12.11.12
The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers have for many years held the Monmouth Enterprise Initiative in which sixth formers from their eight schools compete for the opportunity to network with professionals from the City of London. Each year the Haberdashers choose a different modern livery company to represent a business activity in the City; this time it was the Marketors.
And so the seventy selected students gathered at the modern Haberdashers Hall on the west side of Smithfield for a dinner with twelve Marketors, sixteen representatives from the companies which would be hosting them the following day, and of course our hosts the Haberdashers. To call then students possibly conjures up the wrong image - they were very articulate and smartly dressed young men and women. Also, lest there is an image of educational privaledge, only two of the schools are fee paying.
The evening started with brief presentations from Liverymen Philip Andrew and Annmarie Hanlon on there fascinating careers to date, illustrating that there is not just one route to success and also the strength of marketing skills in driving your career. There was then an interesting Q&A followed by me. I had been given the topic of the history of marketing and whether it was an art or a science, and so in summary I naturally touched on the 1950's in the US Mid West, 1622 in Rome, Freud's double nephew, and hyper connection (you had to be there). Oh yes, and it is first a science and then an art. And all in five minutes. We then moved on to an excellent dinner - in all a delightful evening.
An event such as this takes a lot of organising. Having taken the original brief at the beginning of the year, I was then out of the loop and so passed it to the Deputy Master Sally with a suggestion for two people to organise it, Debra Marmor and Annmarie Hanlon. Not only getting companies to volunteer but also ensuring that they are organised to take the student for a day, each visit being different to the other, is no mean task and so congratulations and thanks to both Debra and Annmarie for their hard work. Not only a success but one that will impact the lives of seventy young people.
John Flynn
Master Marketor
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Monday, 12 November 2012
A Memorable Day
11.11.12
Remembrance Day started for us at St Brides Church in Fleet Street with a Choral Eucharist at 10:50am and the Act of Remembrance at 11:00. I, along with others, laid a wreath of poppy's, ours having our coat of arms as the centre piece. This was followed by the Requiem Mass accompanied by the magnificent choir, the organ and orchestra of St Brides. I was delighted to see Marketors amongst the congregation. A truely moving occasion summed up in the simple phrase "We will remember them".
Refreshments were available after the service but we had to dash to the Crypt of St Paul's where we had been invited to lunch with our good friends the members of the Worshipful Company of Stationers. This is a Company with which we have had a long association, their Hall being our first home in the City and where we still hold our treasures. An delicious meal was had by all in pleasant and historic surrounding with congenial company. For us we shares a table with Marketor, and Chair of Events John Wheen, and his wife Barbara. As might be expected when in good company we did not notice the time going hence the next rush.
And so another dash, this time a little further to Lauderdale House on Highgate Hill. Situated in Waterlow Park and dating back to 1582, it was originally built for Sir Richard Martin – the then Master of the Mint and three times Lord Mayor of London. Occupants since then have included the mistress of Charles II, Nell Gwynn, who lived there for a short time with their infant son, the Duke of St. Albans. We were not there on Marketors business but I thought I would mention it anyway just to round off the day. We were there for the Sunday afternoon Cabaret which today starred Norman Bowman the Mack in our production of the much acclaimed "Mack & Mabel" which was attended by the Marketors recently. To our surprise and delight one of his guest singers was Laura Pitt-Pulford, or Mabel as some of you know her. A wonderful ending to a hectic and diverse day.
John Flynn
Master Marketor
Remembrance Day started for us at St Brides Church in Fleet Street with a Choral Eucharist at 10:50am and the Act of Remembrance at 11:00. I, along with others, laid a wreath of poppy's, ours having our coat of arms as the centre piece. This was followed by the Requiem Mass accompanied by the magnificent choir, the organ and orchestra of St Brides. I was delighted to see Marketors amongst the congregation. A truely moving occasion summed up in the simple phrase "We will remember them".
