Natasha was originally contracted by the Institute in January 2011. A major component of her role at the time was to be part of the team who set up and implemented the Journal of Licensing, which was launched in November 2011. Natasha continues to oversee the Journal's production, progress and development. Natasha assists with all aspects of events and is involved with the majority of the IoL publications. Prior to working for the IoL she was a Licensing Enforcement Team Leader at Reading Borough Council. Natasha has over 10 years’ experience working in local government licensing. Natasha is involved in arranging our training events, including the National Training Conference, the marketing of courses and membership and updating the website with news stories, vacancies and member questions.

Jenna joined as the Training and Qualifications Manager in July 2014. She has over 10 years previous experience in local authority licensing. Jenna is responsible for events calendar - if you have a training need not met by the training advertised contact Jenna!

Caroline has been contracted with the IoL since April 2009, and is responsible for the management and reporting of the IoL's accounts and those of its subsidiary trading company, the Institute of Licensing Events Ltd. Caroline's accuracy is key as she deals with all aspects of the accounts and financial reporting of the IoL. Her passion is credit control so ensure you pay your invoices on time!

Bernie joined the IoL team as full time administrator in August 2017. She is the main point of contact for membership enquiries and renewals.

Clare joined the IoL as a full time employee in September 2015. As Training Officer, Clare will lead on the development of IoL licensing qualifications as well as working closely with the IoL team to continue to improve services to members including the provision of training and events continue across the country which are relevant, targeted and provide best value to IoL members. Clare’s background includes 10 years in Local Government Licensing, most recently as Licensing Officer at Purbeck District Council and before that with Manchester City Council.

Lauren joined the IoL team as full time administrator in May 2018. She is the main point of contact for an event booking.

Louis is our National Communications Officer, responsible for our news updates and licensing flashes.  He is also a full time Licensing Manager, and Chairs the IoL South West Region.

Hannah initially joined the team in August 2020 working on our annual programme of training and events.  

Ellie joined the team in August 2022 and is the Executive Assistant to our Executive Officer Sue Nelson. 

Ellie assists with meetings organisation and many other administrative tasks to ensure the smooth running of our EOs diary along with supporting the team with general administrative tasks for events and membership.

James Button was one of the Founders of the Local Government Licensing Forum which evolved into the Institute of Licensing. He was Chair from its creation in 1996 and oversaw the transition to the Institute in 2003 before handing over to Philip Kolvin in 2004 when he became President. He currently chairs the Institute’s Taxi Consultative Panel. He is a solicitor who runs his own niche practice specialising in all aspects of licensing, environmental health and public health work. He is the author of “Button on Taxis” and writes regularly for the “Journal of Licensing”.

Throughout a now 20 year career in and around the UK alcohol industry and licensed trade, Jon’s roles have covered political, operational and commercial matters. Chief Executive of CGA Strategy, the UK’s leading licensed trade research consultancy, since 2006, Jon advises clients from both the public and private sectors, including all leading alcohol producers and licensed retailers. CGA’s unique understanding of the mechanics of the private sector and the public policy framework within which operators act means they are well equipped to offer insight into current and future trends in the fast changing licensing sector.

Prior to joining CGA, Jon was chief executive of BEDA, the trade association for the UK’s nightclub and bar industry. In his time at BEDA, Jon oversaw campaigns on issues such as licensing reform and door supervisor regulation. He was also involved from the earliest stages in the development of Best Bar None, Business Improvement Districts and Purple Flag. In February 2012, Jon was elected chairman of the Institute of Licensing, giving him further opportunity to advance an agenda founded on partnership and communication. During his time as Chair of the Institute, Jon chaired the re-established National Licensing Forum, which brings together the police, local authorities, national policymakers and industry with the aim of improving how licensing works at the local level. Jon resigned from Chairman in January 2015 due to work commitments in America but continues to be a Board member.

Philip is a barrister specialising in licensing, who acts for local authorities, industry operators, trade associations and communities, and is the Head of Cornerstone Barristers, a leading Chambers in the field of planning, licensing, regulatory, housing and local government law.

