Florence and I have had a rather chilly start to 2026 - a short period of enforced relaxation away from London, courtesy of the Scottish weather! I do hope that you have all enjoyed some time off over Christmas and the New Year and are back into the swing of things for 2026.

It's a huge joy and honour to have become the Master of the Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs. Thank you for those who so kindly supported my Installation Dinner at Painters' Hall. It was deeply appreciated - and in the mighty Ward of Queenhithe!

I was touched by the Rev Sophia Acland's blessing at the beautiful Installation Service at St Lawrence Jewry. For those who weren't there, you can read the report online HERE. 

At the Installation Dinner, I was pleased to be able to welcome Martin Gilbert as our guest speaker. Martin is a remarkable entrepreneur.  Not only is he the founder and former CEO of Aberdeen Asset Management, but also he is the Chairman of Revolut - some of the most dynamic entrepreneurial business to come from the UK in recent years. It was a delight to hear him talk of the essence of entrepreneurialism.

 

The Carol Service just before Christmas was also very memorable - some beautiful pieces of music and lovely atmospheric readings.  We were able to welcome my guest Steve Hitchens, HM Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who was delighted to be there with his team.  My thanks to the Worshipful Company of Architects for being such good hosts at a reception after the carol service at Temple Bar. 

Welcome New Liverymen! My predecessor, James, had a fabulous year, and ended on a high with four more Liverymen clothed - Neil Barker-Fullbrook, Nate Burke, Bola Lafe, and Veronica Heaven (an evening of costume changes for Veronica, who was clothed with the Livery and became the new Junior Warden!).

More new Freemen will be admitted on 19th February 

I'm really pleased to welcome guest speakers Dame Julia Hoggett DBE (the Spring Lunch - 10th March) and Blondel Cluff CBE (the Election Court Banquet - 1st July)

If you haven't booked in, and want to use your Events Levy, please send Mary a quick email for more info.

May 8th-10th - SAVE THE DATE! 

Please check your calendar (or indeed, the new interactive WCE calendar HERE) for the second weekend in May and join me in Cambridge for a stellar few days. We'll be connecting with friends at the Judge Business School, and at the stunning Wolfson College, and heading out on excursions in and around the City. There's a serious piece of research work going on that needs some entrepreneurial thinking - save the date for now and more.

 

SCALE-UP CAPITAL EVENTS 2026

In June, together with our friends at the London Stock Exchange Group, we'll be hosting businesses and investors to make good on my promise to connect Ideas & Investment. Raising money in London and scaling in London is a key driver of the UK's growth and I'm delighted to have your support in this programme of events.

July's event (with a special emphasis on defence and dual-use technology) is the day after the Election Court Banquet - it would be splendid to see you at both.

October's event takes place in Edinburgh - expect more details very soon. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us!

Florence and I, together with the Wardens and Court, very much look forward to welcoming you in person this year to support our post-Livery growth. There are some other exciting plans in the pipeline - please do come and see us to find out more.

Dare, Create, Succeed! Yours aye, Alastair Alderman Alastair King DL, Master Entrepreneur 2025-26