Refreshments were available after the service but we had to dash to the Crypt of St Paul's where we had been invited to lunch with our good friends the members of the Worshipful Company of Stationers. This is a Company with which we have had a long association, their Hall being our first home in the City and where we still hold our treasures. An delicious meal was had by all in pleasant and historic surrounding with congenial company. For us we shares a table with Marketor, and Chair of Events John Wheen, and his wife Barbara. As might be expected when in good company we did not notice the time going hence the next rush.
And so another dash, this time a little further to Lauderdale House on Highgate Hill. Situated in Waterlow Park and dating back to 1582, it was originally built for Sir Richard Martin – the then Master of the Mint and three times Lord Mayor of London. Occupants since then have included the mistress of Charles II, Nell Gwynn, who lived there for a short time with their infant son, the Duke of St. Albans. We were not there on Marketors business but I thought I would mention it anyway just to round off the day. We were there for the Sunday afternoon Cabaret which today starred Norman Bowman the Mack in our production of the much acclaimed "Mack & Mabel" which was attended by the Marketors recently. To our surprise and delight one of his guest singers was Laura Pitt-Pulford, or Mabel as some of you know her. A wonderful ending to a hectic and diverse day.
John Flynn
Master Marketor
Sunday, 11 November 2012
The Lord Mayors Show
10.11.12
Our office in Paisterers Hall was the opening scene. I was there early, complete with bacon sandwich and coffee, allowing in and greeting those Marketors who were about to experience the delight of being a part of the 2012 Lord Mayors Show. There was a slight drizzle but as we walk out in full regalia to join our float that stopped. The Show has occurred for more than 800 years with only two missing years, the Great Fire and Wellingtons funeral. Its original purpose was to show the new Lord Mayor, the corporation and the trades to the City. It is the longest, largest and, of course, oldest parade in the world, and I first appeared in it on a Stock Exchange float precisely 50 years ago to this day.
And so to the float, so named because, way back when, Shows took place on the Thames. Ours was magnificent. It was one of the longest vehicles, and with the addition of the marching Cadet Corp was one of the longest presentations over all. The Marketors Coat of Arms and my theme of "Marketing: the Business Driver" were in full display as was reference to our partners the Chartered Institute of Marketing and St Dunstan's School. While I had seen pictures of the proposed float, viewing it for real was a very emotional moment as was seeing the Cadet Corp band, and Army and Navy contingent marching in front of us for the first time.
The parade travelled, in our case, from London Wall, then past the Guildhall and the Mansion House, around by St Paul's and up Fleet Street, past the Courts of Justice to the Aldwich where we stopped for lunch. For everyone, all 6,000 of us, this comprised of a small bag containing a sandwich, a bag of crisps a biscuit and a drink. The benefit of being a Liveryman was that the Master Mariner had invited us onto HMS Wellington to eat our packed lunch, washed down with a little of their bubbly. And so back, but via a slightly different route taking in Blackfriers.
Well that described it - but how did it feel? Pride was the overriding emotion, of course coupled with excitement, and delight. The crowds were, in places, six deep and seemingly all eager to wave and cheer and to be waved and cheered back at. To smile and wave for almost three hours may seem like a strain but when a sea of faces are doing the same then you don't feel a thing - until you stop. The real delight is seeing the faces in the crowd. There are some you know, be they family, friends, livery or dignitaries you have met, and all are joining in the excitement. But it is the tens of thousands of strangers who are equally eager to be a part of the celebration. The great thing is that you can connect with individuals as you travel, despite the distance from them and the fact that you appear to be in a moving balcony.
The children of St Dunstan's must have a mention. They were excellent and their teachers and parents must have been very proud. I have already described the Cadet Corp and their precision performance, so this time I turn to the children who were our "out riders", or walkers to be precise. Once they overcame their surprise at the reaction of the crowds they first responded by waving back and then started to "high five" the children that lined the route - brilliant. Unfortunately our second partner on the float could not attend as they had mistakenly organised their students Graduation for the same day, but the CIM's name certainly made an impression on the crowds.