He has published extensively in the field of licensing. His books include Sex Licensing and Gambling for Local Authorities for the Institute of Licensing; Licensed Premises: Law, Practice and Policy for Bloomsbury, and the Encyclopedia of Forms and Precedents and Atkins Court Forms for Lexis Nexis.

Philip chairs Purple Flag, a national programme run by the Association of Town Centre Managers to accredit the best night time economies. He is a former Chair of the Institute of Licensing, Best Bar None and environmental campaign groups. He has served as a co-opted expert on the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012 and on the national board of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Susanna FitzGerald was a leading licensing silk who specialised in all aspects of Licensing Law, but latterly Gambling Law. She was a leader in this field and was recognised by the “Chambers Directory of The Legal Profession”, “Legal 500” and “Legal Business Legal Experts: Highly Recommended”. Her clients included leading leisure, gaming, betting, e-gaming and lottery companies and the media, as well as local authorities.

She gave evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on Gambling Harms in 2019. In the past she gave evidence to the Gambling Review Body, the Select Committee on Gambling and the Joint Scrutiny Committee on the draft Gambling Bill. She has been closely involved in consultations between industry and the DCMS, and the All Party Parliamentary Leisure Group about changes to the licensing laws, and with the Gambling Commission as well on changes to the gambling laws. She has drafted numerous proposed amendments to our laws, and in particular the gambling laws, on behalf of various parties for submission to the Government.

She co-authored two leading textbooks on gambling law: “Law of Betting Gaming and Lotteries” by Smith and Monkcom, 2nd, 3rd and 4th editions, and Halsbury’s Laws Vol 4(1) reissue on Betting Gaming and Lotteries.

She was a member of Lord Grabiner QC’s Chambers at 1 Essex Court, Temple, London, which is one of the leading commercial sets in England and Wales. (www.oeclaw.co.uk) Until early 2019 when she left the Bar. She now owns and runs an estate in East Sussex where, amongst other things, she has a licensed wedding venue.

She is a director of the Institute of Licensing, a Bencher of Inner Temple, a trustee of the Chevening House Estate in Kent, a member of the South East Committee of Historic Houses and a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. She has been a director of Business in Sport and Leisure, the chairman of Business In Licensing, and a member of the Gambling Business Group, a trustee of Gamcare, and a member of the Society for the Study of Gambling.

Kate was elected National Chair of the Institute of Licensing effective from 1^st April 2014. 

She is CEO of UKHospitality, the powerful voice representing the broad hospitality sector, having previously worked as CEO and Strategic Affairs Director of the ALMR. In July 2019, Kate was appointed Chair of the Tourism Alliance, the membership organisation for the tourism industry comprising of leading trade associations/trade bodies within the sector. Kate is also Chair of Mayor of London’s Nighttime Commission and a member of the Events Industry Board, London Food Board, Tourism Industry Council, Cultural Cities Enquiry, London & Partners Members Group and the Advisory Board for the Institute for Industrial Strategy

After gaining a degree in English and a post-graduate diploma in competition law, Kate worked as a researcher in the House of Commons and European Parliament before joining Whitbread as Government Relations Manager, starting her careers in hospitality in 1993. Kate was Director at one of the largest independent public affairs companies, working with a number of hospitality, retail and leisure accounts before establishing her own strategic communications consultancy in 2000.

She is a graduate of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge and Kings College London.

