Sixty-three years ago to the day, Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne and on this auspicious date our new Fellows were gowned by our President Viscount Falkland

The Honorary gown went to Traffic Commissioner, Sarah Bell who was clothed by IOC president Viscount Falkland, TfL boss and IOC fellow, Sir Peter Hendy, IOC Chair Carl Lomas MBE.

IOC Prof Tracey Worth announced the new fellows in the House of Lords. It was a who’s who leading the sector, breadth of vehicle from foot to truck, electric to diesel, same day to e-retail. The gala ceremony has become a life memory for those involved, a recognition of the highest accolade of the sector, supported by family. 2015 standing room only began with key note speeches from Sir Peter Hendy and Sarah Bell.

IOC Chairman Carl Lomas delivered ‘Trailblazer & associate.’ News on the tremendous industry support for the new apprenticeship model for couriers and detail about the forthcoming launch of associate membership for ten thousand front line couriers with an insurance alliance for van cover.

Guests from across the sector and across the UK were present. From all points of the compass, Scotland to the south coast, Liverpool to Tilbury, nationals networks and regionals from Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham.
It has become tradition for past fellows to form line and welcome the new.

Joining the past fellows were Master Carmen Lt Col Paul Holder RLC. Also in the line, deputy Vice Chancellor of Derby, Prof Rod Dubrow Marshal and Dean London Met, Prof Stephen Perkins, both engaged to deliver undergraduate degree support in road freight logistics. Marjorie Semple of West Thames College, Heathrow GTA was in the line with a focus on apprentice delivery.

New, Jon Stockton TNT walks the fellowship line, shaking hands with founding fellow Jon Barber.

The new gowned, then walk the line in a welcome of fellowship before guests and industry clap them out of the terrace, re-forming for their first meeting in gown in the House of Lords amongst fellows of the past with a joint aim of best practice for the industry.