Blog: A Busy Month in the Enforcement Calendar
Reflections on a Busy October in the Enforcement Industry: Conferences, Awards, and Networking – By Sam Evans
As I find myself on a crowded Avanti train, I thought it would be a good time to pause, reflect on the couple of weeks that have just passed, and share some of my thoughts. October is one of the busiest months in the enforcement industry calendar, packed with key events like the IRRV Conference and Gala Dinner, the Yorkshire Legal Awards, the CCUA Annual Conference, the British Parking Association’s (BPA) Highways UK and Regional CICM Events.
While it’s undoubtedly a hectic month, it’s also one of the most rewarding. These industry events are crucial for networking, gaining insights, and keeping up with the latest updates in our field. They provide invaluable opportunities to engage with peers, share the latest developments within the court system, discuss goals for enhancing services, and get a glimpse into the future of enforcement.
IRRV Conference: A Welcome Return
Returning to the IRRV Conference after a six-year break, it was great to see that the enthusiasm from local authority delegates is as strong as ever. Although one thing that has certainly changed during my hiatus is the offerings from the various different exhibitors; back in 2018 I recall it was largely free pens and notepads, and whilst there may have been the odd game of Pacman to enjoy, or the chance to win a free bottle of champagne, I don’t recall there being a selection of fresh smoothies, rich coffees, and even a cold beer for the, erm, more hard-working delegates!
CDER Group Chief Executive Officer, Nick Tubbs, delivered the opening address at the IRRV Gala Dinner.
The energy in the room was palpable from the moment I walked into the Telford International Centre, with plenty of networking opportunities in between the various insightful talks being delivered across the event. It was good to connect with some familiar faces, some of whom I hadn’t seen for some time, whilst also making new connections.
The second day stood out for its dynamic sessions, featuring a series of engaging talks that delved into the latest trends and pressing challenges facing the sector. The three-day event concluded on a high note with the Gala Dinner—a celebration of the hard work and achievements within the local authorities. The particular highlight of the Gala Dinner was host CDER’s Andy Cummins naming North Norfolk Council as the winners of the final award, after an evening of ridicule by host and comedian, Hal Cruttenden.
Celebrating Excellence at the Yorkshire Legal Awards
Attending the Yorkshire Legal Awards is always a standout moment in the year. The legal community in this region shares a special sense of camaraderie, and the event is consistently filled with vibrant energy and mutual celebration. This year, we were especially proud to sponsor the Dispute Resolution and Litigation Award, reinforcing not only our ongoing support for the Yorkshire Legal Awards but also our commitment to the legal community in the region.
And the winner is…
We were thrilled to present the award to the deserving winners, Switalskis. The judges praised their dedication to client care and highlighted how their innovative approaches to justice reflect their commitment to making a real difference.
A huge congratulations to all the finalists — it was an incredibly competitive category, and each nominee should be proud of their outstanding achievements.
Stick with me for part 2 where I deliver my thoughts on the CCUA Annual Conference and CICM’s Tackling Credit in 2025 Forum.
