Lucia Di Stazio has been installed as Master of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM) for the ensuing year. During her year in office, the Master will be supported by Senior Warden Kevin Fenlon and Junior Warden Steve Durdant-Hollamby.
The installation ceremony took place during the Court General on Friday 24 October 2025 at Merchant Taylors’ Hall. Built in 1347, Merchant Taylors’ Hall is one of London’s most historic venues and home to the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies.
The ceremony also welcomed Liveryman Julian Milligan as Keeper of the Roll and Liveryman Jon Crean as Court Assistant. Past Master John Poore was elected as the Company’s Almoner.
Thirteen new Liverymen were also clothed during the exclusive ceremony, namely James Hipkins, James McMeckan, Timothy Jerrard-Dinn, Timothy Hanlon, Glenn Paddison, Mark Morris, Matthew Huskisson, Paul Conboy, Lee Hudson, Christine Jones, Andrew Miller, Antony Sharkey and Jamie Herd.
Lucia is a well-known figure in the building materials sector, with a career spanning over 25 years. Following 20 years with leading strategic marketing agency MRA Marketing, she joined The Encon Group in 2022 as Group Marketing Strategy & Communications Director and was recently promoted to Group Sales Strategy Director. Lucia joined WCoBM in 2011 and became a Court Assistant in 2018.
Following the Installation Ceremony, over 250 members and guests joined the Master and Consort for a celebratory dinner in the Great Hall of Merchant Taylors’. The Principal Speaker was Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, responsible for steering the development and delivery of the City Corporation’s provision of local government services for 8,600 residents and more than 600,000 workers based in the Square Mile. During his 40+ year career, Chris has also founded, led and expanded companies in a wide range of industries including construction.
The Master’s speech highlighted ‘Education and Opportunity’ as a key focus of her year. She said: “Education and Training is a core objective of our Livery and I firmly believe in the windows of opportunity our Livery and industry open for young people and for those looking to grow and develop their careers. Education in whichever form it takes, creates opportunities for individuals and businesses alike and when combined with positive guidance and mentorship, it fuels ambition, fosters achievement and drives success.
“Our sector is fortunate to benefit from a wealth of knowledge and talent that has made it great today and continues to shape its future. It is therefore important we retain, encourage and develop talent from within as well as attract new skills and with that, the diversity of thought, ambition and experience.”
The evening included musical entertainment by the London Banqueting Ensemble and a Magical Drum Display by 3PWRR Corps of Drums. The Beckenham & Penge Sea Cadets provided their traditional Carpet Guard.
Sponsors of the Master’s Year are: BMF, Brett Martin, The Encon Group, H+H, Heidelberg Materials, Henshaws Roofing & Building Supplies, Joseph Parr Group, Keyfix, Knauf UK & Ireland, Knauf Insulation, Lawsons, Marsh Industries, MRA Research, Monument Tools, NMBS, Reisser and Siniat by Etex.
Main image (L-r): Senior Warden Kevin Fenlon, Master Lucia Di Stazio, and Junior Warden Steve Durdant-Hollamby.
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
The Master with the 13 new Liverymen clothed at the ceremony.