Gary Grant is recognised as one of the country’s leading licensing barristers (Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners). With 20 years experience at the Bar, he divides his time evenly between acting for premises operators on the one hand and representing local authorities, police forces and resident groups on the other. Areas of work include alcohol and entertainment, sexual entertainment, gambling, firearms and explosives, taxis and private hire vehicles, as well as prosecuting and defending regulatory offences in the criminal courts. Gary has a reputation for representing all his clients with fierce independence, skill and tenacity. Having been cited as the "first-choice licensing barrister for the Metropolitan Police" (Chambers & Partners, 2011) he is increasingly instructed by high-profile private clients including Spearmint Rhino, Pacha nightclub and many of the leading West End and national nightclub, bar and restaurant operators. He is particularly experienced in hard-fought premises licence Reviews, late-hours applications within cumulative impact areas, and conducting appeals in the magistrates’ court where, the legal directories observe, he “displays complete command and is extremely eloquent, forceful, persuasive and impeccably prepared”. Gary has acted and advised in cases involving venues as diverse as the 2012 London Olympics Sites, The O2 (formerly Millennium Dome), Twickenham Rugby Stadium, Notting Hill Carnival, Lingfield Park and Folkestone racecourses and numerous major music and cultural festivals. He is widely experienced in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court/House of Lords and has appeared in several of the leading reported cases of recent years (including R v Rimmington, the leading modern case on Public Nuisance, and “Funky Mojoe” on procedural defects). Gary also advises local authorities, governments (in the UK and abroad) and public bodies on aspects of licensing law and Policy, is a frequent contributor to law journal.

Gary was awarded Fellowship in 2021 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to licensing and to the Institute of Licensing.

David is a specialist in gambling, alcohol and entertainment licensing and an independent licensing consultant. 

He has previously represented operators of alcohol, entertainment and gambling premises in Great Britain. He has also advised responsible authorities and licensing authorities, including acting as legal advisor to licensing committees.

David provides training to operators, licensing authorities and responsible authorities on all aspects of licensing and gambling including specialist areas such as compliance, conditions, hearings and appeals.

He is a consulting editor to “Paterson’s Licensing Acts” (Butterworths) and has provided contributions on the Licensing Act 2003 and the Gambling Act 2005. David is also the author of Licensing and Gambling Practice Notes published by LexisNexis.

David is a member of the Board of the Institute of Licensing and Chairman of the East Midlands Region.  He is also a member of the national Board of Best Bar None, LexisPSL consulting editorial board and the regional council of the BII.

After a career in the police service I joined North Hertfordshire Council dealing with street scene and taxis/private hire. I then became Licensing and Enforcement Manager becoming responsible for large scale open air events at Knebworth House including Ministry of Sound and Robbie Williams among others. I was also a member of the emergency planning team there and we had severe local flooding at Kimpton to deal with. I then moved to Hertsmere Borough Council where I was Principal Licensing Officer for 7 years overseeing the introduction of the Licensing Act and the Gambling Act, preparing policies and procedures for both, preparing reports and dealing with numerous hearings before a licensing sub-committee. Not to forget the taxi and Private Hire trade policies etc as well as all other licensing issues including motor vehicle salvage for which at one point we had a large number of scrap yards shut down for 2 days while search warrants were executed. I became a local government cost saving in 2012 and since that time have been working as an independent consultant in Licensing and working on some television productions. I first got involved with what was then the Local Government Licensing Forum attending a conference held in Swansea, and shortly after agreed to become conference treasurer. There was not a lot of money in the bank when I started but I also carried out a review of the LGLF finances and by the time we became the Institute of Licensing I was able to hand over a solid financial base to build the IoL upon. I have been a board member for quite some time now and at present am the Financial Director of the Institute. I am also treasurer of the Home Counties region.

Susanna FitzGerald was a leading licensing silk who specialised in all aspects of Licensing Law, but latterly Gambling Law. She was a leader in this field and was recognised by the “Chambers Directory of The Legal Profession”, “Legal 500” and “Legal Business Legal Experts: Highly Recommended”. Her clients included leading leisure, gaming, betting, e-gaming and lottery companies and the media, as well as local authorities.

She gave evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on Gambling Harms in 2019. In the past she gave evidence to the Gambling Review Body, the Select Committee on Gambling and the Joint Scrutiny Committee on the draft Gambling Bill. She has been closely involved in consultations between industry and the DCMS, and the All Party Parliamentary Leisure Group about changes to the licensing laws, and with the Gambling Commission as well on changes to the gambling laws. She has drafted numerous proposed amendments to our laws, and in particular the gambling laws, on behalf of various parties for submission to the Government.

She co-authored two leading textbooks on gambling law: “Law of Betting Gaming and Lotteries” by Smith and Monkcom, 2nd, 3rd and 4th editions, and Halsbury’s Laws Vol 4(1) reissue on Betting Gaming and Lotteries.

