Association President (2026/2028)
Gary Clarke Tech IRRV
Gary has worked in Revenues since 2003, starting with Huntingdonshire District Council until 2005 and then taking various temporary contracts around the country.
In 2011, after a brief time out from the Revenues world as a Driving Instructor, Gary took a permanent position in the Recovery team at Mansfield District Council, before taking roles at Bolsover District Council, Gedling Borough Council, Capita/Sheffield City Council, Wokingham Borough Council and Birmingham City Council. Gary joined Rundle & Co Ltd in April 2026 as Client and Business Development Manager.
Gary has been a member of the IRRV since 2013 and a member of the East Midlands Association Executive Committee since 2019.
Please click here to send an email to Gary Clarke
Association Vice President (2026/2028) & Secretary
Paula Short IRRV (Dip)
Paula started working in Local Government at Rutland County Council in 1996. Over the years she has held a variety of roles from cashier to recovery assistant, council tax assistant, team leader, court officer, business rates officer and her current post, which incorporates business rates officer, Revenues & Benefits Co-Ordinator.
Paula passed the IRRV technician exams in 2009, she qualified at diploma level in 2021 and was the highest performing candidate. In 2025 she went on to achieve the IRRV Honours qualification.
She is now the Secretary and Vice President of the IRRV East Midlands Association. In her spare time, she enjoys running and keeping fit. She regularly takes part in running events.
Click here to send an email to Paula Short
Immediate Past President (2024/2026) & Vice Secretary
Paul Bowden (IRRV)
Paul is a partner within the recoveries team at Wilkin Chapman LLP. He graduated from the University of Hull with a 2:1 degree in Law with Criminology. He passed his Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in York with Commendation and completed his training contract at a Hull based firm before joining Wilkin Chapman LLP as a solicitor in 2009. He became a senior solicitor in 2013, a partner in June 2018 and equity partner in 2023.
Since 2009 Paul has formed part of the firm’s recoveries team and has acted for a range of creditor clients in relation to both volume debt recovery and more complex insolvency proceedings. He acts for a wide range of corporate clients, including local authorities, utility companies, debt purchasers and other commercial creditors.
From July 2013, Paul has had management responsibility for the development and delivery of "Resolution" Wilkin Chapman's unique service offering developed for creditors but primarily utilised by local authority clients. This service provides identification research, enforcement action and case estate administration to local authorities mainly engaged in the use of insolvency and charging order as recovery methods.
Paul has a wealth of experience in acting for petitioning creditors on personal insolvency matters, in particular those where petitions become defended. He also regularly deals with and advises clients on complex annulment applications and applications to set aside statutory demands. Paul has experience in acting for trustees in bankruptcy in relation to post bankruptcy issues such as applications for possession and sale and applications for examination.
Click here to send an email to Paul Bowden
Webmaster
Rob Andrews Tech IRRV
Rob's career began in 1976 when he joined Nottingham City Council as an office junior.
In 1983 he moved to Newark & Sherwood District Council as the Deputy Revenues Manager.
After 22 years in Local Government Rob joined the Private sector and has previously worked for MDIS (now Northgate) Anite, Equita and Datatank. In June 2018 Rob joined Wilkin Chapman Rollits in as their Client Relations Manager.
Rob became an IRRV technician member in 1988 and has been an IRRV East Midlands Executive member since 1998.
Rob has been a season ticket holder for Nottingham Forest for the last 49 years is an expert with a Frisbee, enjoys the outdoors including playing golf, gardening, travel and driving around in his van.
Click here for Rob's Linkedin details
Click here to send an email to Rob Andrews
Association Treasurer (Past President 2016/2017)
James McKillop IRRV (Hons)
James has over 20 years experience working in Local Government Revenues starting his career in the Community Charge Section at Great Yarmouth Borough Council in 1990. In 1993, he moved over to the Revenues Team and acquired an extensive knowledge in Council Tax and Non Domestic Rating registration, billing and recovery matters, attending and representing the authority at Liability Order and Committal Hearings.
In 1998, James became a certificated bailiff recovering outstanding Council Tax and Non Domestic Rates in the Norfolk area. He remained in this role until 2005 when he became Council Tax Manager at City of Lincoln Council. In 2007 he qualified as a full professional corporate member of the IRRV (Hons).
