Welcome... 

....to a bumper Christmas edition of the Company Newsletter. As well as the Master’s update, we have reports from shop talk and the Christmas lunch, an excellent guest wriitten piece on wine tasting. There are two, “Get to know” features, a nod to Alex Skailes' recent retirement and an update on the Company’s increasing influence in academia.  Many thanks to all that contributed to this issue. Keep them coming.  Before all that, two reminders: 

First, the new Company website is now live. Take a look using your usual login.  It is clearer, simpler, more modern and designed around users journeys. Congratulations to the team lead by Dr Simon Davey and Past Master Patrick Chapman for a successful project. They will be the first to acknowledge that there is more to do, throughout 2026.

Second, aimed mainly at new Members, remember to follow us on LinkedIN.

The Master’s Update: A Busy Start and a focus on Getting Stuff Done

The period from Election Court in September to Christmas Court in December has been a busy and rewarding start to my year as Master. It has been a time of flying the flag for the Company in the City, enjoying our own events, and, most importantly, turning ideas into action.

Representing the Company across the City has kept the diary full. Highlights included the Election and Installation of the Lady Mayor, marching with the Sea Cadets in the Lady Mayor’s Show, the Festival of St Cecilia at Westminster Abbey, and Remembrance events at St Paul’s Cathedral and St Laurence Jewry. 

I was also delighted to represent the Company at the MCA Awards Dinner. Engagement among my Masters’ year group is high (helped along by a very lively WhatsApp group), and I am focusing my time on those events that best raise our profile and strengthen relationships.

We have also had a strong programme of our own events. The Installation of the Master, Wardens and Court Assistants was a real highlight for me. Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli’s keynote address, the presence of both Sheriffs and their consorts, the awarding of the Sajit Cup, and the warmth of fellowship among around 90 members and guests all helped to make it a memorable occasion.

The New Master’s Reception took a different approach from previous years, with members working together in breakout groups to generate ideas for the future. True to our “getting stuff done” theme, one idea – the buddy system for new joiners – was implemented immediately. Many other ideas will feed into our continuing development.

The Christmas Court Supper also gave us the opportunity to pause and say thank you. We marked Malcolm Green’s time on Court in charge of membership, Patrick McHugh’s many years of dedicated service looking after our wine cellar, and Alex Skailes’ outstanding contribution as Director of the Bayes Centre for Charity Effectiveness.

Since September we have made tangible progress: publishing our programme of major events for the year, welcoming five new Freemen, strengthening our charity partnerships, publishing our research on the Future of Management Consultancy, progressing the implementation of our governance review, and moving closer to completing our IT upgrade. The common thread is being a winning team and making things happen.

When I took on the role of Master, I had a clear mental image of myself as a pacesetter in a long-distance race: setting the tempo, keeping things moving, and helping the group pick up the pace when needed. What has delighted me most over these first few months is realising that I am far from alone. I am surrounded by members who also want to get stuff done, who are willing to step forward with ideas and then help turn them into reality. In truth, we don’t need a single pacesetter – we can all be pacesetters, each driving progress in our own way and helping the Company move forward together.

Shop Talk 

Court Assistant Nick Bush reports on “When Two-Face met the Illegal Eagle”:
"Halloween had already passed when the most recent Shoptalk took place on 19th November so there was no reason for our super-hero consultants to don fancy dress. Nonetheless self-styled “Illegal Eagle” Lisa Preuveneers and Andy Wilkins, promoter of the two-faced approach to innovation, delivered stylish presentations that illuminated their different approaches to consulting and provided a great illustration of the diversity and richness of our membership.

Kicking off the evening, Lisa gave an account of the development of her various consulting firms, riding on the back of the 1980s property boom. Not a lawyer herself (hence the “illegal” bit) she nonetheless carved out a niche business, Law Computer Services, providing efficiency through technology to property lawyers and conveyancers. Following the property crash at the end of the 1980s, and a MBA at the University of Greenwich the company morphed into Law Consultancy Services and the provision of services to notaries – a niche market of c750 which, fun fact, is regulated by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury. 
Lisa’s take-away was that management consultants need to be alert to “entrepreneurialism” in their clients – recognising that such people can’t easily be told what to do.

This led neatly into Andy’s presentation where he described the work done by his firm Perspectiv and their unique view on change. Andy’s “two-faced” approach was more accurately described as “Janusian”, looking in both directions rather than practicing duplicity, with multiple perspectives providing greater clarity.  Andy used the idea of a Moebius circle to illustrate the tension between, for example, rest and exercise (we need both) or, in the works of Shakespeare, between love and doom (to make great art). In business this could be described as the tension between “Problem A” – getting stuff done – and “Problem B” – working on yourself to get stuff done. Citing Richard Branson who described his role as “creating the conditions by which crops grow” Andy contrasted this with the more recent example of tensions in the Ferrari Formula 1 team caused by the Chair’s over-focus on Problem A. Consultants needed to focus on the areas identified by PwC’s Innovation and Growth report: inclusive leadership, process and climate (rather than culture).