I must not forget the Marketors and their families and friends who gathered at The Wine Tun which overlooked the route opposite St Paul's. While a great view from their first floor vantage point, many poured onto the street to wave to us from the barrier, and what a wonderful sight they all were. I understand that they then returned to a three course lunch and some refreshment. Indeed they were still refreshing when those of us in the Show finally reached the restaurant in mid afternoon.
So, an extremely proud day for me and for the Company. We, the Marketors, have taken our place in another of the City's great event. As always this would not have happened without the team of people and sponsors who put so much time and effort into producing the Marketors entry. Thank you all. I am sure you will agree with me in my mentioning one person in particular, Junior Warden Michael Harrison, who again brought it all together - thank you Michael.
John Flynn
Master Marketor
Our office in Paisterers Hall was the opening scene. I was there early, complete with bacon sandwich and coffee, allowing in and greeting those Marketors who were about to experience the delight of being a part of the 2012 Lord Mayors Show. There was a slight drizzle but as we walk out in full regalia to join our float that stopped. The Show has occurred for more than 800 years with only two missing years, the Great Fire and Wellingtons funeral. Its original purpose was to show the new Lord Mayor, the corporation and the trades to the City. It is the longest, largest and, of course, oldest parade in the world, and I first appeared in it on a Stock Exchange float precisely 50 years ago to this day.
And so to the float, so named because, way back when, Shows took place on the Thames. Ours was magnificent. It was one of the longest vehicles, and with the addition of the marching Cadet Corp was one of the longest presentations over all. The Marketors Coat of Arms and my theme of "Marketing: the Business Driver" were in full display as was reference to our partners the Chartered Institute of Marketing and St Dunstan's School. While I had seen pictures of the proposed float, viewing it for real was a very emotional moment as was seeing the Cadet Corp band, and Army and Navy contingent marching in front of us for the first time.
The parade travelled, in our case, from London Wall, then past the Guildhall and the Mansion House, around by St Paul's and up Fleet Street, past the Courts of Justice to the Aldwich where we stopped for lunch. For everyone, all 6,000 of us, this comprised of a small bag containing a sandwich, a bag of crisps a biscuit and a drink. The benefit of being a Liveryman was that the Master Mariner had invited us onto HMS Wellington to eat our packed lunch, washed down with a little of their bubbly. And so back, but via a slightly different route taking in Blackfriers.
Well that described it - but how did it feel? Pride was the overriding emotion, of course coupled with excitement, and delight. The crowds were, in places, six deep and seemingly all eager to wave and cheer and to be waved and cheered back at. To smile and wave for almost three hours may seem like a strain but when a sea of faces are doing the same then you don't feel a thing - until you stop. The real delight is seeing the faces in the crowd. There are some you know, be they family, friends, livery or dignitaries you have met, and all are joining in the excitement. But it is the tens of thousands of strangers who are equally eager to be a part of the celebration. The great thing is that you can connect with individuals as you travel, despite the distance from them and the fact that you appear to be in a moving balcony.
The children of St Dunstan's must have a mention. They were excellent and their teachers and parents must have been very proud. I have already described the Cadet Corp and their precision performance, so this time I turn to the children who were our "out riders", or walkers to be precise. Once they overcame their surprise at the reaction of the crowds they first responded by waving back and then started to "high five" the children that lined the route - brilliant. Unfortunately our second partner on the float could not attend as they had mistakenly organised their students Graduation for the same day, but the CIM's name certainly made an impression on the crowds.
I must not forget the Marketors and their families and friends who gathered at The Wine Tun which overlooked the route opposite St Paul's. While a great view from their first floor vantage point, many poured onto the street to wave to us from the barrier, and what a wonderful sight they all were. I understand that they then returned to a three course lunch and some refreshment. Indeed they were still refreshing when those of us in the Show finally reached the restaurant in mid afternoon.