In 2012, James moved to the private sector joining Rossendales as Business Development Executive. He is also part of the Rossendales Training Team, presenting to clients on a variety of revenues and enforcement related subjects.
James also spends time auditing the company’s enforcement agents. As a certificated enforcement agent himself, he is able to apply a comprehensive and objective approach to dealing with revenues related matters.
Please click here to send an e-mail to James McKillop
Membership Officer
Simon Hamilton IRRV (Hons)
Simon has extensive experience of working in Local Government Finance since 1989.
During his career, he has worked for various local authorities in the Midlands, dealing with all aspects of revenues, including council tax, business rates and sundry debts.
As well as working in partnership with a wide range of clients and suppliers in both the public and private sector, assisting with developing best practice and delivering value for money, he has a wealth of knowledge and experience of local authority policies and procedures and understands the challenges faced by both local authorities and their customers.
He has been been an active member of the IRRV East Midlands Association (currently Membership Officer) for many decades and has also been a member of the LACEF Executive Board since 2022.
Simon left the public sector in 2023 and is now contracting for Business Smart Solutions Ltd.
Please click here to send an e-mail to Simon Hamilton
Education Liaison Officer & Immediate Past President (2022/2024)
Andrea Grinney IRRV (Dip)
Andrea has worked in Revenues and Benefits at Rutland County Council since 1990, having a number of roles Andrea is currently the Head of Customer Experience which includes local taxation, benefits, financial crisis support, community care finance, customer services and blue badges.
Andrea has been a member of the IRRV East Midlands Association since 1999.
Away from work Andrea enjoys gardening and walking her two dogs.
Click here to send an email to Andrea Grinney
Member of Executive Committee
Adrian Johnson Tech IRRV
Adrian's career began in 1987 when he joined South Kesteven District Council as a trainee. The majority of Adrian's time in local government was based in the Revenues Team with a particular emphasis on the collection and enforcement of unpaid local taxation.
In April 2020, after nearly 33 years of experience in local government, Adrian moved to the Valuation Tribunal Service where he is responsible for dealing with local taxation disputes concerning the valuation of domestic and non-domestic property and disputes between council tax payers and their local billing authorities.
Away from work Adrian is a qualified football referee and has spent time training newly qualified referees who are starting out on their path to one day officiating at the FA Cup Final.
Please click here to send an e-mail to Adrian Johnson
Member of Executive Committee
Andrew Solley IRRV (Hons)
Andrew Solley IRRV (Hons)
Andrew hails from the New Forest in Hampshire but began his career in Nottingham working for a small firm of bailiffs in 2001. In 2003 Andrew started working at Gedling Borough Council as a Clerical Assistant. He is still employed by Gedling Borough Council and is currently working as the Council's Revenues Manager.
Andrew has been a member of the IRRV East Midlands Association since 2005 and held the post of Association Secretary from 2007 to 2021 with a brief gap in 2012 when he held the post of Association President for a year.
Click here to send an email to Andrew Solley
Member of Executive Committee
Barry Davies IRRV (Hons)
Barry Davies IRRV (Hons)
After studies at Newcastle and Aberdeen Universities, Barry has been in private practice (www.daviesandco.co.uk) for over 25 years based in Northamptonshire, advising nationally rural businesses on rating audits and appeals, mainly in connection with diversification from farming to leisure and tourism, commercial and other rateable properties. This includes attendance at Tribunals.
Barry has been a member of the IRRV Valuation Faculty Board for 8 years and is currently the IRRV representative on the working group appointed to refresh the 1997 Joint Professional Institutions Rating Forum Guidance on Receipts and Expenditure Valuations.
Barry is a community member of the Northamptonshire SEMLEP advising on planning and rating issues.
Please click here to send an e-mail to Barry Davies IRRV (Hons)
Member of Executive Committee
Michael Line
Michael’s career in the debt collection and enforcement industry began in 2006 where he started as a call centre operator with Equita. Over the years, Michael developed a deep understanding of the industry creating transformative solutions and forward-thinking strategies which has progressed him to his current role as Managing Director of JTR Collections. Here he prides himself on setting new levels of standards and enhancing industry innovation.
