On 20th October 2015 Leo Martin BBS, MA, FCA was installed as the new Master of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM). The installation ceremony took place at the stunning Goldsmiths’ Hall, which is home to the Goldsmiths’ Company, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies in the City of London. A superb candlelit dinner followed with 245 Liverymen, Freemen and guests attending to celebrate the occasion. His Excellency Daniel Mulhall The Irish Ambassador to the UK and his wife Greta Mulhall were guests of honour.
The ceremony prior to dinner included the admission of two new Honorary Liverymen, General the Lord Dannatt and Alderman Dr. Andrew Parmley, and four new Liverymen: Richard Skinner, Chandlers Building Supplies; Stephen Boyer, Marsh Industries; Darren Digby, Digby Trading; and Arthur Duffy, NetPlan.
Leo became a Freeman of the Company on 13th June 2007 and was made a Liveryman on 23rd October 2007. He was invited onto the Court on 4th October 2011, a privilege which led to his role of Master today. Leo enjoyed a 25 year career span within Builders’ Merchanting. He joined Grafton Group in 2004 as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, successfully overseeing the growth of the Group in both the UK and Ireland, together with its integration as a ‘National’ within both markets.
The Master said: “My installation ceremony and dinner was an extremely memorable and proud evening celebrated with my wife Deirdre and family. Goldsmiths’ is an outstanding Hall and its candlelit chandeliers created the perfect atmosphere.
“I now embark on 12 months of representing our Livery in the City and within our industry, and look forward to raising the profile of our Company. This includes raising awareness of the importance of builders’ merchants to the UK economy; supporting training and education for young builders’ merchants through our close links with the IoBM and BMF; meeting with young students to inform them about career opportunities within our industry; promoting our Charity and increasing our charitable funds for distribution to worthy causes. At the same time I will do my very best to support the Mayoralty and the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, and ensure the Company continues to earn recognition and respect in the City of London.
“I will also actively encourage members to get involved and attend our events, which are organised throughout the year. WCoBM provides an excellent platform for our members and their guests to network, socialise, discuss business, and exchange information and views in historic Livery Halls and other prestigious and unique venues in the City.
“No doubt it will be a busy 12 months”, concludes the Master. “But Deirdre and I are looking forward to every bit of it! We also look forward to welcoming members and their partners to my home City, Dublin, in May 2016 for the Master’s weekend.”
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