112. City of London Chamber Anniversary Reception, Guildhall Art Gallery, 7 February 2024


City businesses and organisations, including Livery Masters, were invited to the reception to celebrate the first year anniversary of the City of London Chamber (CoLC) – a business group belonging to London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).  The Chamber champions are the voices of business in the Square Mile, representing their interests, providing opportunities to make valuable business connections and to address local business issues.

Our hosts were Liz Henderson, Director of Membership and Events, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Alderman Prem Goyal OBE, Founding Chair, City of London Chamber and Chairman, Audit and Risk Management Committee, City of London Corporation (pictured above).

We heard enthusiastic presentations from Michael Mainelli, Lord Mayor of London, Bim Afolami MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister, and Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman, City of London Corporation.


I had a interesting discussion with Bronek Masojada Alderman for the Ward of Billingsgate and Sheriff (pictured above) about the work of the Old Bailey where he lives.  Unfortunately, they have just experienced a fire in an electrical substation under their accommodation and the building was filled with smoke.  Thankfully, no one was hurt but he has had to use alternative accommodation. We wish him and his family well.

In addition to many catch-ups with Livery Masters and other guests, I had a fascinating chat with the Chief Operating Officer for St Pauls Cathedral who has wide responsibilities for a significant business.  She came from Gloucester Cathedral and leads on much of the management and development of the Cathedral.  We talked about the challenges of heating large buildings and she mentioned that they are installing solar panels and are working on being an eco-church.  Drawing on our experiences on working in the Livery Climate Action Group and assessing environmental impacts I offered whatever help we could provide.

It was a very interesting and enjoyable evening.

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