Since 2021, Michael has been an active member of the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (IRRV) becoming an executive member of the East Midlands IRRV association in 2024.
Outside of work Michael is a UEFA qualified football coach and enjoys spending time with the family exploring the countryside.
Click here to send an e-mail to Michael Line
IRRV National Council Member
Mark Fearn IRRV (Hons)
Mark Fearn IRRV (Hons)
Mark has worked within the Revenues arena for almost twenty five years and is currently Acting Revenues Manager at Walsall MBC. His previous posts have included Revenues Manager at Milton Keynes Council, Head of Revenues at North West Leicestershire DC and Revenue Collection Manager at South Derbyshire District Council.
Mark has been a member of the East Midlands IRRV Association executive since 1998 and has held the posts of Secretary and President during that time.
Click here to send an email to Mark Fearn
Member of Executive Committee
Amanda Revill Tech IRRV
After graduating from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Maths, Amanda started working at Chesterfield Borough Council in 2001, holding roles as Revenues Assistant and Assistant Revenues Officer working on both council tax and business rates. In 2010, due to outsourcing, Amanda began working for Arvato Government Services. During this time, she took on a new role concentrating on business rates and got the opportunity to carry out work on behalf of Slough Borough Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council. After returning to Chesterfield Borough Council in 2021, she became Team Leader for business rates and accounts receivable in 2023. In 2026, Amanda started a new job as Revenues Manager at Bassetlaw District Council.
Amanda was a prize winner at the June 2023 sitting of the IRRV Level 3 Certificate and is currently studying for the diploma.
Outside of work she enjoys playing walking football with the Spirettes Walking Football team.
Click here to send an email to Amanda Revill
Member of Executive Committee
Steve Brockington-Brown BA (Hons) MA IRRV (Corp)
Steve has over 35 years’ local taxation experience working in a variety of public and private sector roles. He started his career at LB Wandsworth implementing Poll Tax before moving to Broxtowe BC, where for 10 years he managed the billing and debt recovery functions. In June 2000. Steve moved to Leicester City Council as Revenues and Benefits Manager and helped deliver year on year improvements in collection rates.
From 2010 Steve moved to the private sector, working initially for Rossendales and following its acquisition by Marston he was appointed Client Services Director. From May 2026 Steve joined NEC Software Solutions, working within the Entitlement Services team promoting their initiatives relating to local taxation discounts, exemptions and reliefs, Crisis Resilience Fund, and Blue Badge services.
This blend of public and private sector experience enables Steve to offer an informed and supportive role to clients and other stakeholders within the local authority workspace.
Outside of work you’ll find Steve in his garden, on a cricket tour (watching) or indulging in his long standing and long-suffering support for Harlequins rugby – COYQ!
Member of Executive Committee
Claire Werra Tech IRRV
Claire’s career began in Local Government after leaving school in 1996 working as a Clerical Assistant for Barnsley MBC. After a period working for South Yorkshire Pensions Authority as Pensions Officer, Claire started a business running a Grocery shop.
Claire has worked in Revenues since 2008, starting at Charnwood Borough Council as a Revenues Recovery Officer. Claire moved to Capita in 2010 as a Benefits Assessment Officer before moving back to Charnwood BC as a Contract Officer in 2017.
In 2023, Claire became the Revenues and Benefits Manager at Oadby and Wigston Borough Council. Then in 2025, Claire rejoined Charnwood BC as Revenues Manager.
Away from work Claire enjoys travelling, socialising and spending time with her grandchildren.
Click here to send an email to Claire Werra
Past President (2017/2018) & IRRV National Council Member
Alistair Townsend FIRRV Cmgr MCMI
Alistair Townsend FIRRV, CMgr MCMI
Alistair is a National Council member of the IRRV. He is currently Chair of the Local Taxation and Revenues Faculty Board, Vice Chair of the Law and Research Committee and Policy & Resources Committee member. He is also Immediate Past President of the East Midlands Association and a former examiner in Council Tax Law.
