"Ancient" livery companies building our future!
An inspiring speech by the Lord Mayor of the City of London to the Masters, Prime Wardens and Upper Bailiff. Livery companies were originally established as medieval guilds that regulate their associated craft or possession. Now, the livery companies are integral to the City's governance: each year liverymen elect the Sheriffs of the City of London, endorse the election of the Lord Mayor and play a prominent part in major events.
They also serve as discussion forums and spearhead charitable initiatives such as the Livery Food and Kitchen Initiatives formed during lockdown. Looking to the future, the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers (established 1322) have a venture prize of £25,000 as an equity investment to support the commercialisation of Materials Science research. There even is a company of entrepreneurs aspiring to become a livery company by 2024.
Also mentioned was the Finance for Growth initiative that 'will look at the role of central bank digital currencies, blockchain, stable coins, crypto, AI, big data, quantum computing and much more.'Let this be the nexus point to which the UK precipitates new technology companies from idea to IPO and beyond.
Let's build!
Zhen Rong Yap
