Institute congratulates Roger Butterfield BEM on New Year Honours recognition

The Institute of Licensing (IoL) has extended its warmest congratulations to Roger Butterfield, who has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s New Year Honours List for 2026. Butterfield receives the honour for his longstanding services to the community in Bradford, West Yorkshire, where he is among several local figures recognised this year.

Butterfield’s contribution to the licensing profession spans decades. A member of the IoL since its earliest days—when it operated as the Local Government Licensing Forum (LGLF)—he has been a familiar and respected presence at events, conferences, and training sessions across the country. His expertise, generosity, and unwavering support have made him one of the Institute’s most valued contributors.

He is also one of only four Companion members of the IoL, the organisation’s highest and most selective grade of membership. Limited to just 12 living members, Companion status is reserved for individuals who have “substantially advanced the general field of licensing,” a standard Butterworth has exemplified throughout his career.

Beyond his work with the IoL, Butterfield served for many years as legal advisor to the National Association of Licensing and Enforcement Officers (NALEO). His role was pivotal in the negotiations that ultimately unified NALEO and the IoL into a single professional body—an achievement that helped strengthen and modernise the licensing profession nationwide.

Reflecting on the honour, Butterfield expressed characteristic humility:

“I am very honoured and embarrassed to receive the honour in the King’s New Year’s Honours List. I am certain there are many people who deserve the honour more than I do.

Over the years I have had the pleasure of working with many officers and members from a number of local authorities together with officials from the IoL, LGLF and NALEO. They have all helped and supported me. I regard the honour as a reflection of not only my work but the help and support all these other people have given me.”