The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants’ City & Awards luncheon, now in its tenth year, received a welcome return following a two-year gap due to the pandemic, as Master Andy Williamson explains.
On 21 March, WCoBM hosted its annual City & Awards lunch at the magnificent 17th century Vintners Hall in the City of London. The popular event attracts Liverymen, Freemen, prize winners and guests to celebrate the success of young achievers in the industry and among our affiliations.
Over the years, this event has developed to recognise wider achievement and contribution, including environmental best practice and the coveted Master’s award.
Members are encouraged to invite ‘rising stars’ from their businesses to learn about City Livery Companies, and network with senior figures from the industry. Young people are the future, so it is important they are inspired to continue their career development in building materials supply and provided with different opportunities to build their skills.
Prizes winners at this year’s event included students from the Builders’ Merchants Federation and the City & Guilds of London Art School; individuals from affiliated organisations, namely the 3rd Battalion, Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, HMS Forth, Beckenham and Penge Sea Cadets, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and young achievers working with Build Up, a charity that focuses on regenerating community spaces in deprived areas of London.
Our ‘Caring for the Environment’ award acknowledges companies or individuals whose efforts in areas of waste management, manufacturing processes, packaging or product development have resulted in greater sustainability or resource efficiency. The award is open to all Livery members and the organisations they represent and includes a supplier and merchant category.
Industry award winners were:
The last award of the afternoon was the Master’s Award, which was presented to our Secretary Denise Llewellyn for over 25 years’ of outstanding service to the Company. The award is a distinct accolade introduced to acknowledge the commitment, efforts and contribution of individuals in the Company who have gone the extra mile and made a real difference through strong support, leadership, philanthropic insight or through demonstrating a tangible benefit to the Company.
The Guest of Honour was Alderman and Sheriff Alison Gowman, who presented the awards and prizes, and special guest was Lord Dannatt.
Education and training is one of the WCoBM’s key objectives, underpinned by bursaries to encourage talent and skills in the merchant sector and inspire individuals to learn and develop in their businesses.
I congratulate all the winners for their fantastic achievements, enthusiasm and commitment and wish all the students and individuals across our affiliate companies the very best in their careers.
For the full list of award winners, visit: www.wcobm.co.uk.
