Post published on November 16, 2015.

Jane Blade is the winner of the Jeremy Allen Award 2015.nnnnNick Arron from Poppleston Allen and Daniel Davies, Chairman of the Institute of Licensing presented Jane with the award, an ongoing tribute to Jeremy Allen, at the Gala Dinner on Thursday 19 November at the IoL National Training Conference.nnnnJane stated she was ‘overwhelmed’ to receive the award and said of Jeremy Allen, “I met Jeremy Allen when he took over as Chairman of the Institute of Licensing, and I remember us chatting over a gin and tonic after our first Board meeting at the IOL Regional Officers Training Day. I was impressed by Jeremy’s presence, vision, spirit, humour and incredible breadth of expertise. For someone of his immense standing in the licensing world, Jeremy was down to earth and not at all arrogant. I remember feeling full of hope for the IOL that our future would be assured in the hands of this great man. Just hours after that conversation, Jeremy Allen passed away following a cardiac arrest. I was devastated at his loss, as were so many others. Jeremy was truly a ‘one off’ – irreplaceable and never to be forgotten. He created an impression on you from the moment you shook his hand and were met with his broad, beaming smile and his mischievious twinkling eyes. The creation of the Jeremy Allen Award was a testament to Jeremy and his values. For this reason, to win this award – particularly against such outstanding other candidates – is an honour beyond compare.”nnnnThe other two persons shortlisted as finalists were:nnnnMeryl Williams – Licensing Manager, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough CouncilnnnnCouncillor Marianne Fredericks – Chairman of Licensing, City of London Corporation