Third Warden Ian White proved an urbane and witty chair for this stimulating discussion and brought the formal proceedings to a close in good time so that we could enjoy The Lamb’s array of pub food and further informal conversation with members old, new and prospective. One of the prospective members was the only person in the audience who could name Two-Face’s real name in the Batman comics/movies (Harvey Dent if you must know) so my tenuous DC Comics link might have been lost on most people.

We will return to The Lamb in early March for another Shoptalk, so if you would like to hear what your fellow members of the Worshipful Consulting Universe get up to, keep an eye out for details. Capes optional."

Wine Tasting with Thorman Hunt: A Night of Notes, Nuance and New Connections

Imogen Fletcher-Blackburn (daughter of Wine Club Chair John Blackburn) has kindly provided this guest-eye view of the latest wine tasting event: 
"There are some evenings that begin with courteous interest and end in a glow of convivial warmth—the kind only excellent wine, good company and the gentle permission to linger can provide. This year’s WCoMC wine tasting, expertly guided by wine shippers Thorman Hunt, was precisely that: an event that grew increasingly lively and generous with each pour.

The timing, just before the festive season, was ideal. Christmas shimmered on the horizon and, in a moment that captured the night’s spirit, one attendee placed an order on the spot so the very wines tasted could be served at their Christmas meal the following weekend—a quiet endorsement of the quality on offer.
Thorman Hunt led us through an impressive line-up of eleven wines, beginning with what quickly became the evening’s favourite for many: the NV Les Hauts Pemions Muscadet. With its subtle sparkle and understated elegance, it offered all the class of champagne but without the consequences—a light and refreshing start that set a high bar for what followed.

Amongst the whites, the 2024 Cuvee Gyotaku stood out, not just for its flavour but for its story: ‘gyotaku’ means ‘fish print’ in Japanese, and the wine is the creation of a Japanese-French couple whose collaboration imbues it with both cultural depth and an intriguing flavour profile. The journey continued through the expressive 2023 Macon Davaye and culminated in the richly structured Quinta de la Rosa Reserve Red and the classic Chateau la Tour de By. By the final glass, the room was alive with relaxed, open conversation—the kind usually reserved for old friends reunited.

Yet, the evening was about more than just wine. Increasingly, these gatherings are among the highlights of the Company’s social calendar—a space where seasoned professionals and emerging leaders meet, glasses in hand, speaking candidly about the crossroads and ambitions that shape their lives. Conversations with Harman, Belinda, Karim, Adam and Nick perfectly captured this spirit: each of them navigating significant transitions, each seeking the kind of thoughtful dialogue and shared wisdom that defines the WCoMC community. There is something profound in how an evening intended for tasting and learning becomes, almost without notice, a catalyst for connection and clarity.

Nibbles circulated throughout the evening, though as the wines and camaraderie took centre stage, the food became increasingly ornamental. While the official agenda ended at a respectable hour, the evening itself was reluctant to conclude. Reports suggest it continued with more enthusiasm—and indeed more wine—than anyone anticipated. Perhaps, as with all memorable gatherings, the reluctance to leave was itself the highest compliment.

Our deepest thanks go to Thorman Hunt for their insight, expertise and generous storytelling. Their tasting notes did more than educate; they animated the room, giving each bottle a voice and each glass a reason to linger a little longer. As we look ahead to another year of fellowship and professional growth, this evening stands as a reminder of what WCoMC does best: creating spaces where people feel connected—to ideas, to opportunity, and above all, to one another."

Alex Skailes – Retirement

News about Liveryman Alex Skailes, who recently retired from her role as Head of the Centre for Charity Effectiveness at Bayes Business School.   Alex is well known to many in the Company via our multiple links with Bayes and several Members were invited to attend her recent retirement celebrations. (Ed: I had to pass). The total gathering was 30-40 people and WCoMC was represented by Patrick Chapman, John Pulford, Mark Salway, Cosette Reczek and Bob Harris. Short speeches were made by André Spicer and Lynne Berry with Alex responding. Professor Sir Anthony Finkelstein (the President of City St George's, University of London) made a brief appearance (but excused himself after the speeches). 

Alex herself was in good form and is still working out what she wants to do now that she is retiring from paid employment. She has been appointed as an Honorary Visiting Professor at Bayes CCE, so she has a reason for coming back to the City. 

Congratulations Alex!  I know I am not alone in hoping that Alex will get more involved in WCoMC going forward. She is pictured at Court Supper on 9th December, where she was the Master’s guest. 

Christmas Lunch

Some 32 members and their guests attended the Company Christmas lunch on 15th December. Amongst the regular attenders at these events were the Master and five Past Masters but this contingent was more than offset by a group of relatively new Members. Particular “shout outs” go to Olga Croft and Lin Wong who have become a regular pair at these events over the past couple of years. Extra special Christmas shout outs go to the group of relatively new Members who were there in force:  hats off to Jason Kwan, Harriet Kemp, Alexei Samarneko,  Nina George and Linda Cairney. For them it was their first Company Christmas lunch and indeed their first visit to Ironmongers’ Hall. Everybody enjoyed a convivial lunch although the paper hats got discarded quickly. Thanks to Patrick Chapman for his  photo of this very enjoyable Christmas lunch. Happy Christmas one and all.

