Alby Dermot, Army

I would hold the founder of Pheniks Division in the highest regard. His extensive experiences both military and civilian gives him the ability to empathise with individuals. He epitomises the army’s core values with specific attention to selfless commitment, putting others and their needs before his own. If you are looking for a professional, diligent and conscientious organisation to work with then look no further than Pheniks Division and in particular the founder Hughie Benson.

As a young private soldier Hughie Benson was to be my section commander on a course which would see me potentially become a Junior Non Commissioned Officer. Prior to the start I was nervous of both my ability and my knowledge. From day one Hughie communicated with me in a way in which brought out the best of me. He taught me how to lead, administrate and command a section within an infantry battalion. Because of Hughie I finished the course as one of the best candidates and went on to become an instructor myself at the infantry battle school, all the time remembering the qualities I observed whilst on my Junior NCO cadre from the most professional persons I had the privilege of being a student of.