Congratulations to our ‘Women in Defence’ winners

The Aspire-sponsored Women in Defence Awards were held in London on 1 November 2017.

Sponsored by all three Aspire businesses, these annual Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of women working in – or in support of – defence.

The aim is “to encourage women to succeed authentically, share experience, build networks and encourage talent at all levels to join the defence sector.”

Allan Thomson, Chief Executive of Aspire Defence Limited, explains why Aspire got involved:

Aspire sponsored the Most Collaborative Award this year.  The judges decided to select joint winners as they were unable to separate the achievements of Lance Corporal Sheona MacMillan (Army) and Flight Lieutenant Shona Blainey (RAF). Professor Joann Prior of Dstl was the third worthy finalist.

Flt Lt Blainey (pictured above on far right with all the other winners) was nominated for her work whilst deployed to Baghdad in a US-led Coalition Headquarters alongside the Iraqi High Command. Through force of character, personality and professional ability, she established herself as a credible and impressive interlocutor to the Iraqi forces and politicians, gaining their respect and friendship.

LCpl MacMillan (pictured above centre) was nominated for her role as Environmental Manager on Project ANEMOI, a £35 million Design & Build contract to construct new accommodation on three remote sites in the Falklands. The plans required endorsement and buy-in from stakeholders at every level from the Falkland Island Government through to Site Commanders.

The Awards ceremony was attended by Allan and a senior team from Aspire Defence Services (ADS) – Mark Carr, Managing Director, who presented the Award for Aspire; Deborah Marsh, Director of Business Services and Susan Thornton, Garrison Facilities Director (Larkhill & Warminster).

Aspire’s guests included Major General Richard Wardlaw OBE, Director of Basing & Infrastructure and Graham Dalton, Chief Executive of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation