How best practice was showcased at 2022 CIVEA conference

How best practice was showcased at 2022 CIVEA conference

In this week's Leading the Way blog, we look back on the recent CIVEA conference and awards evening, considering how the annual event highlighted the ongoing progress of both the Bristow & Sutor Group and the wider enforcement sector.

At Bristow & Sutor, we are long-term advocates of industry collaboration and regularly communicate the ongoing benefits of industry networking opportunities. One of the main benefits of these events is gaining the chance to understand how approaches differ, seeing the achievements of others first-hand and consolidating successes by sharing outcomes and findings for the good of the industry.

Reflection & Collection, the past, present and future of enforcement was recently held by CIVEA (the principal trade association representing enforcement firms) in Covent Garden, London. Enforcement personnel from across England and Wales gathered physically for the event for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns and had plenty to discuss, with speakers and guests highlighting the significant changes that have taken place within the sector in recent times.

A night to remember

The annual enforcement networking event expanded this year to include an awards ceremony for the first time. Firms entering each awards category were tasked with providing evidence of dynamic and proactive support provided to central and local government clients. Bristow & Sutor entered two categories, one highlighting Training and Development and the other for Innovation.

We decided to enter the training category due to our efforts last year, when over 100 different examples of directly employed Enforcement Agent (EA) bodycam footage were reviewed and analysed to identify successful methods. Directly observing conduct rather than theory resulted in every member of staff developing fresh approaches and techniques. We also decided to enter the innovation award after the success of our partnerships with experts such as Webio, who aided us in implementing WhatsApp Business API as an inbound channel for debtors.

We are thrilled to say that we left the inaugural awards ceremony as winners of both categories. Everyone connected with Bristow & Sutor is delighted to have played a part in this victory and, on the back of our recent 100% CIVEA audit score, this represents the next step in our ongoing journey of success.

Special recognition for one of our own

In addition to the two fantastic victories by Bristow & Sutor, a third special award capped off the evening in style when our Executive Director, Andy Rose, was announced as the recipient of a lifetime achievement award. CIVEA awarded the prestigious honour to Andy in recognition of his 40 years of service to the industry, including his roles as Managing Director and CEO of Bristow & Sutor.  Below, Andy reflects on what receiving this special award means to him.

After nearly 40 years in the enforcement industry, many participating in working groups and sitting on the CIVEA Executive Council (and its predecessors; The Certificated Bailiffs Association and Enforcement Services Association), I was honoured and extremely proud to see those efforts acknowledged through my Fellowship Award. I take great satisfaction in knowing that I have provided a meaningful contribution over the years and the recognition I have received from my colleagues and the Association is warming. I have been supported by a great team at Bristow & Sutor and also had the pleasure of creating some great friendships and acquaintances amongst other CIVEA members.

There has been great change over the previous years and it pleasing to see the progress and initiatives that members are achieving in continuing to advance the enforcement industry, as a balanced, accountable but necessary role and service to both public and private sector clients.

Everyone at the Bristow & Sutor Group would like to congratulate Andy on this very well-deserved achievement and accolade.

Success beyond ourselves

In addition to Bristow & Sutor, other winners from the CIVEA awards night included CDER Group, Whyte & Co, Rundle & Co LTD and Dukes Bailiffs Limited. The annual conference was a fantastic chance to network and understand how other leading peers have succeeded in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and facing new obstacles such as the cost-of-living crisis.

It was inspirational to hear of the other incredible outcomes businesses have achieved over the past year in areas as diverse as technology, social value and communication. We would like to congratulate all the other nominees and winners from the awards night, as we are very proud to have received accolades amongst such an esteemed group of industry peers.

We will continue to learn from the best practice examples that others share and we hope that our recognition and achievements will act as a catalyst for others to follow our approach to being Cool, Calm and Collected.