Kevin Fenlon has been installed as Master of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM) for the ensuing year. During his year in office, the Master will be supported by Senior Warden Steve Durdant-Hollamby and Junior Warden Julian Milligan. The ceremony also welcomed Rav Singh Sumal as Keeper of the Roll, and Rachel Fryers as a new Court Assistant.
The installation ceremony took place during the Court General on Friday 23 October 2026 at Fishmongers’ Hall. Built in 1835 following earlier halls being destroyed by the Great Fire of London and cleared for the construction of London Bridge, Fishmongers’ Hall is a Grade II* listed building that is home to the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers, the fourth of the Great Twelve Livery Companies.
Eight new Liverymen were clothed during the ceremony, namely Martin Armour, David Berry, Jonathan Boland, Martin Culley, Victoria Elliott, Neil Hickman, Ian Murphy and Kevin Williams.
Fenlon’s career in the building materials sector has spanned almost 40 years, working across a number of businesses including Graham Builders’ Merchants, Bradford Building Supplies, Durox Building Products and, latterly, 25 years with RGB Building Supplies.
Following the Installation Ceremony, almost 200 members and guests joined the Master and Consort for a celebratory dinner. The Principal Speaker was James Thomson CBE, Deputy Chair of Policy and Resources for the City of London Corporation and non-executive Chairman and former Chief Executive of MJ Gleeson plc, as well as Common Councillor for the Ward of Walbrook and Board Member of the City Bridge Foundation. He is also former Chair of both the City of London School and the City of London Police Authority Board. Thomson spoke about the close links between WCoBM and the City of London Corporation, and the charitable works that the Livery movement carries out each year.
In his address to the company, the Master said: “It’s an honour to become the 64th Master of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants. This is especially meaningful as the Company celebrates the 50th anniversary of being granted Livery status next year.
“We will continue to explore ways to showcase the diverse career opportunities our industry offers and raise awareness of issues such as mental health and cancer, which are especially close to my heart. Together, we can focus on helping and supporting as many worthwhile causes as possible. Thank you for giving me the honour of becoming Master of this fantastic Company. I promise to do everything I can to help it flourish and prosper.”
The Master also thanked Immediate Past Master Lucia Di Stazio, and her Consort Mike Tattam, for their tireless work promoting the Company over the past year.
The evening included musical entertainment by the London Banqueting Ensemble, and sea shanty group Swinging the Lead, in celebration of the Master’s roots and upbringing in Cornwall. The Company of Pikemen and Musketeers, a ceremonial sub-unit of The Honourable Artillery Company, were also in attendance to escort the Master.
Sponsors of the Master’s Year are: BMF, C&W Berry, Dulux Trade, FTI Property, Global Landscaping, H+H, Heidelberg Materials, Keyfix, Knauf Insulation, Lawsons, Mannok, Marsh, MP Moran, NMBS, Siniat and TradeKart.
WCoBM was founded in 1961 and plays a key part in supporting training and education for builders’ merchants as well as raising funds for a number of charities. The Company is also a premier networking platform for the industry with key social events organised throughout the year for members to attend.
Learn more at www.wcobm.co.uk
