I recently had the opportunity to attend the Professional Investigators Conference 2026 in Newmarket, hosted by the Association of British Investigators an event that continues to set the standard for professionalism, collaboration, and forward-thinking within our industry.
From the moment registration opened, the energy in the room was obvious. The return of speed networking across both days brought a real buzz. It was fast-paced, slightly chaotic, and genuinely enjoyable. Charlotte Notley deserves a special mention for doing her absolute best to keep everyone moving after each 60-second round. I’m genuinely surprised she didn’t start physically dragging people out of their seats!
In all seriousness though, it was a brilliant way to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new professionals from across the UK and beyond. In an industry where trust and reputation are everything, those quick-fire introductions often turn into valuable long-term connections. They spark that first conversation, making it much easier to reconnect and build on later.
Day one opened with a strong focus on visibility and business growth. Rick Notley’s talk, “Be known before you’re needed: Why attention is currency,” really struck a chord. As investigators, we often rely on referrals, but visibility especially through platforms like LinkedIn is becoming just as critical. A key takeaway for me was the importance of showing up consistently; even posting weekly can significantly boost your visibility and position you within the top percentage of active users. Being good at the work is only part of the equation, being known for it matters just as much.
The afternoon sessions brought things back to the operational side. John Little’s presentation on TSCM offered a practical, realistic approach to a growing specialist area (and introduced some very tempting bits of kit!). This was followed by an important update on UK GDPR and the ABI Code of Conduct from Tony Imossi, reinforcing just how vital compliance remains in our work.
The evening event, “A Night at the Races,” provided the perfect chance to unwind. I’ll admit, I was slightly gutted there was no quiz this year, having been in the winning team in the previous two years, I was ready to defend my title! That said, being in Newmarket with the stables outside my hotel window made it perfectly on theme… although my luck clearly didn’t extend to the betting… I didn’t win a single race.
Day two focused on the future of investigations. The international investigations panel was particularly engaging, offering real-world insights into cross-border work and the complexities that come with it. Hearing from experienced professionals handling global cases reinforced just how interconnected our work has become.
AI in investigations, delivered by Buddy Jericho. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, it’s clear that private investigations will be no exception. The session explored how AI can be used responsibly to enhance efficiency while maintaining ethical standards something that will undoubtedly become a key consideration for all of us moving forward.
The introduction of the ABI Private Prosecution Scheme was also a significant development, particularly in supporting investigators who are assaulted while carrying out their work. Where police or CPS action isn’t taken, this provides a route to pursue justice an important step in recognising the risks within our profession.
The conference concluded with the AGM, followed by the President’s Drinks Reception and Awards Banquet. For me, it was also a moment of reflection, having won the Rising Star Award last year, it was a reminder of how far I’ve come in 12 months.
Congratulations to this year’s winners: Jason Vadasz (Rising Star), Tony Rosinger (The Frank Martin Award), and Dick Smith (Peter Hains Lifetime Achievement Award), all thoroughly deserved.
And of course, no evening would be complete without a bit of chaos… the slow-motion dance machine being a personal highlight. I couldn’t keep off it and dragged a few others along… resulting in some brilliant videos that will absolutely never see the light of day!
For me, it’s not just about the knowledge gained, it’s about the people, the conversations, and ensuring Assist Investigations continues to reflect both professionalism and progress within the industry. I’m already looking forward to next year.