30 years of the National Eviction Team

In 1995, experienced Sheriff’s Officers, Mike Anderson and Martin Leyshon (M Leyshon & Co), were approached by two Welsh collieries to remove protesters from the sites.

As Sheriff’s Officers and bailiffs, they already undertook the removal of squatters from property and land, so had the knowledge and expertise to move into this area, just as environmental protests were becoming more commonplace.

This was the foundation of UK Evict, which became the National Eviction Team in 2018.

Early infrastructure protester evictions

After the high-level tree and ground protester removals from the Sellar Site Celtic Energy and Brynhenllys Site Celtic Energy collieries, the next major projects were:

• Honiton/Fairmile A30 link road protest in 1997, with three encampments, multiple high-level tree and ground eviction. This is where we first came across Swampy, aka Daniel Hooper. Our paths have crossed several times since
• Manchester Airport in late 1997

The first eviction for Manchester Airport comprised five encampments, high-level tree eviction and ground eviction, while the second, from Arthurs Wood, was a high-level tree eviction and ground eviction.

Becoming High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEO)

In 2004, the traditional role of Sheriff’s Officer was changed to that of the HCEO with the introduction of the High Court Enforcement Officers Regulations 2004, which were established under the authority of the Courts Act 2003. One of the changes was the removal of bailiwicks, allowing HCEOs to now enforce a High Court writ anywhere in England and Wales.

High Court Enforcement Group (HCE Group) was formed in 2002 in preparation for this change, bringing together several companies under the new business, with Mike as a director and shareholder, as well as being appointed an authorised HCEO.

Although UK Evict remained aligned, it was a separate business until it was acquired by HCE Group in 2018 and was rebranded as the National Eviction Team.

Shortly after that, Martin left the business in good hands to retire to sunnier climes.

Core team

UK Evict/National Eviction Team has long been established as a trusted partner on National Infrastructure Projects.

Since 2018 it has seen rapid growth as a specialist enforcement provider, driven by its core team of: David Asker, Gary Bovan, Richard Hooper, Philip Evans, Alun Morgan and Martyn Spiers, all of whom ensure it maintains its position as one of the most respected and successful companies operating in a highly technical and demanding area of enforcement.

Thanks to the leadership, evolution and vision of the core team, the National Eviction Team has been able to cement its reputation as the UK’s leading eviction specialist.

More high profile cases

As you can see from our client list, we have worked across many sectors, not just national infrastructure projects. Key areas have been fracking and other mining/energy/nuclear power sites including the Brecon Pipeline in 2009, various airports, student protests and traveller evictions, including Dale Farm in 2011, Europe’s largest traveller site.

One of our most extensive and long-running projects is working for HS2 Limited from 2017 along the length of the proposed line from Euston to Birmingham.

Looking to the future

With our unparalleled experience across all aspects of protester removal, whether from height, lock-ons or deep underground in makeshift tunnels, we feel well-placed to support organisations that need us.

Despite stronger penalties handed out in court, protesters are not going away. They have become more prepared to take increasing risks with their personal safety, are better organised and are using social media to great effect to muster support.

We’ve continuously evolved our methodology, technology and training to ensure that we can remove protesters quickly, safely and with the reputational interests of our clients front of mind.

With a proven track record and team of industry leaders, the National Eviction Team is looking forward to continuing to set the enforcement standard for the next 30 years!