A NORTH-EAST private investigator has been recognised as one of the best in the business by his peers.

National Enforcement Services’ chief executive, Andy Coates, has received the Frank Martin award from the Association of British Investigators for maintaining high standards in a self-regulated industry.

With his team of bailiffs and administrators Mr Coates works to reclaim finances and properties for private companies, solicitors and individuals.

More traditional roles include surveillance, arrest warrants and trespasser evictions.

The company, based at Lingfield Point, Darlington, also provides training courses for bailiffs and civil enforcement agents.

Mr Coates said: “During this time of economic downturn, personal finance is an important issue and our work, tracing the whereabouts of debtors, is vital to our clients.”

Mr Coates started in private investigation in 1988 and joined the association in 1994.

He was head of the northern branch before becoming a member of the governing council.

He said: “As a member of the governing council we’re working with Government to have the industry licensed accordingly.

“This award goes a long way to recognise the efforts so many private investigators put in to their work and is a marvellous accolade for National Enforcement Services and the work we do.”

Tony Imossi, president of the association, said: “With the absence of any statutory control of the investigation industry in the UK the association recognised the need for self-regulation many years ago, therefore we set very high standards of service.

“The Frank Martin award recognises those who have continued to show outstanding commitment to not only our organisation and its members but to the sector as a whole.”

The investigation sector is awaiting an announcement on licensing procedure that is due in the next 12 months.