The Institute’s 2011 Annual Reception took place on 11th May at the Institute of Directors in London. Amongst the guests attending were Sir Stephen Oliver, recently retired President of the First-tier Tax Chamber together with several First-tier Tax Chamber judges, representatives from HMRC, the legal and accountancy professions and the publishing world of tax.

Michael Conlon QC, IIT President, had the very pleasant task of presenting three certificates.

Firstly, he presented John Voyez, Director of VAT at Smith & Williamson, with his certificate of Fellowship. John had been admitted an Associate member in 1994 and has been an active member of the Institute since then. He became a director in 1995, was the London Branch organiser for many years and is the IIT’s representative to the CFE Fiscal Committee. John is also a CTA and FMAAT.

Michael Conlon presenting John Voyez with his certificate of Fellowship

The next presentation was the award of Honorary Fellowship to Ian Fleming. The award was made in recognition of the role Ian had played in helping make the Institute the pre-eminent body in indirect tax that it was in 2011. On his retirement from Armstrong Watson he had continued as a sole practitioner and then decided to finally retire from practice in 2010. Ian had been admitted an Associate back in 1992 and in 1999 was granted Fellowship for his thesis Application of VAT to Government Funded Training 1973-1998. Ian had been an invaluable help to the Institute as Membership Director, member of the Education and Development Committees and as the director with responsibility for Indirect TaxVoice. Even though he had resigned as a director he still remained a member of the Education Committee.

Michael Conlon presenting Ian Fleming with his certificate of Honorary Fellowship

Finally, the presentation to Sir Stephen Oliver and Michael said he was delighted to be able to present him with his certificate of Honorary Fellowship an award made in recognition of the work he had contributed to indirect taxation. Sir Stephen had taken silk in 1980, had been Presiding Special Commissioner and President, VAT and Duties Tribunals from 1992 until 2009, President of the First-tier Tax Chamber and Vice President (Tax) of the Upper Tribunal since 2009 and Vice President (Finance) of Upper Tribunal since 2010.

Sir Stephen thanked Michael and the IIT and said:

I am very proud to be an Honorary Member of the Institute. I am proud because I have been with VAT since the day it began and so have been able to see the really valuable contribution that this Institute has made to the practice of Indirect Tax. It has shown itself in three ways. You have created a profession and, with it, a sense of belonging and respect for the practice. You have built up an expertise and authority in your subject. And you have set ethical standards that are acknowledged by those of us who have to judge disputes between your clients and the tax authorities. But most of all I am delighted that you are such a friendly group of people and it is my pleasure to be one of you now.

Michael Conlon presenting Sir Stephen Oliver with his certificate of Honorary Fellowship