The dinner following the Company of Entrepreneurs’ September Court is noted for its relaxed (nay, rakish) dress code, conviviality, and music. An evening of introspection and optimism, the event is the final formal event hosted by the Master Entrepreneur during his or her year of office, looking back on the successes with pride, and ahead with anticipation.
 
This year’s dinner was held in the beautiful surroundings of Brewers’ Hall in the heart of the City of London, by kind permission of the Master Brewer, on Thursday 19th September.
 
The Master Entrepreneur, swathed in royal blue robes over his dinner jacket, welcomed Freemen and special guests to this most stylish of events. Brimming glasses of chilled Prosecco were very welcome on this sultry evening, and the sound of cheerful conversation mingled with mellow jazz music, courtesy of students from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
 
Under the gentle direction of the Beadle (professional percussionist Stephen “Hendo” Henderson), the diners took their places in the burnished Livery Hall. The Chaplain, the Reverend Sophia Acland led grace before dinner – encouraging thanks for the autumnal abundance of food, and for the gifts of both musical and entrepreneurial talent. Freemen and guests were treated to delectable food and generous wines, and friendships were kindled and renewed throughout the evening. With such a splendid array of musicians at his disposal, Hendo gavelled crisply for attention and, with the indefatigable Paul Knappett on piano, led the assembly (which included the Company’s newest Freeman, Mr James Sinclair) in the singing of grace after dinner. Thoroughly warmed-up, the audience directed its attention to the first of the evening’s highlights, a beautiful performance by John Alcock (guitar) and Alex Allen (saxophone). Representing some of Guildhall School’s Jazz Department’s most promising young performers, their performance of Body and Soul (Jonny Green), and Tea for Two (Vincent Youmans) had the audience erupt in rapturous applause!
 
The Master wished them well, and, to further applause, spoke to his many guests in welcome. 
 
In a speech peppered with self-deprecation and charm, the Master, Mr Mark Huxley, looked back on the enormous successes and significant good of the Company’s tenth year. He highlighted the particular achievements of the Company in its wide diversity of events, activities, and engagement, and praised his Court, staff, Consort, and his successor for their support as an ambassador for entrepreneurship and fellowship in the City of London.
 
He toasted his guests, among them the Master Currier, the Master Constructor, and Ms Sarah Priesack (visiting as one of Mansion House’s Livery Experience nominees). In particular he bade hearty (and almost completely fact-checked) welcome to his guest of honour – Sheriff Elect, Alderman Greg Jones KC. Alderman Jones is a huge supporter of enterprise and growth business underpinned by his commitment to the Rule of Law. More especially, Alderman Jones is a friend and supporter of the Company of Entrepreneurs, and it was with enormous warmth that Freemen and guests welcomed his speech in reply.
 
Underscoring his commitment, as Sheriff, to support Alderman Alastair King in his bid to become the City’s 696th Lord Mayor, Alderman Jones spoke with passion about promoting the link between legal services and business. A secure and prosperous City economy drives UK growth and wealth, and the City’s billion-pound legal sector is the secure foundation on which business is built. He and his fellow Sheriff Elect, David Chalk, would be doing everything in their power to make the so-called "City side" of the Old Bailey a forum for promoting the relationship of legal services the rule of law as a foundation for City commerce.
 
Proposing a toast to the Company of Entrepreneurs (may it flourish and branch forever and ever), Alderman Jones was applauded uproariously.
 
A final farewell drink ensued amidst lively chatter, reluctant farewells, and the unmistakable glow of a job well done. The Autumn Jazz Dinner is cemented as one of the most enjoyable events of a busy annual calendar, and anticipation is sky-high for 2025’s event!
 
NOTES: The Autumn Jazz Dinner 2025 will be on Thursday 18th September. 

                

The Company of Entrepreneurs © Z Rabikowska