He has worked within Local Taxation and Revenues throughout his career, initially working for a couple of Nottinghamshire Councils and latterly as Head of Revenues & Benefits for Milton Keynes Council. Alistair originally joined Milton Keynes, working for Mouchel in a contracted out service, and then later managed the transfer of the Service to the Council, during which time he also became Deputy Partnership Director for a Council owned LLP.
After a brief period with Marston Holdings as Group Client Services Director, Alistair created his own firm, Alistair Townsend Limited, which specialises in local taxation, revenues and debt collection consultancy and provides services to both the public and private sector.
Click here to send an email to Alistair Townsend
East Midlands Auditor
Kevin Stewart FIRRV (Retired) MAAT MCMI
Kevin Stewart FIRRV (Retired) MAAT MCMI
Kevin has recently retired from Local Government having worked in Revenues and Benefits for 10 Local Authorities and the Audit Commission during his career of nearly 42 years.
Kevin is a previous Past President (2014-15) of the IRRV and the IRRV East Midlands Association (2005-06).
Kevin has been a regular contributor to IRRV publications and presenter of various papers at IRRV and other Conferences. Kevin still tutors for the IRRV Qualifications.
Following the IRRV Association golf day on 6th July 2026 at Maxstoke Park in Warwickshire, our own East Midlands team of Mark Sandhu, Suzanne Jones, Mark Fearn and Rob Andrews retained the IRRV Association shield for the 3rd year in succession ⭐⭐⭐👏
A copy of the Audited Accounts for 2025 are available here:
We will be hosting a Technical Day at the offices of Gedling Borough Council on Monday 20th April 2026. Parking is available at the Council and further details will be supplied in due course.
The programme for the day so far is as follows:
10.00 – 10.20 – refreshments and networking
10.20 – 10.30 – welcome and introductions – Paul Bowden – President – IRRV East Midlands Association
10.30 – 11.00 – Session 1 – Martin Walmsley – Assistant Director – Shared Revenues and Benefits - City of Lincoln and North Kesteven Councils – “A spotlight on the Crisis and Resilience Fund”.
11 – 11.15 - Comfort break
11.15 – 11.45 – Session 2 – Ian Ferguson – Customer Development Manager – Dukes Bailiffs Limited - Local Government Reorganisation
11.45 – 12.15 – Session 3 - Speaker & Title TBC - Local Government Reorganisation
12.15 – 1.15 – lunch break/networking
1.15 – 1.45 – Session 4 – Speaker & Title TBC – “An update from the Valuation Tribunal”
1.45 – 2.15 – Session 5 – Jordan Cressey – Chartered Legal Executive – Wilkin Chapman Rollits (Solicitors and Insolvency Practitioners) – “Using Order for Sale activity to trigger results”
2.15 – 2.45 – Q&A for speakers and close
Our AGM will follow immediately after and we would encourage members to stay and take part in the meeting. If you wish to table a notice of motion at the AGM, please put this in writing to the Secretary (see contact below) no later than 6th April 2026.
The Technical day is free to individual members of the IRRV. For Organisational members or non-members there is a charge of £25.00 per person.
If you would like to attend, please email Gary Clarke (Association Secretary) to confirm.
Our next meeting is an "Non-Domestic Rating Day" at the offices of Charnwood Borough Council in Loughborough.
The agenda is as follows:
9.45 – 10 – Welcome and introductions – Paul Bowden – President – IRRV East Midlands Association
10 – 10.30 – Session 1 – Mark Fearn – Customer Engagement Lead (Revenues, Income Recovery & Debt) – Walsall Council – “Scene setting and NNDR1 – funded or not?”
10.30 – 11 – Session 2 – Barry Davies – Davies & Co Chartered Surveyors – “HMT Transforming Business Rates – Is it a panacea for rating appeals?”