She was a member of Lord Grabiner QC’s Chambers at 1 Essex Court, Temple, London, which is one of the leading commercial sets in England and Wales. (www.oeclaw.co.uk) Until early 2019 when she left the Bar. She now owns and runs an estate in East Sussex where, amongst other things, she has a licensed wedding venue.

She is a director of the Institute of Licensing, a Bencher of Inner Temple, a trustee of the Chevening House Estate in Kent, a member of the South East Committee of Historic Houses and a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. She has been a director of Business in Sport and Leisure, the chairman of Business In Licensing, and a member of the Gambling Business Group, a trustee of Gamcare, and a member of the Society for the Study of Gambling.

Jon Collins served as Chairman of the IoL from 2012 until 2015. He remains a director / trustee of the IoL and is also a Patron of the IoL.

James is the Regulatory Services Manager in Belfast City Council’s Licensing Unit. He is both committed and passionate about all types of licensing and over the years, has built a formidable reputation regarding his knowledge of legislation and his delivery of leading edge proactive enforcement techniques and he has been at the forefront of enforcement against illegal street traders in Belfast, often in very difficult circumstances. James has an established background in working with multi Government agencies, public and private sectors including Pubs of Ulster, FACT, BPI, SIA, NI Office, National Association of British Market Authorities and the Carpinvest Group (Italy). James has written a number of key published papers and reports and delivered key presentations regionally and nationally, including providing oral evidence on a number of occasions before Committee Hearings of the N.I. Assembly. James’ specialties are: Project management and delivery; Specialised enforcement including seizure of goods and asset recovery; Licensing policy, strategy, development and troubleshooting. Outside of work, James is a petrol head with a passion for cars and motorbikes and can often be found sailing a motor boat or a fast RIB on Lough Erne.

Stephen's expertise in licensing law is recognised at the highest levels. He has sat on a number of Scottish Government expert groups including those which oversaw the update to personal licence refresher training, and training for licensing board members. He gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament in connection with the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 in connection with alcohol licensing reforms, and separately in the 2016 Enquiry into Fixed Odds Betting Terminals. Stephen was appointed to the position of Chairman of the inaugural Scottish region of the Institute of Licensing in October 2016 and has been a member of Institute of Licensing in 2010. He is also a member of the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership (SAIP), the Scottish Alcohol Licensing Advisory Forum (SALAF) and has been a member of the Law Society of Scotland Licensing Sub-committee since 2010.

Linda enjoyed a 28-year local government career in Environmental Health and Licensing, finally heading up a shared Licensing Service across 2 authorities, administering almost all licensing regimes. She has specific interests in animal Welfare licensing, Taxis and Licensing Act 2003. As an active member of the Institute of Licensing and as chair of the South East Region she has participated in several IoL working groups including Taxi Working Party, Animal welfare Licensing and was a member of the Guidelines to convictions group. She has spoken at the IoL National training Event on her favourite subjects. In 2017 she made the bold step to pursue a new self-employed career as a Licensing Consultant and trainer working for the ‘other’ side and has created and delivered 3 operationally based training courses on behalf of the IoL for new and administrative officers working in Licensing Teams.

Frank was elected regional Director for the South West in April 2023, having served as a regional officer for several years. She works alongside Louis Krog (South West Regional Chair) and represents the region on the Board.

Martin was appointed Director of the Wales Region in October 2014. I joined the licensing team of Powys County Council in 2004 following my retirement from the Fire Service after a 33 year career, retiring from my position as County Commander for the County of Powys. My responsibilities as a licensing officer include Licensing Act, Gambling Act, Taxi Licensing. Caravan Sites, Scrap Metal Dealers, Charitable Collections amongst others. I am the Councils lead Officer for The Licensing Act 2003 and have been responsible since 2004 for setting up and maintaining the Licensing Act 2003 Policy and developing most other licensing requirements under this act. I am also involved on a daily basis with many other areas of licensing. As Regional Director, I will help and support the Welsh Region to develop and to continue to provide a high standard of service for its members and to encourage further membership from all areas of the licensing community. Outside of work my interests include genealogy, history, reading, photography and travel particularly family holidays with the grandchildren to Florida.

info@instituteoflicensing.org

Sarah is Chair of the West Midlands Region of the Institute of Licensing, and is regularly involved in the Institute's regional and Annual Training Events. Sarah is an expert in the Hospitality and Leisure Industry, for both licensing and planning. Sarah practises from Kings Chambers, in their Birmingham office. She practises in all areas of licensing, planning, regulatory and disciplinary law, and mediation.

