On 2nd June 2026, the Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs returned to the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom for a fascinating day of engagement with staff and students at the Joint Services Command & Staff College.

The Master Entrepreneur, Alderman Alastair King, was represented by his Consort, Florence King, who was joined by Past Master Mark Huxley. The Entrepreneurs’ deputation also included Entrepreneurs Rowan Jackson MVO, formerly of the Royal Marines, and Andrew Pullman, formerly of the Royal Artillery, alongside the Clerk.

A Defence Academy liaison team, led by Commander Nicola Cullen, Major Mark Polglase, and Lieutenant Commander Tim West warmly welcomed the Entrepreneurs’ group, together with a deputation from the Worshipful Company of Educators, who are also affiliated with the Defence Academy.

Wing Commander Garreth Winn-Morgan of Team VULCANUS is congratulated by the Master's Consort, Mrs Florence King (c) Berian Thomas

The first part of the day took place in the Cormorant Building, where the Company formally presented its Entrepreneurs’ Prize to Team VULCANUS, recognising their innovative work on the management of obsolete Defence equipment parts. Of the four members of the team, Garreth Winn-Morgan was the only one not engaged on operational duties elsewhere and was therefore delighted to represent his colleagues. He was formally congratulated by Past Master Huxley and the Master’s Consort on behalf of the Company.

The prize presentation was, however, only one part of what proved to be a very full working day. The group moved to the Trenchard Room for an in-depth discussion which built on themes explored at last year’s AI Symposium at Mansion House. The conversation provided an opportunity to consider the practical application of emerging technologies and the challenges of translating innovative thinking into meaningful operational capability.

Court Assistant Rowan Jackson MVO takes questions from the audience (c) D. Simms

The Entrepreneurs then found themselves in the limelight themselves, taking to the stage in one of the College’s lecture theatres for a lively and highly interactive session with students from the PGCaP course, the DCMS Team and LCaD personnel. Drawing on the varied experience of the Company’s deputation, the session explored the value of entrepreneurial thinking in addressing complex problems — and the ways in which ideas can be tested, developed and turned into practical solutions.

The day demonstrated the considerable value of the Company’s affiliation with the Defence Academy. Through sustained collaboration, the relationship continues to grow in depth and ambition and, most importantly, to benefit the Academy’s staff and students. The Defence Academy and the Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs share a commitment to fostering and recognising innovative and enterprising work, whether that innovation is taking place in a commercial venture, a classroom or in the demanding environment of Defence.

 

 

 

 

 

The experience of Team VULCANUS is a particularly powerful illustration of the value of that common ground. Their work showed that entrepreneurial thinking is not confined to start-ups and scale-ups: applied to the right problem, it can improve readiness, strengthen capability and turn ideas into real-world impact.

The entrepreneurial edge is as invaluable in Defence as it is in business — and the Company looks forward to continuing to bring that edge to its growing relationship with the Defence Academy.

 

NOTES: the Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs has formal affiliations with the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom (2017), the RAF Rapid Capabilities Office (2020), and the RAF Air Mobility Force (2021). A Working Group of members manages these affiliations, which recognise the strong ties between the City of London’s Livery Companies and His Majesty’s Armed Forces. The Entrepreneurs’ Prize is awarded annually to the most enterprising and innovative student(s) at the Defence Academy each year. If you would like more information about the way in which the Entrepreneurs’ Company works with its military affiliates, please click HERE or contact the Clerk.