The Installation Dinner 2026

The Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs gathered at Painters' Hall on 25^th for its Installation Dinner, the principal feast in the Company's calendar. A glittering dinner in the best traditions of the City and Livery, honouring the new Master’s year of office, and welcoming members and guests in celebration.

Alderman Alastair King DL, presiding as the 12^th Master Entrepreneur, was ably supported by his Wardens: Rita W. Bologna, Jat Wasu, and Veronica Heaven.

A vision for ideas and investment

In an energetic speech, the Master set out his priorities for the year ahead. He emphasised the vital connection between entrepreneurial ideas and the investment needed to bring them to life. It is a theme that reflects both his professional background in asset management and his theme of "Growth Unleashed" during his term as the 696^th Lord Mayor of London. His mission to broaden the investment landscape from start-ups to scale-ups was central to his speech – reflecting the struggles of some scaling UK companies to attract the vital support they need to grow.

Distinguished guests

The evening welcomed representatives from across the City, including the Master Draper, Prime Warden Blacksmith, Master Marketor, and Master Information Technologist. The Company was especially honoured to host its RAF affiliates from the Air Mobility Force and Rapid Capabilities Office.

Mr Martin Gilbert, co-founder of Aberdeen Asset Management and Chair of Revolut, delivered a response on behalf of the guests, reflecting on the enduring importance of enterprise, leadership, and private investment in an evolving world.

A life of service to the City

Alderman King brings a distinguished record of civic and commercial leadership to the role. A Freeman of the then Guild of Entrepreneurs since 2016, he joined the Court in 2017 and served as the Guild's Sponsoring Alderman from 2018. He was among the first Freeman Entrepreneurs to be clothed with the Livery in 2025.

His career spans corporate law with Baker McKenzie, venture capital leadership at Spark Ventures and Eredene Capital, and the founding of Naisbitt King Asset Management. Elected as a Common Councillor for the Ward of Queenhithe in 1999, he has served as Alderman since 2016, Aldermanic Sheriff for 2022/23, and Lord Mayor for 2024/25.

Beyond the Entrepreneurs' Company, Alderman King is a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Masons, Past Prime Warden of the Blacksmiths, and is a member of the Grocers, Vintners, Painter-Stainers, Broderers, Horners, Feltmakers, and Arbitrators.

The Master's Consort is his wife, Florence, a journalist and epidemiology PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh who serves as a Lance Bombardier in the British Army Reserve.

Photo credit: Jonathan Cherry