IoC news - Fellows Gowning
Inst of Couriers Fellows' Gowning March 3rd 2026
Ceremonial gowning of IOC fellows 2026
The prestigious fellows' gowning of the Inst of Couriers takes place at the House of Lords, hosted by President, Lord Patrick McLoughlin. IOC Vice President, Sir John Hayes is confirmed to attend. An event recognising individual success with a Who's Who guest list that builds the most formidable network and natter in the last mile, final mile, express delivery sector. National brands will be alongside regionals and city operators from across the UK.
For 2026 there is a life service gold hood waiting; the recipient, who was named at last year's National Courier Awards, is Louise O'Neil, Whistl who is also the co-chair of the Skills England Education Employer Trailblazer Group. It’s a formidable guest list to welcome her - former winners attending include Simi Punn TVS SCS who took gold last year, Royal Mail COO Alistair Cochrane, IOC Founding Fellow Jeffrey Ritterband and former FedEx SVP Trevor Hoyle.
Read more here
Hon fellows confirmed to attend for 2026 include Traffic Commissioner Sarah Bell, TfL Commissioner Andy Lord, UWL Vice Chancellor Peter John and Heathrow's Nigel Milton.
Meet the 2026 Fellows here and see all the photos for Gowning 2026 here
A breadth of govt is on the VIP list including DfT, DFE and DVSA and will be joined regional bodies from TfL to TFWM. The whole IOC board is attending. Those hon fellows confirmed in attendance include Traffic Commissioner Sarah Bell and City of London Sheriff Alison Gowman. Sparkling reception, bowl food includes fellows' favourite fish and chip portions. Next generation apprentices will be on hand alongside Educators and Livery Masters including Louise Thompson, Senior Warden of the Fuellers.
IOC Fellows' Gowning is an express logistics transport network and natter high point of the year. More than quarter of a million final mile vans will be represented in the room, the room is express logistics. The event is IOC fellows gowning 2026!
Inst of Couriers Fellows' Gowning event Feb 29th 2024
Ceremonial gowning of IOC fellows 2024
IOC announce Heathrow Airport Chief of Staff Nigel Milton as honorary fellow for 2024 - delivered Fellows' Gowning keynote.
2024 The new – 24 senior IOC fellows gowned at House of Lords.
On February 29th, 2024, the IOC President gowned a new Honorary fellow, gave out a Life Services distinction and hooded more than two dozen Senior fellows.
Meet the new fellows below...
24 senior IOC fellows gowned at House of Lords for 2023.
Institute of Couriers announce new President.
2023 The new – 24 senior IOC fellows gowned at House of Lords
On March 9th, 2023, the IOC gowned a new President, recognised two Honorary fellows and hooded more than two dozen Senior fellows.
Meet the new fellows below...
Over a thousand years of service to last mile Express sector.
Two honorands– a pair of apprentices – services to industry and a thousand years of CV rainbow.
Friday was IOC Fellows' ceremonial gowning – Feb 25th 2022.
Meet the ceremonial fellows of the 2022 Institute of Couriers fellows gowning.
Two honorands, a life services and 30 gowned to make a 'millennium' of the express final mile, last mile logistics sector.
Fellows gowned of the Institute represented Govt Stakeholder of critical infrastructure for key worker delivery to the door.
A rainbow of sector colours from national to regional and SME.
Ceremonial gowning hosted by the IOC President, Viscount Lord Falkland takes place once a year, 2022 was two years in the making for lockdown.
Education and latest apprenticeships at the heart of the key notes, best practice and next generation as the new formed order for the formal photo of hoods.
Meet the fellows with a summary of their backgrounds below, it’s a 'millennium' of years of contribution for 2022.
2025 – Life services went to Simi Punn TVS. 18 senior IOC fellows gowned at House of Lords.
2024 – Hon fellow and keynote address to Nigel Milton – Heathrow
2023 - Two honorands, TfL commissioner Andy Lord and former Aldermanic Sheriff Alison Gowman. A new President, as Viscount Falkland passes on the mantle to Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill. Two dozen new fellows are received in line.
2022 – Two honorands, TfL commissioner Andy Byford and head of the DVSA Loveday Ryder – Services to Industry for Trevor Hoyle, a thousand years of service in the ceremonial fellows of 2022.
2018 - John Hayes CBE elected new Vice President, Honorary Fellowship awarded to Leon Daniels. Kate Lester takes Services to Industry hood.
2017 - The honorary gown was awarded to Heathrow boss John Holland-Kaye.
2016 - Fellows hand the gown to their President and recognise eighty years...New TfL boss took honorary fellowship & first-ever honorary associateship for the Army. Viscount, Lord Falkland, celebrating his eighty years...Sixty-four years since Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne...TfL boss Mike Brown awarded the hon fellowship, 12 new Fellows were gowned by IOC President Viscount, Lord Falkland.
Gowning galleries
© 2026 Institute of Couriers