11 – 11.15 - Comfort break
11.15 – 11.45 – Session 3 – Harley Ronan – Barrister – Landmark Chambers – “Business Rates - Case Law Update”
11.45 – 12.15 – Session 4 – Michael Line – Managing Director – JTR Collections – “Business Rates - the view from the Enforcement Agent”
12.15 – 1.15 – Lunch break/networking
1.15 – 1.45 – Session 5 – Mark Fearn - Customer Engagement Lead (Revenues, Income Recovery & Debt) – Walsall Council – “Headline changes in reliefs”
1.45 – 2.15 – Session 6 – Paul Bowden – Partner – Wilkin Chapman Rollits (Solicitors and Insolvency Practitioners) – “Business Rates – routes to enforce post Enforcement Agent”
2.15 – 2.45 – Q&A for speakers and close
The offices can be located on Southfield Road, Loughborough, LE11 2TX and there is parking available at the Beehive Lane Car Park, LE11 2TY.
Upon arrival at the venue, please report to the main reception and ask for Claire Werra.
The event is free for individual members of the Institute, regardless of Association. There is however a charge of £25.00 for Corporate or Organisational Members and those individuals who are not members.
Capacity at the offices is limited so please ensure that you book early and at the same time inform our Secretary Gary Clarke of any accessibility requirements.
Photographs from the recent Dinner Dance are now available:
Our next meeting is on 19th May 2025 at the offices of Wilkin Chapman Rollits in Lincoln.
The agenda is confirmed as follows:
9:30 – 10:00: Registration and Refreshments
10:00 – 10:15: Welcome and Introductions – Paul Bowden, Partner Wilkin Chapman Rollits and IRRV East Midlands Association President
10:15 – 11:00: Session 1 – Simon Green, Partner – Head of Business Rates, Newmark and IRRV National President - Transforming Business Rates – Genuine Reform or tinkering at the edges ?
11:00 – 11:15: Comfort Break/Refreshments
11:15 – 12:00: Session 2 – Andrew Hetherton, Director Andrew Hetherton Consulting Limited and Editor IRRV Insight - Compliance, penalties and all change at the VOA
12:00 – 1:00: Lunch (provided)
1:00 – 1:45: Session 3 – Phil Black – Head of Financial Shared Services - City of London Corporation (via Teams) - Topical rates issues from the billing authority perspective – some insight from City of London
1:45 – 2:00: Comfort Break/Refreshments
2:00 – 2:45: Session 4 – Daniel Pearce – Director of Business Development – Telsolutions - Paperless transition – Tackling NNDR debts and the advantages of digital.
2:45 – 3:00: Roundup and Closing Comments
If you would like to register, please contact our Secretary Gary Clarke. It would also be helpful if you could provide any dietary requirements that you may have.
IRRV East Midlands Association - AGM Leicester City Council Thursday 24th April 2025
The AGM has now been booked for Thursday 24th April 2025 at the offices of Leicester City Council at The Tea Room, Leicester Town Hall. The AGM will take place from 15:15.
This will immediately follow the re-arranged "Digital Transformation Day" previously scheduled for the 8th January 2025.
If you wish to raise a motion at the Annual General Meeting, please confirm this in writing to Gary Clarke at secretary.emassociations@irrv.org.uk by 10th April 2025.
A full agenda pack will be issued shortly.
This will follow our previously postponed Positive Digital Transformation session.
This event focuses on how digital transformation can enhance public services, improve user experiences, and support councils in delivering innovative solutions. Gain actionable insights from our esteemed guest speakers from NEC Software Solutions, including:
- John Ellis
- Clare Lucas
- Gavin Maguire
- Penny Ellis
- Owen Bouwer
Event Details
- Date: Thursday 24th April 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (arrivals and refreshments from 9:30 AM)
- Location: Leicester Town Hall, Town Hall Square, Leicester, LE1 9BG
Agenda
- 9:30 – 10:00: Registration and Refreshments
- 10:00 – 10:15: Welcome and Introductions – Paul Bowden, IRRV East Midlands Association President
- 10:15 – 11:00: Session 1 – Better Digital Services through User-Centred Design
- 11:00 – 11:15: Comfort Break/Refreshments
- 11:15 – 12:00: Session 2 – Impact of Digital Services on Citizens and Councils
- 12:00 – 1:00: Lunch (provided)
- 1:00 – 1:45: Session 3 – People are Important – Bridging the Gap
- 1:45 – 2:00: Comfort Break/Refreshments
- 2:00 – 2:45: Session 4 – Roundup/Group Discussions/Q&A
- 2:45 – 3:00: Closing Comments
Who Should Attend?
