Hickman Shearer Sponsor the 2025 BVIUK Annual Conference

On 14th November 2025, Hickman Shearer was delighted to attend and sponsor the BVIUK Annual Conference, a growing must attend event bringing together valuation professionals from across the UK and beyond. Our MD, Tim Howard, and Director Françoise Rodrigues represented the team, enjoying a full day of insight, debate, and networking.

The conference offered a unique opportunity to connect with leaders across the valuation sector and hear first-hand about the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the profession. This year’s agenda was filled with valuable content for both practicing valuers and those interested in the future of the industry.

Four Panels, Four Perspectives

The event featured four distinct panels, each tackling critical areas of valuation practice. The first panel explored the technical and procedural demands of transborder valuations. Moderated by Ed Tahsin ACA, the discussion highlighted the complexities of working across jurisdictions, navigating different legal, fiscal, and regulatory frameworks, and the precision required to ensure consistency and accuracy. It was a fascinating dive into the practical challenges of international valuation work and a reminder that the profession is increasingly global in scope.

Next, a panel chaired by Tanya Craft ACA focused on the rise of data platforms and valuation software. Here, panellists debated whether these tools strengthen professional judgment or risk replacing it. The discussion reflected a lively divergence of opinions, a healthy debate at a time when technology is rapidly transforming valuation practice. The conversation sparked plenty of reflection on how professionals can balance efficiency with critical thinking in a tech-driven environment.

The third panel, moderated by Ben Macnaghten ACA MRICS, considered the role of valuation experts in UK courts. Drawing on practical experience from both legal and valuation perspectives, the discussion covered report writing, cross-examination, and the nuances of expert credibility. For anyone interested in litigation or dispute work, this session provided invaluable insights into the expectations and challenges facing valuers in a legal context.

Finally, the BVIUK Future of Business Valuation Board, supervised by Graham Antrobus FCA, shared the results of a year-long review into current and emerging issues across the profession. The session offered a forward-looking perspective on where business valuation is heading over the next five to ten years and what structures may be needed to support the industry’s growth. It was inspiring to hear professionals thinking about the long-term evolution of the sector.

Keynotes to Inspire

Alongside the panels, the conference featured a series of thought-provoking keynote speakers. Steve Thomas opened the day with reflections on his extensive career in public sector valuation in the UK, sharing insights from over three decades of experience. David Haigh of Brand Finance highlighted the strategic importance of brand valuation and its broader economic impact, while Nicholas Talbot provided an update on the International Valuation Standards Council’s global agenda. Finally, Guillermo Ortiz De Zarate of the American Society of Appraisers offered an international perspective, stressing the shared responsibility of valuation organisations to promote transparency, ethics, and education worldwide.

Hickman Shearer’s Involvement

As sponsors of the event, Hickman Shearer had the pleasure of hosting a dedicated space, showcasing our services, and connecting directly with attendees to discuss the work we do in capital asset valuations. Plus our branded notebooks and beanies proved popular!

Sponsoring the conference felt like a natural extension of our commitment to supporting the valuation profession and staying actively engaged in its growth and development.

A Note from Tim Howard, MD

“Attending the BVIUK Annual Conference was incredibly valuable. It’s not just the panels and keynotes that provide insight, but the chance to meet talented professionals, exchange ideas, and see firsthand the innovation shaping our industry. We were thrilled to sponsor the event and to have the opportunity to meet attendees in our space. Events like this reinforce the importance of community and collaboration in the valuation world, and we look forward to supporting future conferences.”

Looking Ahead

For Hickman Shearer, the BVIUK Annual Conference was a chance to be part of the conversation about the profession’s future, meet peers, and engage with the broader valuation community. Sponsorship allowed us to bring a bit of our brand personality to the conference floor, but more importantly, it underscored our commitment to the valuation profession. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event and continuing to play our part in supporting the UK’s thriving valuation community.

About Hickman Shearer

At Hickman Shearer, we specialise in delivering exceptional RICS and ASA certified capital asset valuation, management, and sales services. Our expertise span a wide range of global industries, ensuring that we provide tailored and insightful commercial valuations and equipment valuation services to meet your unique needs. With a strong track record of delivering robust and independent advice, we are committed to supporting businesses in achieving their strategic objectives.

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