THE HEROPRENEURS AWARDS
Heropreneur of the Year 2025
Sponsored by Goldman Sachs
This is the top award being presented at the Heropreneurs Awards 2025. It recognises an individual who has established or is leading a successful business and serves as a positive influence within the military business community. Success can be demonstrated in various ways, including growth, profitability, flexibility, and overcoming challenges.
Meet our finalists
Nigel Seaman, Combat2Coffee
Setting up Combat2Coffee hasn’t just been a labour of love for Nigel, it has been a key part of his ongoing recovery journey. It was 2018 when Nigel took the leap and launched Combat2Coffee, marking a major milestone in his continuing journey to recover from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Nigel first discovered the power of coffee while attending a residential course for treatment of his spiralling mental health, which was significantly impacting his family life. During his stay, he placed a coffee machine in his room and began inviting fellow veterans in for a chat. It quickly became clear: coffee wasn’t just a drink – it was a conversation starter and and his vision to spread this to the masses quickly developed.
Nigel’s own experiences with PTSD stem from his time serving in the Royal Anglian Regiment, while his time working as a prison officer opened his eyes to the lack of rehabilitation and support available for those in custody.
Today, Combat2Coffee roasts and sells high-quality Brazilian coffee, reinvesting profits into outreach programmes, training, and education to support veterans, ex-uniformed personnel, their families, and communities.
Stephen Andrew Gladston
HeliOperations
Wayne Forsyth, The UK Military School ltd
The UK Military School is a specialist education provider dedicated to developing leadership, resilience, and teamwork in young people through military-inspired programmes. Founded with the vision of supporting schools and communities, it delivers structured projects that promote personal growth, confidence, and life skills. Using a unique blend of practical activities, problem-solving tasks, and character-building challenges, UK Military School helps children and young people build self-belief, discipline, and motivation.
Working in partnership with primary and secondary schools, the organisation provides leadership development days, outdoor challenges, and long-term projects tailored to the needs of pupils. Sessions are delivered by experienced instructors with backgrounds in the Armed Forces and youth development, ensuring a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment.
With a strong track record across regions of the UK, UK Military School is committed to preparing the next generation with skills that last a lifetime.
With special commendations to
Lindsay Compton, Canny Comms
Lindsay is the founder and CEO of Canny Comms, a specialist defence and security communications agency she established in 2019. Driven by belief that groundbreaking technology was not reaching the frontline due to inadequate communication, Lindsay has quickly established herself as a leader in the field.
Richard Thrower, Motion Focus Media
Richy is an ex-forces veteran turned filmmaker and entrepreneur, now leading Motion Focus Media, one of the UK’s most dynamic video production and marketing companies. After serving on the frontlines in Afghanistan, Richy swapped the battlefield for the camera lens, using his military precision and resilience to craft cinematic stories that drive real impact.
Through Motion Focus Media, he helps businesses across the UK elevate their brand with powerful, high-quality video content. But his mission goes beyond business, Richy is currently producing The Last Letter and the upcoming feature film Crack On, projects that shine a light on the struggles veterans face transitioning to civilian life, from homelessness to mental health challenges.
Richy proudly thanks Heropreneurs for the Special Commendation, an honour that recognises his commitment to using storytelling as a force for change and giving a voice to those who served.
Meet our judges
Bobby Stewart
Executive Director, Goldman Sachs
Bobby started his career as an officer in the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Throughout his 8 years in the Army, he served in the UK, Afghanistan and Cyprus.
On leaving the Army in 2016, he worked as a Management Consultant focused on Financial Services. Bobby has been involved with Heropreneurs over the last four years, running the Pitch Day Event at Goldman Sachs
Alan Pepper
CEO, Orega (Management) Limited
Orega (Management) Limited is a UK-wide flexible workspace provider that works in partnership with property owners and occupiers to develop and deliver flexible working solutions within their estates.
After some years of private equity experience, Alan has spent the last 20 years in commercial, finance and general management leadership roles in both multi-site property and technology businesses. He has held executive and non-executive positions in both private and public companies, working typically with small and medium sized businesses on their development, expansion and fundraising activities. He is a Chartered Accountant by original profession.
Alan was a Territorial Army officer in the Royal Corps of Signals for 12 years, is a Trustee of the Forces Employment Charity and a mentor with Heropreneurs.
Gareth Whotton
Founder, ARG Coatings
As the founder of ARG Coatings, based in Darlington, Gareth has built a business that specialises in alloy wheel refurbishment, car customisation, and high-performance styling modifications. He is passionate about quality, precision, and helping car enthusiasts bring their vision to life. What began as a small operation has grown into a trusted name in the automotive sector, known for craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Gareth’s journey from the Armed Forces to business ownership hasn’t been without its challenges, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. He’s deeply committed to supporting fellow service leavers in making the transition into entrepreneurship. Gareth aims to champion veteran-led businesses and give back to the community that’s played such a crucial role in shaping his path.