GENSIP, RUK, G+) and is a member of Scotland’s Children Panel and lectures on Operations and Risk Management at the University of Strathclyde.

In April 1996, Euan was selected into the Royal Navy as a Warfare Officer. Following initial officer training at Britannia Royal Naval College and at sea on HMS Sheffield and HMS Birmingham, he was appointed to submarines. In addition to extensive technical training at Greenwich Royal Naval College Nuclear Training Facility, he gained considerable experience in the high-pressure environment of a Royal Navy operational unit during peacetime and conflict situations. Euan left the Navy to join BAE Systems in 2001.

Charlie Wallace, the Scottish Veterans Commissioner, said: “These awards remind our society of the fantastic talent that exists amongst our veterans’ community. I hope it will nudge more employers into realising the benefits of employing a veteran.”

The finalists were chosen from a total of 250 nominations by a judging panel of military veterans including Charlie Wallace, the Scottish Veterans Commissioner, David Watt, Executive Director of IoD Scotland, and Tim Allan, President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

The final results will be announced on 3rd December at the DoubleTree Hilton Glasgow. The awards ceremony will be hosted by BBC presenter and Invictus Games gold medallist, JJ Chalmers, and there will be a keynote address from Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans.

About the Ex-Forces in Business Awards

Servicemen and women spend years adapting to roles and gaining valuable skills. They develop qualities that are hugely adaptable to commercial environments and in demand in the business world, but communicating the transferability of those skills to employers can be challenging. Increasing visibility of role models – military veterans who have carved out successful second careers – is crucial to not only empowering and inspiring current and future service leavers, but to educating employers on the value of supporting the transition of servicemen and women.

The Ex-Forces in Business Awards is the world’s flagship platform for providing that visibility by celebrating the achievements of veterans in the wider workforce and promoting the strong synergies between military values and business excellence. The awards highlight the military-gained skills and qualities that have helped enable their business achievements and recognises the organisations that have supported them.

Find out more here.