Most Masters of Livery Companies have an experience in their year that is quite out of the ordinary, and, yet, for the most part, they know what to expect. This year however, has been very different. The pandemic disrupted much of the usual activity planned for Masters and Livery members, including that of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants. However, it has not deterred our Company’s commitment to charitable giving or its efforts to support training & education in our industry.
In this article, outgoing Master Dame Fiona Woolf DBE, DL, looks back 12 months since her installation in October 2019 and praises the Company’s achievements during pandemic times and the industry’s determination to get through the crisis.
We also talk to the new Master Stewart Pierce, installed in a virtual ceremony on the 23rd October 2020. The event was originally planned for the stunning Goldsmiths’ Hall. While Stewart’s term starts with navigating the ongoing challenges imposed by Covid, adapting to changing times will be a key theme of his year.
Philanthropy & resilience
“What I really like about the ethos of this Company is the knowledge that behind every challenge is an opportunity,” confirms Fiona. “This industry has demonstrated great philanthropy and extreme resilience during the pandemic, and plays a key role in the recovery.”
Fiona also credits WCoBM’s charitable giving, led by the Almoner John Poore, who “has worked tirelessly seeking out opportunities where the Company’s contribution would make a real difference in the Covid environment.” Donations this year included the NHS Livery Kitchen initiative, the Barts Health Trust COVID-19 Appeal, Cavell Nurses’ Trust, London Air Ambulance and the National Emergencies Trust. Additional donations were also allocated to our trade charities – the Rainy Day Trust, Crash and Lighthouse – who have all experienced increased demand for their services during the crisis.
Attracting skills
WCoBM’s Education & Training Committee aims to attract talent to the sector through its ‘Build A Career Without Limits’ campaign. In collaboration with industry bodies, NMBS and the BMF, the Company is promoting the accessibility of bursaries from its dedicated educational funds. “Promoting education and training is critical to the recruitment of people looking for the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge. These are just the sort of people that any industry wants to attract,” continues Fiona. “The Trustees welcome bursary applications and are particularly interested in supporting applicants who are employed by businesses with limited funding available for training.”
Fiona concludes with her memory of WCoBM’s City and Awards lunch in March, the last physical event before a national lockdown: “We welcomed and congratulated a diverse array of talent from BMF students through to young people from our military and cadet affiliations, charity volunteers and a historic carving student. The event also recognised the efforts of our Liverymen who demonstrated a special commitment in caring for the environment. This year’s entries reflect the impressive contribution our industry is making to climate change and the low carbon agenda, which I am sure will attract the brightest and best talent.”
The future
The new Master highlights upcoming developments for the Company while recognising the need to adapt: “This will be a challenging Master’s year. If ever there is a time for camaraderie and togetherness then this is surely it. I’m hopeful that we can bring members more frequent online news and updates on new and existing projects, not least of careers and education which is a particular passion of mine.”
The Company looks forward to a new affiliation with the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, complementing its existing connections with the 3PWRR, HMS Forth and The Beckenham and Penge Sea Cadets. It is also developing new relationships with leading charities such as Building People and the Construction Youth Trust to widen the scope and reach of WCoBM’s ‘Build A Career’ campaign and message.
Virtually together
Networking is important to this industry and during 2020 we have seen a number of virtual events or gatherings. Stewart confirms that although it’s not quite the same as the real thing that brings members together in great City buildings, it’s important we find ways of staying connected. The first virtual event of his Master’s year will be a tour of Hidden London in conjunction with the London Transport Museum. “We also still plan for a virtual Christmas celebration. And in whatever form they may take, our City & Awards Luncheon and my Installation celebration remain pencilled in for next year.”
As we brace ourselves for another lockdown, the Master hopes for some relief from the pandemic by late March that may allow for a live event to take place in late Spring or early Summer. “My passion is football and we frequently hear ‘it was a game of two halves’. I certainly hope that is what will happen during my year so that the second half becomes a time we can meet and celebrate freely again with family, friends and colleagues.”
You can also catch the full article in Builders’ Merchants News Nov/Dec 2020: https://bit.ly/2KI8TiN
