The Insurance Institute of Ipswich, Suffolk and North Essex 2026 Annual Dinner
12 May 2026Along with our AGM, this is a major social event of the year for our council, where our members and guests can come together to be entertained, network and most importantly, celebrate the achievements of those members who have been awarded prizes for outstanding academic achievement and professional excellence.
Our dinner was held at the magnificent Milsoms, Kesgrave Hall in Suffolk, such a beautiful setting and the sun shone once again for us, whilst guests enjoyed their welcome drinks, the atmosphere and setting were perfect.
This year the dinner was ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed and guests were treated to Alice inspired decorations, games and goody bags!
Our amazing Toastmaster Matt Biggins ensured that the evening ran smoothly and was a total rock for the organisers!
It was such a pleasure to see so many returning guests as well as lots of new faces and we are already so very excited for next year!
HUGE thanks go to our very generous sponsors, without whom the evening would not have been possible.
We were extremely honoured to host an amazing group of top table guests, and we thank them for their support and wonderful company.
Left to right: Mark Murphy (Chief Executive, Cancer Support Suffolk), Kim Attewell (President, Chartered Institute of Peterborough), Geoff Shuttleworth, (President, Chartered Institute of Bedford and Milton Keynes), Lisa Hall, (Guest of the Deputy President), Callum Beaton (President, Chartered Insurance Institute), Yasmin Van Der Veen (President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Ipswich, Suffolk & North Essex), Andy Brown, (Deputy President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Ipswich, Suffolk & North Essex), Angel Van Der Veen, (Guest of the President), Aza Row, (President, President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Chelmsford and South Essex) & Amaia Robbins (Deputy President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Norwich).
Our President Yasmin Van Der Veen, welcomed our guests into the stunning hangar and spoke of the work she and the council had undertaken in her Presidential year.
We were fortunate enough to have some of our top table guests as speakers on the night:
Callum Beaton, Chief Executive, Chartered Insurance Institute
Spoke to us all about the Chartered Insurance Institute and his plans for the future.
Mark Murphy, Chief Executive, Cancer Support Suffolk
Gave an incredibly moving speech about the amazing work Cancer Support Suffolk does.
We were honoured to have Mark and the amazing charity volunteers with us and to be able to support such a wonderful cause.
Andy Brown, Deputy President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Ipswich, Suffolk & North Essex
Our incoming President, spoke about his plans for the coming year, his theme ‘Future’ in which he hopes to focus on promoting the Insurance sector, ensuring the future of the wide range of professions within it.
Amazing speeches, thank yous and a game of Heads and Tails were a great part of the evening.
Guests were treated to a delicious 3-course meal as well as a much-anticipated cheese course!
It was soon time for the most important part of the evening – celebrating our award winners!
We have many members sitting exams each year and often working towards them alongside several other commitments. Recognising and celebrating their achievements is so very important. The award winners and nominees should be so very proud of themselves for their outstanding achievements, and we were honoured to be able to celebrate with them.
2026 Award winners and Nominees
George Clayton-Leek - Ina Barker Award for best result in a Risk Management paper
Jonathan Laws - Harry Theed Award for best result in a Motor paper
Douglas Edwards - Mortgage Award for the highest pass in a mortgage subject
Tejumade Oduntan - Ivan Howlett Award for best overall results in Diploma in General Insurance
Ashton Leeper – Prize Committee Award for excellence or achievement that wouldn't otherwise be recognised
Megan Brett - Taylor Award for best overall results in Advanced Diploma in General Insurance
Erin Lee - For the highest pass in completing the Diploma in Financial Planning
Elaine Pollington - For the best set of results in completing the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
Jennifer Williams - Fellowship in Financial Planning Award for the highest pass in completing the PFS Fellowship
Erin Van Tankeren - Gordon Warren Young Achiever Award for high achievement under age 30 – Runner-Up*
Hannah Mullett - Gordon Warren Young Achiever Award for high achievement under age 30 – Runner-Up*
Yasmin Berhardt - Gordon Warren Young Achiever Award for high achievement under age 30 – Winner*
Ashton Leeper, a member of our council was presented with ‘The Prize Committee Award’
This is a discretionary award for excellence or achievement that wouldn’t otherwise be recognised. Awarded in light of his outstanding contributions to our council since joining council.
Cancer Support Suffolk was our President’s chosen charity this year. We held a raffle with amazing prizes donated from some very kind local businesses and individuals. A rather fun game of ‘Head and Tails’ also helped to raise monies for the Insurance Charities. Thank you to everyone who kindly donated!
After the formalities, it was Party Time! Live music was provided by the fantastic ‘Twist of Rock’ who made sure that our guests danced into the night as well as games and photobooth fun for all!
On behalf of The Insurance Institute of Ipswich, Suffolk and North Essex Council members, we would like to send huge thanks to our top table guests, generous sponsors, members and guests for their continued support. This year’s dinner was a total success thanks to you all.
Check out our website for all upcoming events and for anyone who would like to join our council and be part of something wonderful!
Our 2027 dinner will take place on Friday 9th April 2027. More details to follow shortly!
Please email our Dinner Secretary, cassie.watts@mclarens.com for all things dinner-related.
