‘Veteran’ estate agent in running for national business award
LSL’s Director of Operations David Graham Shortlisted for Forces in Business Leader of the Year 2025.
David Graham, LSL’s operations chief, who is a former Royal Air Force (RAF) serviceman and now estate agent, has been shortlisted for Business Leader of the Year (Large Company) at the 2025 UK Forces in Business Awards.
The Awards are the world’s largest platform dedicated to recognising the achievements of military veterans in second careers and Graham was selected from a record-breaking pool of over 950 nominations..
Each awards is to highlight how leadership, resilience and strategic skills developed through military service can help drive success in the business world. They also honour the organisations that provide vital support to veterans transitioning into civilian roles.
My Royal Air Force experience instilled discipline, leadership, and problem-solving, shaping my professional journey.”
Graham (main image) says: “My Royal Air Force experience instilled discipline, leadership, and problem-solving, shaping my professional journey. I transitioned smoothly to civilian life, leveraging military skills for corporate success.”
After leaving school at age 17, David joined the RAF, serving for six and a half years in South Wales, Lincolnshire, and Germany. The experience became a defining chapter in his life and later fuelled two decades of success in senior roles at major UK and global brands, including Costa Coffee and Pret A Manger.
Pivotal role at LSL
In March 2023, David joined LSL Estate Agency Franchising as Director of Operations, playing what the company says was a pivotal role in leading the organisation through a significant transformation to a fully franchised model, a move that has reshaped the future of the business.
Graham adds: “From high school dropout to building a successful business career, my story shows that military service can open doors to unexpected and rewarding paths.”
The winners will be announced on 26th June 2025 at the British Forces in Business Awards gala in London, where hundreds of business and military leaders will gather to celebrate the contributions of veterans across the workforce.
