At the Court meeting held on Monday 24th November 2025, as part of the Installation Day proceedings, the Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs was delighted to admit eight new Freemen into its growing and dynamic fellowship.

This formal occasion, held at the Guildhall prior to the Installation Service at the Church of St Lawrence Jewry, celebrated the achievements, vision, and values shared by these accomplished individuals. Each brings a distinct entrepreneurial journey, together representing a breadth of talent across accountancy, finance, construction, communications, science, education, and social impact.

We are pleased to introduce the newest members of the Company:

Joanne Bell

Joanne Bell is the founder of Bells Accountants, which she established seventeen years ago. Under her leadership, the firm has grown into a 30-strong practice supporting more than 2,000 clients across Kent, Surrey and London, with a particular focus on high-growth businesses. In 2024, she expanded her portfolio with a consultancy offering strategic advice on acquisitions, growth planning, KPIs, and start-up mentoring. A passionate advocate for financial literacy, Joanne is a co-author of the Money and You! series aimed at young people. Her achievements have been recognised through multiple honours, including Kent’s Best Woman in Business and a place on the international Top 50 Women in Finance list.

Alan Carter

Dr Alan Carter is a professional engineer, corporate strategist, and entrepreneur whose work spans governance, innovation, and philanthropy. He serves as Non-Executive Counsel and Director of Research at LPB Limited, where he advises on mergers, acquisitions, and compliance, in addition to lecturing on corporate strategy. Alan has founded and advised a number of international service businesses and regularly contributes to sector thought leadership through commentary, speaking engagements, and publishing.

A committed supporter of educational and charitable institutions, he is a 2025 Principal Benefactor of the Company of Entrepreneurs Trust.

John Holliday

A Chartered Accountant and founder of multiple ventures, John Holliday leads the Pocknells Group—an expanding portfolio of companies encompassing accountancy, audit, wealth management, property investment, and corporate finance. John has grown the group through strategic acquisitions, building cohesive teams that combine technical excellence with digital innovation. He is a strong advocate for vocational training and has created apprenticeship opportunities across his businesses. His community involvement includes ongoing support for charities addressing local need.

Neill Johnstone

Neill Johnstone, a Chartered Builder, began his entrepreneurial career in the mid-1980s. He later co-founded Lorega, a firm specialising in independent support for insurance policyholders. As CEO since 2010, Neill led a management buyout in 2015 and oversaw Lorega’s more recent acquisition by the Ardonagh Group, a global insurance intermediary. He now plays an active role across several portfolio businesses within the group. Neill brings decades of leadership in the insurance and construction sectors and is an enthusiastic supporter of sport, particularly golf and football.

Dr Maggie Kessler OBE and Mottie Kessler OBE

Together, Maggie and Mottie Kessler co-founded 2M Holdings in 2004, a group of Life and Material Science companies with operations in Europe, China, and the United States. Exporting to over 90 countries, the business has received both the Queen’s and King’s Awards for Enterprise.

Dr Maggie Kessler is Co-Owner and Business Director, holding a PhD in Chemistry and a background in both research and teaching. She continues to contribute to Nobel Prize–winning work and champions STEM engagement within the company.

Mottie Kessler is CEO and Chairman. He holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Industrial Management, and is a Harvard Business School alumnus. Mottie serves as President of the Chemical Business Association, mentors at London Business School, and has been honoured with several awards, including EY Entrepreneur of the Year.

Maggie is a 2025 Principal Benefactor of the Company of Entrepreneurs Trust.

Alison Shadrack

Alison Shadrack is the Founder and CEO of Adia PR, a boutique public relations firm specialising in strategic communications for entrepreneurs and growth businesses. Since its inception in 2013, Adia has earned a global reputation for securing high-profile media coverage and business accolades. Alison’s entrepreneurial journey spans multiple industries, from launching one of the UK’s first artisan food e-commerce platforms to working in consultancy roles in Brussels, London, and New York. She is a former Chair of the Institute of Directors in Essex and frequently speaks at international business events.

Paul Singh

Paul Singh is an entrepreneur in the built environment and construction sectors, with over two decades of experience in quantity surveying, SME leadership, and policy development. As the City of London’s first elected Policy Lead for SMEs, Paul has made a significant contribution to policy shaping in the Square Mile. He holds a Master’s degree in Construction Law from King’s College London and has been recognised for his published academic work. Paul is a Junior Warden of the Worshipful Company of Constructors and serves on a range of educational, sustainability, and governance boards.

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The Company warmly welcomes these new Freemen and celebrates their diverse achievements, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to excellence. Each of them enriches our fellowship and strengthens the Company’s ongoing contribution to the City, to philanthropy, and to the next generation of enterprise.

At the Installation Dinner, alongside the new Freemen, the Master bade a special welcome to Freemen Elect Frankie Clark and Timothy Frank, who are set to be formally admitted to the Freedom in February 2026.