Sarah has a high-profile specialist practice in licensing, representing local authorities, national companies; licensed trade clients; police and residents.

Sarah was awarded Fellowship in 2021 in recognition of her outstanding contributions to licensing and to the Institute of Licensing.

Stewart was elected Chair and Director of the Eastern Region in March 2022.

Tracy was elected Director of the North West Region in 2023. She has served previously in this capacity

Susanna FitzGerald was a leading licensing silk who specialised in all aspects of Licensing Law, but latterly Gambling Law. She was a leader in this field and was recognised by the “Chambers Directory of The Legal Profession”, “Legal 500” and “Legal Business Legal Experts: Highly Recommended”. Her clients included leading leisure, gaming, betting, e-gaming and lottery companies and the media, as well as local authorities.

She gave evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on Gambling Harms in 2019. In the past she gave evidence to the Gambling Review Body, the Select Committee on Gambling and the Joint Scrutiny Committee on the draft Gambling Bill. She has been closely involved in consultations between industry and the DCMS, and the All Party Parliamentary Leisure Group about changes to the licensing laws, and with the Gambling Commission as well on changes to the gambling laws. She has drafted numerous proposed amendments to our laws, and in particular the gambling laws, on behalf of various parties for submission to the Government.

She co-authored two leading textbooks on gambling law: “Law of Betting Gaming and Lotteries” by Smith and Monkcom, 2nd, 3rd and 4th editions, and Halsbury’s Laws Vol 4(1) reissue on Betting Gaming and Lotteries.

She was a member of Lord Grabiner QC’s Chambers at 1 Essex Court, Temple, London, which is one of the leading commercial sets in England and Wales. (www.oeclaw.co.uk) Until early 2019 when she left the Bar. She now owns and runs an estate in East Sussex where, amongst other things, she has a licensed wedding venue.

She is a director of the Institute of Licensing, a Bencher of Inner Temple, a trustee of the Chevening House Estate in Kent, a member of the South East Committee of Historic Houses and a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. She has been a director of Business in Sport and Leisure, the chairman of Business In Licensing, and a member of the Gambling Business Group, a trustee of Gamcare, and a member of the Society for the Study of Gambling.

We were delighted to award Andy Eaton Fellowship of the Institute of Licensing in November 2017.

Leo's Fellowship of the IoL was formally announced at the Gala Dinner during the IoL's National Training Event on Thursday 21 November 2013. The award was made in recognition of his dedication as Editor of the IoL's Journal of Licensing, and also his hard work generally in the field of licensing, which includes a significant amount of time presenting training at IoL regional and national events, as well as his well known work in the field of sex licensing.

James Button was made Companion of the IoL (our highest membership award) in November 2012.

We were delighted to announce in November 2012 that Roy Light had been made Fellow of the Institute of Licensing in recognition of his achievements as an academic and licensing practitioner.

We were delighted to make Ian Webster Fellow of the Institute of Licensing in recognition of his achievements as a licensing professional as well as his outstanding contribution to the development of the Institute of Licensing and his leading involvement in the negotiations which led to the merger of the IoL with the Society of Licensing Practitioners (SLP).

Councillor Philip Evans was awarded Fellowship of the Institute of Licensing in November 2011 in recognition of his exceptional involvement and input into licensing both locally and nationally in his role as an elected Councillor.

We were delighted to announce the appointment of Philip Kolvin QC as Patron of the Institute of Licensing, and to award him Companionship in November 2011.

We were delighted to present Jeremy Allen with our Outstanding Achievement Award in November 2010.

Colin was elevated to Companion of the IoL in July 2009 in recognition of his outstanding profession and dedication to the profession of licensing.