Meet the judges

Our final judging panel is made up of an experienced group from a variety of backgrounds, but all with an extensive track record of working with trade associations.

The judges will meet in the new year to decide on a winner for each category, with the result being announced at the Awards ceremony on 17th February 2022.

Emily Wallace

Emily Wallace - Interim CEO, Trade Association Forum

Emily has been Interim CEO of the Trade Association Forum since August 2021 and has been leading a strategic review of the Forum's, membership offer and putting in place a strategy for the future of the organisation which is being developed in consultation with members. Emily has a long and distinguished career working in public affairs and communications, having led a number of communications agencies both in the UK and in Brussels.

Richard Gott

Richard Gott - Chair & Founder, the MemberWise Network

Richard is the Chair of the MemberWise Network and one of the leading membership and association thought-leaders/sector champions in Europe. Rich has worked within the sector for over 20 years and has held senior leadership roles within high profile member focused institutions including the Royal College of General Practitioners, British Dental Association, The Law Society, College of Optometrists, Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. His role includes overseeing the direction of the network, ensuring content meets the needs/requirements of the UK/EU membership and association sector and providing expert consulting services to a growing number of leading membership organisations/associations

Phil Bennett

Phil Bennett - Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)

Phil is the relationship manager for the Trade Association Forum from our governmental sponsor, BEIS. Phil has been involved with TAF for many years and sits on our Board.

Ayesha Patel

Ayesha Patel - Head – Consumer Goods Team, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)

Ayesha joined the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) in 2019 to work on Consumer Goods manufacturing policy and engagement in the run up to Brexit and beyond. Prior to that, her career spans the UK and overseas for both the private and third sectors, at the intersection of business and social impact. She has a MA in International Studies and Diplomacy, and a Masters in International Business.

Michael Burrell

Michael Burrell, Independent Communications Consultant

Michael is one of the UK’s most experienced providers of public affairs consultancy and training. He has provided UK, EU and global public affairs advice, crisis management and media relations counsel to a wide range of trade associations, regulatory bodies, governments and businesses, often at Chair and CEO level. His experience has encompassed many sectors including aviation, energy, financial services, pharmaceuticals, technology and telecommunications. The wide range of clients whom he has advised includes Airlines UK, the Airport Operators Association, Aviva, the Bar Council, Bolt, BT, the Foreign Office, Gazprom, Homes England, IATA, Legal & General, Microsoft, NatWest, Nissan, Pfizer, Roche, Samsung and Sony. Named by PR Week as one of the 100 most influential figures in its history, he was also the first recipient of the “outstanding achievement in European public affairs award. He was twice Chair of the Association of Professional Political Consultants (APPC) and is Director of the European Centre for Public Affairs, a Brussels-based best practice in public affairs organisation.

Henry Aldridge

Henry Aldridge, Head of Trade Associations, CBI

Henry has worked with the CBI’s 170+ trade association members for five years, collectively campaigning on the challenges of leaving the European Union and ensuring members were supported during the pandemic – amongst many other things. Trade Associations were outstanding in representing their members when they needed them most and will be vital in helping members navigate the longer-term policy and business challenges ahead. Before the CBI Henry worked at the Press Association, a start-up tech firm and was Head of Commercial account management at a Political Information business.

Secure your tickets to the Awards

Drapers Hall

Thursday 17th February 2022

The awards take place on Thursday 17th February 2022 at Drapers Hall in central London. We expect an audience of over 200 leading figures from the UK trade association world, offering great opportunities for networking and celebration. Tickets are selling fast and will be sold on a first come, first served basis so to secure your place please visit the TAF Shop to buy yours today. All tickets include a drinks reception, 3-course meal with wine, an unforgettable awards ceremony, and great opportunities to network with your peers!

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