As another year closes, we would like to take a moment to thank those who attended our annual receptions across the globe and who contributed to their success.
Our first event of the year was our Spring reception at the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester. The evening saw presentations from Fire Expert, Dr Iain Woodward, Materials Expert, Stephen Brough, Mechanical Engineer, Chris Botham, and Digital Forensics Expert, Callum Hogan. Our investigators drew on their expertise to discuss topics including Fire Simulation & Modelling, plumbing investigations, and Camshafts in Modern Car Engines, sharing best practices and common failures, concluding with an introduction to our Digital Forensic Services. Guests then had the opportunity to examine real-life exhibits from Hawkins’ casework and to step into a virtual reality scene inspection using a VR headset, demonstrating how Hawkins uses drones and photogrammetry in our investigations.
Following our expansion into the Island of Ireland, we hosted our inaugural Belfast reception at the prestigious Merchant Hotel. John Holland, Chartered Engineer and Regional Manager of our Dublin and Belfast offices welcomed guests before handing over to colleagues to deliver a CILA-accredited CPD presentation. This took a deep dive into a fictional Major and Complex Loss incident, highlighting the unexpected twists and turns that such investigations can take. The presentation team included Hawkins investigators Jon Watkins, Dr Christabel Evans, Gavin Dunn and Callum Hogan, as well as guest speakers Craig Faulkner of Crawford & Company and Catherine Carton of Carson McDowell. Following the presentation guests were once again able to examine case exhibits, experience a VR scene and connect with our investigators over refreshments.
Our London reception saw us return to the Science Gallery, where Marketing Director and Chartered Civil Engineer, Andrew Reeves, opened the evening with an overview of the recent changes in the business, including our diversification into new geographies and disciplines and our investment to reduce our environmental footprint. Our CPD presentation again followed a major & complex loss incident that encompassed a personal injury claim following a structural collapse on a construction site, which led to further unforeseen consequences. Guests were invited for drinks and canapes in the studio and balcony overlooking the Shard, where our investigators were available to answer questions.
The year concluded with our international office events. Regional Directors, Dr Sophie Parsons, Dr Chris Wareham and Dr David Rose hosted events in Hong Kong, Dubai and Singapore. The Hong Kong reception was held at Frites in Quarry Bay with Dubai and Singapore seeing a return to Hunter and Barrel, and the Singapore Cricket Club providing the opportunity for new and existing clients to connect with our team in each region.
We hope everyone has enjoyed our events throughout 2024. With plans underway for new events and venues in 2025, you can request to be included in our mailing list to receive invites for relevant events. Current events including both in-person and online can also be found  on our website.
We look forward to seeing you again in 2025.
