Farnsfield chartered financial planner Nick Onslow (above) is a finalist in the sixth annual British Ex-Forces in Business Awards.

The event, which showcases talent in the UK’s Armed Forces community, has shortlisted Nick for Role Model of the Year, from a record-breaking number of nominations.

Nick served 25 years in the military, in a career that spanned accountancy, HR, and medic roles.

He completed seven operational tours, including in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Rwanda.

After leaving the Army, Nick entered the financial planning industry in 2009 and is now working at national professional services company Progeny. He is also a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society.

His shortlisting for Role Model of the Year recognises Nick’s mentoring work in schools and at work, his role as Education and Careers Secretary for the Nottingham Chartered Insurance Institute, and sharing his knowledge with military personnel via his involvement with the Forces Money Plan.

Nick also gives his time to local charities and organisations, including the Farnsfield Trust, Adoption Plus, and Burrowed Hearts Animal Rescue.

“I’m honoured to be a finalist at an awards event that showcases the achievements of military veterans,” he said. “I’ve been able to apply the many skills gained from my 25-year military career to my second career in financial services and to supporting my local community, so to be recognised as a role model is amazing.

“Veterans have a lot of attributes that are valuable in the workplace, including a strong sense of discipline, unique life experiences, and effective interpersonal skills and programmes, which support service leavers to find second careers are really valuable.”

This year’s awards will take place in London on 29th June.

Awards founder Ben Rossi added: “Six years ago we set out a vision for a grand showcase of veteran talent to promote to all UK employers the business case of hiring from the Armed Forces community, while also giving service leavers the confidence to dream bigger.

“Each year we are even more blown away than the last at the response. The extraordinary achievements displayed through the 800-plus nominations should leave no doubt that the veteran talent pool must never be overlooked.”