Credit Connect to launch Industry Leaders list

Credit Connect Media has announced that it will launch a new Industry Leaders list at its Spring industry events: Credit & Collections Think Tank and the Commercial Credit & Collections Conference. The networking events will be followed by the Credit & Collections Industry Awards on Thursday 22nd May in York.

The Industry Leaders list recognises and champions leaders who contribution to positive industry change and are making a measurable difference in their field. They have been identified as influencing the future of credit and collections. The list is compiled upon a set of pre-qualifying criteria which is then ratified by industry associations who form part of the list’s advisory panel.

The list starts with the Credit Connect team collating information about senior individuals in the credit and collections industry throughout the year which is based on the following criteria: Representation in industry news (setting new agendas and industry change) and engagement with the media, Senior responsibility and oversight for influencing industry enhancement and change, Visually seen to be attending and/or supporting industry events, Presenting thought leadership topics and Industry recognition at association events.

Qualifying professionals will be informed by email on Tuesday 22nd April. This will be followed by the launch of the Industry Leaders webpage which will be announced on Wednesday 21st May 2025, supporting the annual announcement of the Industry Leader list at the Spring events.

Industry Leaders who qualify for the list will receive special invitations to various events such as Think Tanks, Awards, Conferences, Working Capital Groups plus other selected events.  Each year the leader’s status on the list will be reviewed and revised. In future years a nomination process will be launched for professionals who wish to explore potentially being included on future lists. These nominations will be reviewed annually by Credit Connect and its supporting panel network.

The final list will be broken down into different sectors within the industry with leaders appearing under relevant sectors this includes: Business Lending & Credit, Consumer Lending & Credit, Commercial Collections & Recoveries, Consumer Collections & Recoveries, Insolvency plus more to be announced.

In addition to the list, each year we share a special announcement recognising one person with an Industry Life Time Achievement providing recognition of an individual’s contribution to the industry. This will be announced at the Spring events at the Milner Hotel in York on Thursday 22nd May.

Advisory panel partner, Russell Hamblin-Boone, CEO at CIVEA said “CIVEA is pleased to support the Industry Leaders List, which credits individuals who have made a contribution to the advancement of business sectors. By recognising the efforts of people who have shown dedication and commitment to their work which promotes the best of our industry, we can highlight best practice and inspire future leaders.”

Jason Wassell from CCTA said “We are delighted to sit on the Advisory Panel for Credit Connect’s inaugural Industry Leaders List. At a time of great change, it is important that we recognise those driving high standards and advocating for the future of the sector.”

Robert Thompson from CCUA said “With the credit industry being such a large and important user of the Courts, the Civil Court Users Association (CCUA) is excited and proud to support the Industry Leaders List.”

Ben Calvert from COEO, whose company are the first official supporter sponsor of Industry Leaders said “We are proud to support Credit Connect’s inaugural Industry Leaders list. This newly established and prestigious list recognises the exceptional individuals who are making significant contributions to advancing our industry. Through their dedication, innovation, and forward-thinking approach, they are helping to drive the sector forward in a positive, thoughtful, and impactful way.”

Colin White Founder at Credit Connect Media said “I’m pleased to finally share news on our new initiative where we highlight the true industry influencers and innovators who will be invited and encouraged to network at Credit Connect’s events regularly. I would like to thank our launch industry advisory panel and supporters and look forward to formally announcing this year’s list in May. In future years we will open up the list for nominations and review and evolve the list each year.”

The Industry Leaders list will be updated annually, every May, to ensure the index remains a current and accurate reflection of the most notable qualifying leaders. News on a Technology-focus Industry Leaders list will also be launched soon to support the Autumn Credit & Collections Technology Think Tank and Awards which will take place in Manchester on Thursday 20th November will be announced soon.