So, an extremely proud day for me and for the Company. We, the Marketors, have taken our place in another of the City's great event. As always this would not have happened without the team of people and sponsors who put so much time and effort into producing the Marketors entry. Thank you all. I am sure you will agree with me in my mentioning one person in particular, Junior Warden Michael Harrison, who again brought it all together - thank you Michael.
John Flynn
Master Marketor
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Shakespeare and Ethics
08.11.12
A private viewing at the British Museum is always an attractive proposition, even when it starts early in the morning, and as this was an invitation from the Mistress and the City Livery Club, how could I resist. This particular viewing was to see (and hear) a major exhibition on the world of Shakespeare. It provided a unique insight into the role of London as an emerging world City seen through the perspective of Shakespeare's plays. We were greeted by the curator who, in addition to introducing the exhibition, gave some interesting background into the theatre of the time. For example it is recorded that a playwright received £6 for a play while one of the costumes cost £6.10s But then the costume, together with the others in the production, would have been the genuine article. With the Royal Shakespeare Company providing appropriate pieces from the masters works this was truly an enlightening and uplifting experience which I can certainly recommend. And so back to the office and then onto St Brides with the Mistress.
The "Ethics in Marketing" debate was the first in what will hopefully be an annual event at St Brides Church. The Question Time style approach was chaired by journalist and broadcaster Ray Snoddy OBE while the panel comprised of Sir Paul Judge - Alderman, Anthony Thomson - Founder of Metro Bank, Andrew Marsden - Consultant, chair of ASA standards group and Marketor Businessman and Marketor, Ruth Mortimer - Editor of Marketing Week, and Philip Herbert - partner of law firm Hamlins LLP. With such a strong panel and a demanding set of questions this event exceeded all expectations offering revelations and incites not usually revealed. While I was proud to have initiated this event, which parallels the activities of my other initiative the Marketing Law Group chaired by Ardi Kolah, all credit must go to Sue Ash, chair of our St Brides Committee, without whose hard work and organisation skills this would not have happened. So here is to the next event which, I understand, is already being scheduled for June of next year.
John Flynn
Master Marketor
A private viewing at the British Museum is always an attractive proposition, even when it starts early in the morning, and as this was an invitation from the Mistress and the City Livery Club, how could I resist. This particular viewing was to see (and hear) a major exhibition on the world of Shakespeare. It provided a unique insight into the role of London as an emerging world City seen through the perspective of Shakespeare's plays. We were greeted by the curator who, in addition to introducing the exhibition, gave some interesting background into the theatre of the time. For example it is recorded that a playwright received £6 for a play while one of the costumes cost £6.10s But then the costume, together with the others in the production, would have been the genuine article. With the Royal Shakespeare Company providing appropriate pieces from the masters works this was truly an enlightening and uplifting experience which I can certainly recommend. And so back to the office and then onto St Brides with the Mistress.
The "Ethics in Marketing" debate was the first in what will hopefully be an annual event at St Brides Church. The Question Time style approach was chaired by journalist and broadcaster Ray Snoddy OBE while the panel comprised of Sir Paul Judge - Alderman, Anthony Thomson - Founder of Metro Bank, Andrew Marsden - Consultant, chair of ASA standards group and Marketor Businessman and Marketor, Ruth Mortimer - Editor of Marketing Week, and Philip Herbert - partner of law firm Hamlins LLP. With such a strong panel and a demanding set of questions this event exceeded all expectations offering revelations and incites not usually revealed. While I was proud to have initiated this event, which parallels the activities of my other initiative the Marketing Law Group chaired by Ardi Kolah, all credit must go to Sue Ash, chair of our St Brides Committee, without whose hard work and organisation skills this would not have happened. So here is to the next event which, I understand, is already being scheduled for June of next year.