This event is free for IRRV members, offering an excellent opportunity to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape. For non-members, a nominal fee of £25.00 per person applies. Please provide a purchase order number when booking. Whilst the event is being delivered by NEC Software Solutions, it is not restricted to their customers and users of Capita One/Civica systems are encouraged to attend.
How to Register
To confirm your attendance or to discuss further, please contact Gary Clarke at secretary.emassociations@irrv.org.uk by 22nd April 2025. Kindly include details of any dietary or access requirements.
Photographs from the recent Dinner Dance are now available:
Our annual East Midlands Association Christmas Dinner is on Thursday, 5th December 2024, at the Wisteria Hotel, Oakham, starting at 12:00 PM.
This is always one of our most anticipated events of the year, bringing together colleagues, friends, and some festive cheer. We’re very grateful to Newlyn PLC for agreeing to sponsor the bar, and also to Marston (Holdings) Ltd. who will be sponsoring our raffle.
All raffle proceeds will go to two wonderful causes:
- Prostate Cancer – Lincs and Humber Support Group
- Parkinson's UK – Grimsby Support Group
Your support will make a difference to these charities, so we encourage you to participate and donate generously!
Details:
- Cost: £35.50 per person
- RSVP: Please confirm your attendance to Gary Clarke and send in your Xmas Lunch Menu choices 2024 as soon as possible. All orders and payments must be completed by 7th November 2024.
Payment Details:
- Account Name: IRRV East Midlands Association
- Sort Code: 40-28-04
- Account Number: 51095269
(Please use your name as a payment reference.)
If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to get in touch with Gary by email.
We look forward to celebrating with you on the day.
A copy of the Audited Accounts for 2024 are available here:
A copy of the Audited Accounts for 2022 are available here:
Our Christmas lunch is being held on 30th November 2023 at the Wisteria Hotel, Oakham from 12:00.
This event is always well attended, and we are grateful to Newlyn PLC for sponsoring the drinks and to Marston (Holdings) Ltd for sponsoring the raffle.
Donations from the raffle will be paid to the President's chosen charity for 2023 Sue Ryder.
Please advise Gary Clarke if you are attending and your menu choices (via links)
The cost of the lunch is £34.00 per person. Please make your payment by bacs using the account details below and use your own name as a payment reference.
Name: IRRV East Midlands Association
Sort Code: 40-28-04
Account: 51095269
Alternatively you can make payment in cash directly to our Association Treasurer on the day of the lunch.
If you have any queries regarding this, please don't hesitate to contact Gary Clarke via the e-mail link above.
Our Christmas Lunch is being held on Thursday 9th December 2021 at our usual venue, the Whipper-In Hotel in Oakham. For those of you who have been before, you will know that the Whipper-In Hotel is excellent and an ideal venue for our informal style of Christmas event.
Please find attached a menu. I would be grateful if you could make your menu selection and email Andy Solley no later than Friday 27th November 2021. Places are limited and will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and we would therefore welcome early responses.
The cost of the lunch is £25.00 per person. Please make your payment by BACS using the account details below and use your own name as a payment reference.
Name: IRRV East Midlands Association
Sort Code: 40-28-04
Account: 51095269
Alternatively you can make payment in cash directly to James McKillop, Association Treasurer on the day of the lunch.
Please assemble in the bar from 12.00 midday where we are grateful to Newlyn Plc for sponsoring drinks at the bar and the table wine for the lunch.
Lunch will be served at 12.30pm.
There will also be a raffle held on the day with prizes generously sponsored by Marston (Holdings) Ltd.
For a local map of the Whipper-In at Oakham, click here.
Many thanks and we look forward to seeing you on 9th December 2021.
A copy of the Audited Accounts for 2021 are available here:
IRRV EM Accounts 2021 & IRRV EM Balance Sheet 2021
With just over a fortnight to go before our Christmas Lunch (1st December) please be aware of possible rail disruption currently affecting services between Leicester and Peterborough. A refuse lorry has hit a railway bridge in the Rutland area which could take weeks to repair. As a result, there is currently a rail replacement service in place on this line which could affect those planning to travel to Oakham on the train.