Marching to the finals of the British Ex-Forces Business Awards

Sunbelt Rentals has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Advocate of the Year (Organisation) category, which is awarded to a company that shows outstanding support to service leavers during their transition into civilian careers or act as strong advocates for the skills that ex-forces personnel or reservists bring to business. The company’s veterans programme, built by veterans for veterans, supports the unique opportunities and challenges faced by the veteran population.

This includes actively recruiting members from the armed forces through strategic partnerships and providing individualised support throughout their time with Sunbelt Rentals. The company’s 4R programme aims to support veterans through the provision of resources, recruitment, recognition and retention. Additionally, tailored resources such as accommodation assistance, teammate connections and guidance for families and teammates are available. The award-winning Veterans programme also includes a team of tri-service veteran ambassadors who provide a friendly and supportive environment.

Additionally, Darryl is a finalist in the Inspiration of the Year category, which recognises service leavers who have gone above and beyond to inspire and motivate others. He joined the military straight from completing school and served with 21 Battery, 47 Regiment, Royal Artillery and was deployed during Op Telic 1 in 2003. After leaving the military, he joined Sunbelt Rentals as a driver 20 years ago and worked his way up to become a Regional Operations Manager. During the covid-19 pandemic, he played a major role in mobilising and demobilising over 600 test and trace centres. Currently, he leads the implementation of complex and sustainable equipment solutions across the business.

Outside of his professional achievements, he competes in ultra marathons across Europe including taking part in a 100km race in Bosnia before the awards and another one in Switzerland three weeks after.

With over 150 ex-military teammates in the UK and Ireland and a further 2,200 in the US and Canada, Sunbelt Rentals is committed to hiring and supporting veterans across the globe.

Jimmy Scott, Social Impact Manager and UK Veteran Programme Manager, is delighted to see the programme, and Darryl, on the shortlist. He said: "It's a huge honour for Sunbelt Rentals and Darryl Mills to be recognised in the coveted British Ex-Forces in Business Awards. Darryl’s journey from military service to becoming a Regional Operations Manager is truly inspirational. His dedication, commitment and leadership are perfect examples of the extraordinary values that veterans bring to the business community.

“Our Veterans programme was created to support veterans through their transition from the military and we constantly update and evolve it based on feedback from teammates. This recognition is testament to the impact of our efforts. We are incredibly proud of Darryl and our entire team for their hard work and dedication to creating a supportive environment for all ex-military personnel."

This year's British Ex-Forces in Business Awards marks its seventh annual event, setting a new record with over 900 nominations. The winners will be announced at a Gala ceremony on 27th June 2024, at Grosvenor House London, Park Lane, during the world's largest celebration of veterans in second careers.

For more information about the Sunbelt Rentals Veterans Programme please visit: Social Equality | Sunbelt Rentals