Employee assistance programme founder named among UK's most successful veteran entrepreneurs
The founder of a Lichfield-based employee assistance programme has been shortlisted for an award recognising veteran entrepreneurs.
Sharon McCormick (pictured) of The Listening Centre has been shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year at the British Forces in Business Awards 2026 – one of 12 finalists nationwide and the only woman in the category.
After serving eight years in the Royal Air Force, Sharon founded The Listening Centre in 2002 and later Adept Central in 2017.
The Listening Centre Business of the Year won the overall Greater Birmingham Business of the Year award at the 2025 Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce awards.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy has cited the organisation as the "gold standard" for EAP sector practice, featured in BBC Radio 4's 'File on Four' investigation (March 2024).
Adept Central, a CPCAB-accredited training centre with 'Centre of Excellence' designation, delivers evening counselling qualifications for working professionals transitioning into the profession. Graduates enter private practice, supporting their communities across the Midlands.
Sharon said: "I needed a job that worked around being a mum while still satisfying my career aspirations and passion for workplace support.
"That's what The Listening Centre became. Adept Central was created when I spotted a gap in counselling training. Passion, determination, and spotting needs that were not being met – that's the formula that worked for me."
The British Forces in Business Awards recognise outstanding contributions by former Armed Forces personnel to British business and society.
The 2026 Awards Gala takes place on 25 June at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London, with 1,200 business and military leaders in attendance.
The ceremony will be hosted by ITV News anchor Nina Hossain, with keynote speakers including adventurer Bear Grylls OBE and four-time Paralympic gold medallist Jaco van Gass.
Ten per cent of all ticket sales will be donated to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
