ALL THINGS LICENSING The confirmed panellists are:
l Local Authority Regulators: Emma Rohomon (Birmingham City Council), Michelle Gorton (Cheltenham Borough Council), Yvonne Lewis (City and County of Swansea) and myself.
l Trade and Operator Representatives: Andy Mahoney MBE (24x7 Group), Steve Wright MBE (LPHCA), Steve McNamara (LTDA), David Lawrie (NPHTA), and Matthew Freckelton (Uber).
Of particular interest to PHTM readers is the strength of this year’s taxi-related programme. The programme reflects the growing prominence of taxi licensing within the broader licensing landscape and provides valuable opportunities to hear from national experts, discuss emerging challenges and share best practice.
For anyone involved in taxi regulation or the licensed trade, these sessions offer a chance not only to keep abreast of policy developments but also to contribute to the wider conversation about professional standards, public protection and the future direction of the sector. At the time of writing, there are still some places available.
Of particular interest, one of the headline sessions at this year’s Conference will be the dedicated Taxi & Private Hire Panel, taking place on Wednesday 18 November 2026. Bringing together a broad range of regulators, legal specialists and trade representatives, the session promises to provide an invaluable opportunity to explore some of the most significant issues currently facing the sector.
At a time when the industry is navigating evolving regulatory expectations, legislative reform and increasing public safety considerations, the panel has been designed to
encourage open discussion,
knowledge sharing and constructive dialogue across the profession.
The session will be chaired by James Button of James Button & Co, one of the sector’s most respected specialist licensing solicitors, who will guide discussion across a range of topical issues affecting taxi and private hire licensing.
Reflecting the IoL’s commitment to bringing together all parts of the licensing community, the panel features an impressive line-up of speakers from local authorities, the legal profession, trade associations and major operators.
PHTM NOVEMBER 2026
The session will focus on taxi and private hire licensing reform, regulatory standards and the practical challenges and opportunities facing both licensing authorities and the trade. By bringing together a diverse range of perspectives in one room, delegates will gain valuable insight into the issues shaping the future of the industry and the role that professional standards will play in maintaining public confidence.
This is likely to be one of the most relevant and engaging sessions in the programme, providing a rare opportunity to hear directly from regulators, operators, representative bodies and legal experts on the future direction of taxi and private hire licensing across England and Wales.
To conclude
The IoL’s new strategy is ultimately about people. It is about supporting practitioners, strengthening competence, promoting professionalism and protecting the public.
Those objectives should resonate with everyone involved in taxi licensing. Because whether we sit on the regulatory side of the fence or work within the trade itself, we all share the same goal: a safe, professional and trusted taxi industry that serves communities well.
And if the profession succeeds in delivering the ambitions set out in Building Excellence, Achieving Charter Status, the entire licensing sector, including the taxi trade, will be stronger for it.
For further information on the Institute’s work, membership and upcoming events, including the National Training Conference
visit:
www.instituteoflicensing.org 73
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