LCM Environmental’s CEO, Richard Wallace, is one of the 12 finalists for the SME Business Leader of the Year Award 2023 for the Grand Showcase of Veteran Talent

The finalists for the sixth annual British Ex-Forces in Business Awards, the Armed Forces community’s biggest awards ceremony, demonstrate the huge value that veterans offer.

A record-breaking number of nominations saw the annual British Ex-Forces in Business Awards – and LCM Environmental’s CEO, ex-Royal Marine, Richard Wallace, reached the final stage in the Business Leader of the Year for Small-Medium Enterprises Award nominations.

Richard came to the Craggs Energy Group in 2017 after completing 27 years of service with the Royal Marines, deploying on operations to Northern Ireland, Northern Arabian Gulf and Afghanistan. Initially employed as a consultant for the 4 core businesses within the Craggs Energy Group, he was asked to step up to the role of Group Managing Director only 3 months into his employment. After successfully tripling the turnover and net profit of the businesses, Richard was promoted to CEO of LCM Environmental in 2022. His discipline, tactical thinking and immeasurable dedication to the team made him the perfect candidate for building a business of the future. 

The Ex-Forces in Business Awards were established in 2017 to tackle the awareness gap and lack of visible role models for service leavers head-on. By promoting the vast breadth of achievements by veterans in second careers, the prestigious awards programme, which is the largest of its kind globally, shines a light on the veteran talent pool while also increasing the visibility of business role models for service leavers, giving them the confidence to pursue their own post-service aspirations.

The Ex-Forces in Business Awards have led the way in showcasing the second-career achievements of over 1,200 UK veterans and reservists at events which have been attended by thousands of employers and engaged with by millions more online. This year’s awards programme, which returns to London for the sixth time on 29 June following last month’s Scottish edition, has attracted more than 1,100 nominations. Each one, in its own right, exhibits the business case of hiring from the ex-forces community.

Lt. Gen. Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said: “As a former Chief of Defence People, I know just how important it is to have strong visibility of forces friendly employers and of veterans who have transitioned into meaningful second careers. These awards lead the way to amplify that visibility, which makes us very proud to once again be the official charity partner of this important awards programme. 

“Our warmest congratulations and sincere thanks go to all those who have been shortlisted for this year's British Ex-Forces in Business Awards. They set such a tremendous example for how military-gained skills and values can be successfully applied across all sectors."

The winners of this year’s British Ex-Forces in Business Awards will be announced and celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel’s prestigious Great Room on Park Lane. TV presenter and broadcaster Jacqui Oatley MBE returns as the host to welcome over 1,100 business and military leaders to the landmark event.

Richard Wallace, LCM Environmental’s CEO, comments: “It is a real honour to be shortlisted as a nominee for the Business Leader of the Year (SME). Behind every nominee, there is a network of people supporting them and providing guidance/advice to drive organisations forwards. Any nomination/award reflects the team’s effort, and it is an honour to have been put forward for this award. Congratulations to all the nominees and look forward to the Award Ceremony in June.