John Flynn
Master Marketor
A Day of Money
07.10.12
What a mixed day. First to a meeting of the Finance Committee to put the finishing touches to next years budget, then a meeting with our investors to make sure our funds are being correctly managed. Next to the Marketors Trust to review their investment results, followed by a meeting of the Trust. The Trusts good news was that our recent mailing to members was successful. However, having achieve this it was time to say goodbye to the Chair of the Trust, Trevor Brignall, but what a note to go out on. It was also goodbye from me in that these were the last of these meeting I will be attending. Incidentally, lest you think I was dashing all over the place, all of these meetings were held in the Court Room at Plaisterer. However there was then a quick dash to the Mansion House.
The Lord Mayors Appeal 2012 was entitled Fit for the Future and was targeted at promoting health opportunities for all and particularly those from some of the UK's most deprived areas such as Tower Hamlets. The funds raised helped five charities the primary being Bart and the London Charity on behalf of the Trauma Unit at the Royal London Hospital. In all about £2,500,000 has been raised to date. It was a delight to represent the Marketors and be amongst those that also contributed to this great achievement.
John Flynn
Master Marketor
What a mixed day. First to a meeting of the Finance Committee to put the finishing touches to next years budget, then a meeting with our investors to make sure our funds are being correctly managed. Next to the Marketors Trust to review their investment results, followed by a meeting of the Trust. The Trusts good news was that our recent mailing to members was successful. However, having achieve this it was time to say goodbye to the Chair of the Trust, Trevor Brignall, but what a note to go out on. It was also goodbye from me in that these were the last of these meeting I will be attending. Incidentally, lest you think I was dashing all over the place, all of these meetings were held in the Court Room at Plaisterer. However there was then a quick dash to the Mansion House.
The Lord Mayors Appeal 2012 was entitled Fit for the Future and was targeted at promoting health opportunities for all and particularly those from some of the UK's most deprived areas such as Tower Hamlets. The funds raised helped five charities the primary being Bart and the London Charity on behalf of the Trauma Unit at the Royal London Hospital. In all about £2,500,000 has been raised to date. It was a delight to represent the Marketors and be amongst those that also contributed to this great achievement.
John Flynn
Master Marketor
Tuesday, 6 November 2012
A Day to Remember
05.11.12
The Garden of Remembrance at St Paul's, on the north side of the Cathedral, was the site of the Royal British Legion City of London Poppy Day Appeal service. But first, as this was early morning, to breakfast in the Crypt with more than 100 other Masters, plus clerics, members of the services and particularly the band of the Irish Guards. We were greeted by the President of the Royal British Legion Lieutenant General Sir John Kiszely KCB MC, formed up and made our way to what was a most moving ceremony in the Garden. Fortunately it was a sunny, if very cold, day. The service was conducted by the Dean of St Paul's the Very Reverend David Ison and the guests led by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress David and Elizabeth Wootton who represented the citizens of London.
The service in the garden was short but moving with the band of the Irish Guards and the Royal British Legion Flag Bearers adding to the occasion. We all took our turn to plant our cross on the Remembrance Garden lawn and the service finished with the Kohima Prayer: "When you go home, tell them of us and say,
For your tomorrow we gave our today''. It was a ceremony that allowed all to reflect and show their gratitude for the sacrifices made by others on our behalf.
And so to the office, which is just a short walk from St Paul's, to meet with the Wardens and lunch (sandwiches) with the Chartered Institute of Marketing in the form of their CEO Anne Godfrey. An excellent meeting which gave us the opportunity to exchange views on the state of the marketing profession. This was followed by the monthly Master & Wardens meeting which ended at about 7:00pm. As always, having been out all day I had amasses a pile of emails, ten to the Master and thirty eight to the other me. I think I'll leave them until the morning.
