In an evening of historic firsts, on Thursday 20^th February, the Master Entrepreneur, Mr James Talbot was privileged to admit the first Freemen of his year of office. In so doing, he was admitting the first Freemen directly to the new Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs. As members of the newest of the City’s 112 Livery Companies, Jacqui, Gillian, and Harry pledged to:

• Promote excellence in the profession of Entrepreneurship
• Support the Lord Mayor, encourage the growth of the City and promote its full potential to Entrepreneurs.
• Foster fellowship among Entrepreneurs
• Donate money and time for charitable works that support the development of Entrepreneurs and help to bring the opportunities of Entrepreneurship to all.

Jacqueline O'Donovan

Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE is a visionary serial entrepreneur, sustainability champion, and philanthropist who transformed her family’s waste management business into a multi-million-pound industry leader. Up until the sale of the business in 2023, in her 37 years as Managing Director of O’Donovan Waste, she pioneered innovations in recycling, safety, and environmental responsibility.

In the King's first Birthday honours list in 2023 Jacqueline was awarded an OBE for her exceptional contributions to the recycling, safety, and Industry.

A trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, Jacqueline overcame challenges with resilience, driving groundbreaking change, in the sector including health and safety initiatives that set new standards.
Jacqueline holds numerous and impressive accolades, include being named Director of the Year twice by the Institute of Directors, PwC Private Businesswoman of the Year, and winner of the London and Southeast EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Beyond business, she is a passionate philanthropist, honoured with a Presidential Distinguished Service Award by Ireland’s President. Jacqueline’s legacy is one of innovation, sustainability, and unwavering commitment to positive change.

 

Gillian Palmer

Gillian Palmer is the Founder and CEO of The Finance Hub. As a Successful Entrepreneur and an Impactful leader, Gillian is recognised as a trusted leader in the Business Finance Sector and Award-winning Woman in Finance. A natural born connector, Gillian is dedicated, focused and driven.

After nearly 30 years of building and selling one of Europe’s leading sales businesses, Gillian saw first-hand how traditional financial advice often fails people. Banks push one-size-fits-all solutions, leaving businesses and individuals, without the right support to thrive.

That’s why Gillian created and launched The Finance Hub in 2022. With the vision of providing a comprehensive and unified approach to accessing financial advice and services Gillian brings carefully selected experts together offering a personalised financial solution under one roof. From mortgages and business loans to pensions, insurance, accountancy services, foreign exchange, and investment planning. With access to one of the most extensive networks of lenders and advisors in the market, Gillian always help secure the best deals fast.

Her dedication to making a positive impact extends beyond the office; in 2023, to mark her 50th birthday, she completed two half marathons, raising funds for West Kent Mind Charity, a cause close to her heart.

With her unique blend of entrepreneurial acumen, integrity, and heartfelt dedication to her clients, Gillian Palmer has firmly established herself as a trusted leader in the business finance sector.

 

Harold Shaw

Some time ago, Harry started his working in logistics life as a “Van boy” and graduated to being a Van driver. The company delivered perishables like fruit and vegetables and in time he became the transport manager. The company work was seasonal and when it foundered, a farmer offered him a chance to work for them directly. He was self-employed for 5 years and then set up a transport company. 30 years later it is Aitch Freight Services.  turning over some £3m annually and running a fleet of HGVs. Along the way Harry has set up (and closed) other companies including a Park and Greet Service at Heathrow. He has another business in what is generically called Facilities Management and with 25 trades people has a number of clients including Lloyds Bank and several schools. He is also an investor in a Design and Build business.

Harry is a classic entrepreneur, looking for business opportunities wherever he can. He and partners have 60 articulated lorries and 10x 18 tonners that he keeps at rented space at Kempton Park racecourse.  He is looking for other opportunities in the horse racing industry.

He is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Carmen, is already a Freeman of the City, and has been a foster parent with his wife. He is looking forward to getting involved in the Company's Outreach programmes.

 

The Master Entrepreneur spoke warmly to congratulate and welcome the Company’s newest members, and encouraged each of them to participate actively in the Company’s work.

NOTES: successful entrepreneurs who share the philanthropic ethos of the Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs are very much encouraged to apply for the Freedom (membership). More details about the process can be found at entrepreneurscompany.org/join-the-company and information about fees is at entrepreneurscompany.org/quarterage