I’ve Been Shortlisted for ‘Inspiration of the Year’ – Here’s What That Means to Me
I’m incredibly proud (and honestly still a bit in shock) to share that I’ve been shortlisted for Inspiration of the Year at the 2025 British Forces in Business Awards.
These awards are the world’s biggest celebration of veterans in the workplace, and being named a finalist feels surreal. It’s not just a personal milestone—it’s a moment that reflects everything I’ve been through, and more importantly, what others might be going through too.
Why This Matters
The Forces in Business Awards do something incredibly important: they shine a light on the contribution that veterans make in the civilian world. Every year, around 15,000 people leave the British Armed Forces. And while many of us leave with skills, experience, and resilience—transitioning into civilian life isn’t always easy.
That’s why these awards exist: to highlight the success stories, tackle the stigma, and open up opportunities for others following a similar path.
My Story
I joined the Army at 16 and served for 9 years in the Royal Signals. Since leaving, life’s thrown more than a few curveballs—redundancy (twice), stage 4 heart failure, and PTSD, to name a few. But those challenges shaped me. They gave me clarity, perspective, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Earlier this year, after being made redundant, I launched DSB Tech Consultancy. It wasn’t planned so much so i did it the same day, as soon as i got home – it felt right. I wanted to build something based on integrity, innovation, and real-world impact. A consultancy that didn’t just “do Tech” but helped businesses get the most from their tech with honesty and purpose behind every decision.
So when I found out I was shortlisted for Inspiration of the Year, it hit me hard—in the best way.
“It’s not just about recognition—it’s about showing what’s possible when you refuse to give up. If sharing my journey helps even one person feel less alone, or reminds them to keep going, then this nomination means more than I can say.”
What’s Next
The Awards Gala is on 26 June at Grosvenor House London, hosted by ITV’s Nina Hossain, with over 1,200 guests expected. There’ll be appearances from some incredible people like Major Heather Stanning OBE and Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns.
Win or not, I’m honoured to be standing alongside some amazing finalists—all proof that veteran talent belongs in every corner of business and industry.
Final Thoughts
To everyone who’s supported me—thank you. Whether you’re a client, a colleague, a mentor, or a mate, this moment belongs to all of us, and to the Armed Forces community: keep going. Your story matters.
— Dan
You can find more information on the below links
- On the official awards website(see here)
- Published as an article on Forces.net, the leading news source for the Armed Forces community (see here)
- Published as an article on the Forces in Business Content Hub(see here)
- As a post on X (see here), which we encourage you to retweet