John Flynn
Master Marketor
The Garden of Remembrance at St Paul's, on the north side of the Cathedral, was the site of the Royal British Legion City of London Poppy Day Appeal service. But first, as this was early morning, to breakfast in the Crypt with more than 100 other Masters, plus clerics, members of the services and particularly the band of the Irish Guards. We were greeted by the President of the Royal British Legion Lieutenant General Sir John Kiszely KCB MC, formed up and made our way to what was a most moving ceremony in the Garden. Fortunately it was a sunny, if very cold, day. The service was conducted by the Dean of St Paul's the Very Reverend David Ison and the guests led by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress David and Elizabeth Wootton who represented the citizens of London.
The service in the garden was short but moving with the band of the Irish Guards and the Royal British Legion Flag Bearers adding to the occasion. We all took our turn to plant our cross on the Remembrance Garden lawn and the service finished with the Kohima Prayer: "When you go home, tell them of us and say,
For your tomorrow we gave our today''. It was a ceremony that allowed all to reflect and show their gratitude for the sacrifices made by others on our behalf.
And so to the office, which is just a short walk from St Paul's, to meet with the Wardens and lunch (sandwiches) with the Chartered Institute of Marketing in the form of their CEO Anne Godfrey. An excellent meeting which gave us the opportunity to exchange views on the state of the marketing profession. This was followed by the monthly Master & Wardens meeting which ended at about 7:00pm. As always, having been out all day I had amasses a pile of emails, ten to the Master and thirty eight to the other me. I think I'll leave them until the morning.
John Flynn
Master Marketor
Thursday, 1 November 2012
Support and Care
01.11.12
As a Marketor, this week you will have received a copy of the Marketors' Trust brochure for October 2012. This highlights the fact that the Trust has, since its creation in 1976, grown in value to £560,000 and over the past ten years distributed more than £350,000. This has helped over 200 charities, educational bursaries and sponsorships while each year the Trust makes over 30 grants and awards. The purpose of the mailing was to make you aware of the variety of good works with which it is involved and, of course, to encourage you to give more. The primary goal was financial contributions, although the Outreach Programme is always looking for additional support for their projects.
The one topic that was missing from the brochure was that of the Companys' culture of care, an activity of the Company rather than the Trust. This is an aspect of the Marketors which goes un noticed unless you have a particular need. While managed by the Almoner, who is now Past Master John Fisher, it involves the Master, the Clerk, the Wardens, Past Masters and members of the Court as appropriate, either visiting or keeping in contact with, those in need and their relatives. Where we are advised, funerals are attended and assistance offered to the family. As for the Chaplain he attends where appropriate, indeed in March I had the pleasure of an uplifting visit from Cannon David Meera while I was in hospital.
Maybe not cradle to grave, but the Marketors are concious of its members progress and well being. So where you can do please support our charitable activities.
John Flynn
Master Marketor
John
As a Marketor, this week you will have received a copy of the Marketors' Trust brochure for October 2012. This highlights the fact that the Trust has, since its creation in 1976, grown in value to £560,000 and over the past ten years distributed more than £350,000. This has helped over 200 charities, educational bursaries and sponsorships while each year the Trust makes over 30 grants and awards. The purpose of the mailing was to make you aware of the variety of good works with which it is involved and, of course, to encourage you to give more. The primary goal was financial contributions, although the Outreach Programme is always looking for additional support for their projects.
The one topic that was missing from the brochure was that of the Companys' culture of care, an activity of the Company rather than the Trust. This is an aspect of the Marketors which goes un noticed unless you have a particular need. While managed by the Almoner, who is now Past Master John Fisher, it involves the Master, the Clerk, the Wardens, Past Masters and members of the Court as appropriate, either visiting or keeping in contact with, those in need and their relatives. Where we are advised, funerals are attended and assistance offered to the family. As for the Chaplain he attends where appropriate, indeed in March I had the pleasure of an uplifting visit from Cannon David Meera while I was in hospital.
Maybe not cradle to grave, but the Marketors are concious of its members progress and well being. So where you can do please support our charitable activities.
John Flynn
Master Marketor
John
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
