Steve Boyer has been installed as Master of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants for the coming year.
The installation took place on Friday 18 October 2024 at Mansion House, one of London’s most prestigious and historic Livery Halls and the official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London.
Steve Boyer is Founder of Marsh Industries, a leading manufacturer of domestic, commercial and agricultural off-mains drainage products. During his year in office, the Master will be supported by Senior Warden Lucia Di Stazio, and Junior Warden Kevin Fenlon. The ceremony also saw Steve Durdant-Hollamby being welcomed as the new Keeper of the Roll. Rav Singh Sumal has become a new Court Assistant for the Company.
During his Installation speech, Steve said he was extremely honoured to take up the office of Master, and that he wanted to dedicate his year to reaching out and working together with other industry organisations to promote and improve the industry, as well as tackling issues including mental health across the sector.
He said: “We’re now in challenging times and I want to be collaborative. As a Company we are not an island, and we must embrace change and look towards the future while respecting the traditions of this great Livery Company.”
Nine new Liverymen were also clothed during the ceremony – James Parlato, Lee Gillman, Richard Bowes, Adrian Shelley, Ian Lock, Christopher Dawson, David Millward, Martin Moran and Christopher Maityard.
Following the official Court ceremony, the Master and his wife Pauline were joined by around 260 Liverymen, Freemen and their guests at a formal drinks reception and dinner in the grand Egyptian Hall at Mansion House to celebrate the occasion.
Entertainment included musical performances by the Royal Marines Association Ensembles, who have a collective service record of more than 1,000 years. The Carpet Guard was also provided by Beckenham and Penge Sea Cadets, part of the UK’s oldest nautical youth charity.
The principal guest and Speaker during dinner was The Rt Hon. The Lord Mayor of London Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, who attended with his wife Elisabeth.
The Annual Livery Dinner was sponsored by ACO, Alumasc, Builders’ Merchants Federation, Fernco, H+H, Longwater Construction Supples, Mannok, Marsh Industries, NMBS, Polypipe, Reisser, Thor Hammers, Turnbull, and VIP-Polymers.
More information about the WCoBM can be found at www.wcobm.co.uk
Main image (from left): Senior Warden Lucia Di Stazio, Master Steve Boyer and Junior Warden Kevin Fenlon.
The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM) is one of the modern Livery Companies of the City of London. Founded in 1961, it became a full Livery Company in 1977 and was granted a Royal Charter in 2012.
Members include leading figures within builders’ merchants, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, buying groups, service suppliers and a number of ancillary trades. Membership is by invitation only and is a measure of an individual’s contribution to the industry.
WCoBM represents all parts of the industry and works to raise the profile of builders’ merchants in the City, highlighting their importance in supplying Britain’s building needs. It also promotes training and education, and fundraises for a number of industry charities, as well as supporting the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.
The Company works to help create a thriving and prosperous industry through networking and co-operation, hosting a number of organised events throughout the year where Liverymen, Freemen and their guests can interact.
