We’re proud that Andy Farquhar, Amey’s Project Manager in our Regional Prime Scotland and Northern Ireland contract, is a finalist in the Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards 2021 in the category ‘Advocate of the Year’. The awards recognise the value that ex-Service personnel bring to employers and showcases individuals who have used their military skills to create a real impact in their second career.
Andy joined Amey two years ago having left the military where he served for 25 years in the Royal Engineers and still serves in the Army Reserves. Andy’s role as a Project Manager means he is able to use his military skills, such as leadership, communication to deliver both large and small-scale projects that benefit the military community in and around Royal Marine Condor & Leuchars’ Station. Andy is also one of four Scotland based Amey Mental Health Ambassadors who promote both physical and mental health and help to raise awareness of mental health conditions. It’s Andy’s passion for his wellbeing role that has secured his place in the finals of this year’s awards after being nominated by Lynne Anderson, Council Tax and Benefits Manager, at Dundee City Council.
Lynne said: “Andy is an excellent role model in his post-Army career and understands the potential he has to influence others to achieve the best results. He helps those in their resettlement by giving advice, helping with CVs and using his network of professional experience to put them forward for jobs. He is also a big role model for the Reserves and gains a lot of respect from those he works and trains with as they understand his value and contribution.”
In 2019 Andy set up a new group called Escape the Mind. The group, held near the Army base in Leuchars, offers peer-to-peer support to help veterans and uniformed personnel who are struggling with mental health issues or just need to talk to others. The group is going from strength to strength and Andy’s biggest achievement was receiving a motion in the UK Parliament in November 2019.
Chris Wright, Warrant Officer Class 2 and Amey Project Manager said; “As I transitioned to civilian life Andy helped and gave me advice to ensure I was on the right track, and it is unlikely that I would have found the job I am in without him. Working with him in Civvy Street I have been able to see first-hand the time and effort he spends helping serve ex-Forces personnel with his civilian contacts from employment to their mental health issues. Rightly so, he is very proud of his service and its strong loyalty ethos and puts a lot of time and effort in helping those in need.”
Andy added: “I am very honoured and humbled to be put forward for this award and would like very much to say thank you to those who took the time to contribute to my nomination.”
The winners will be announced at the high-profile Awards Ceremony & Gala Dinner on 19th August 2021 and Amey is proud to be one of the sponsors of the event.