Hoddesdon enforcement firm celebrates national industry award win

Whipps Enforcement Agents, based in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, has been recognised at the Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA) conference after one of its rising stars received a national industry award.

The conference, hosted in London, saw hundreds of professionals from across the sector gather to celebrate and reflect on the industry under the banner of ‘A Turning Point for Enforcement’. The day provided a vital platform for collaboration, insight and forward-looking discussion at a pivotal and challenging time for the industry.

Whipps Enforcement Agents celebrated success after colleague Evan Lowerson received the ‘Apprentice Newcomer of the Year’ award. Evan first joined Whipps at just sixteen, initially gaining experience through an administrative role before progressing into a full-time position after completing his A Levels.

Last year, at only twenty years old, Evan became one of the youngest Enforcement Agents in the country. He has since built a reputation for professionalism, fairness and empathy, with customers regularly praising his calm and respectful approach.

Russell Hamblin-Boone, Chief Executive of CIVEA, the principal trade body representing approximately 95 per cent of civil enforcement agencies and agents across England and Wales, said the awards were a brilliant celebration of the “diverse, innovative and forward-thinking enforcement agencies in England and Wales”.

Russell added: “It was wonderful to see so many people from different sectors come together to honour the work of civil enforcement agents and their employers at such a challenging time for our industry.

“Huge congratulations to Evan and everyone at Whipps Enforcement Agents. Evan’s story is an excellent example of the opportunities available within the enforcement profession for talented young people who demonstrate professionalism, empathy and a commitment to learning.”

In presenting the award, judges praised Evan’s maturity, professionalism and ambition, describing him as “a future leader in the industry”.

Upon receiving the ‘Apprentice Newcomer of the Year’ award, Evan Lowerson commented: “I was extremely proud to have been nominated for such a prestigious award, and to win was a real honour. Enforcement is an incredible industry to be a part of and I’m looking forward to expanding my experience and knowledge over the coming years. I’d like to thank Whipps Enforcement, the judges, and Business Smart Solutions for sponsoring the award.”

Each year, civil enforcement agents recover around £1 billion of unpaid debt in England and Wales. This money goes towards funding vital public services, including schools, libraries, adult and children’s care and road repairs, yet new research has shown a worrying rise in attacks on and abuse of enforcement agents.

The conference also explored how technology, data and partnership working are helping to improve standards and outcomes across the enforcement sector, alongside discussions on vulnerability, welfare support and agent safety.

For more information about CIVEA and the work its members carry out, visit www.civea.co.uk