Increasing our Influence in Academia

The Company is increasing its influence in academia.  Our aim is to shape the teaching of management consulting, so that students are better prepared for the realities of consulting practice, and also to set the agenda for research into management consulting, to encourage research that will be of use to practitioners.  CMCE maintains many of our links with academia on behalf of the Company.  Its main initiatives have been as follows:
•    The CMCE Research Awards, for the best academic papers relating to management consultancy, are announced every two years and are now well established.  Leading academics carrying out research into management consultancy respond to our call to nominate papers for the Awards.
•    CMCE published a report, 'Fundamental Questions for Consulting Excellence', which framed a research agenda in management consultancy and identified materials developed by CMCE in response to the research questions.  It was circulated by the British Academy of Management (BAM) to members of the BAM Management Consulting Network, a network of academics with an interest in management consulting, and was presented in an online workshop as part of the BAM Annual Conference.
•    Frank Brown has worked with BAM Management Consulting Network members to develop a framework for teaching management consulting; it identifies topics that should be covered in higher education courses focused on management consultancy, at a level appropriate for students.  A number of universities are interested in piloting the use of the standards.  A pilot project is underway at Ulster University and Henley Business School, part of Reading University, and two other universities are also interested in running pilot projects later in 2026.
•    CMCE and BAM MCN have jointly organised seminars on a range of relevant topics with leading academics as speakers.  In June 2024 we arranged an online event on ‘AI in Management Consulting’, with three sessions spread across a day.  In 2024/25 we ran a series of joint events on strategy and next year we have scheduled a series of five workshops under the title ‘Voices on Leadership’.  We find senior academics are ready to speak at these events because of the emphasis now placed on practical impact in assessing academic researchers.

The Company has institutional links with Bayes, the City St. George’s, University of London Business School.  For example, Professor André Spicer, the Dean of Bayes, is an Honorary Freeman of the Company and PM Kanan Barot is Assistant VP in the President’s Office of City St. George’s and Visiting Lecturer at Bayes.  Members of Bayes are regular speakers at CMCE events and we also work with students, providing mini consulting projects for final year undergraduate teams.  A number of other Company members have teaching roles at Bayes and other institutions.  
The Company's links with Charity Effectiveness (CCE) at Bayes are rehearsed eleswhere. Currently Fourt Warden Cosette Reczek is a member of the CCE Advisory Board.  

Get to Know ....

I try to feature Members of the Court here, over time, so that Members can get to know who is representing them in the Governance of the Company.  I have fallen behind in this quest, so this time, without apology, I have included two, very different, approaches to “Get To Know”.   Please meet Court Assistant Ranil Parera and Treasurer Jeff Herman.

Ranil Perera
Ranil Perera brings a wealth of consulting and governance expertise to the Court. His career spans leading organisations such as Price Waterhouse, Touche Ross, and SRI International, followed by seven years at the Financial Services Authority. Since then, he has worked as an independent consultant and subcontractor, while also serving as a non-executive director for listed companies and authorised financial firms. Ranil’s background includes developing strategy, implementing business processes and systems, and establishing robust risk management frameworks. Alongside his professional achievements, he has been a trustee of several charitable organisations, including the Sandford St Martin Trust and Firstsite, reflecting his commitment to service and community impact.
 As a Court Assistant, Ranil is eager to contribute to the governance and strategic direction of the Company, ensuring outcomes are achieved and risks managed effectively. He looks forward to supporting policy development, engaging with consulting firms and livery companies, and offering pro bono consulting to not-for-profit organisations. Ranil is passionate about the continuing development of the City of London as a global financial centre and is actively involved in the Education Committee and Faith Group, where he has already arranged events and delivered training. With enthusiasm for collaboration, he is committed to working closely with fellow Court Assistants, Wardens, and the Master to advance the Company’s aims, values and activities.

Jeff Herman
Introducing myself to the wider management consultant membership of the Company, provokes the questions of Who? What? When? Where? and Why?   Stay with it while I try and answer these provocations.
1.Who am I?   Jeff Herman FCA BFP MBA, happily married for a very long time, amazingly to the same woman. I have two adult daughters, and best of all an eight-year-old granddaughter. I will say no more about my granddaughter, but I have plenty of photos to share. My formative childhood years were spent in the bomb ravaged east end of London, which apparently is now trendy, now the bomb sites have been cleared.  I try and play golf and keep fit. Apparently, you must do more than just pay a gym subscription to keep fit; who knew?  
2.What am I?  A chartered accountant and management consultant.  I trained, as an “articled clerk”, with a west end firm.  “Training” combined working full time for low wages, and studying in the evenings and at weekends.  The clients were SME’s, show business personalities and best of all, the Paul Raymond Organisation, who was famed for his nightclub, theatre and publisher of gentlemen’s magazines; and I am not referring to Horse and Hound. The “training” was learning on the job, preparing accounts from “incomplete records” and guesswork. Good experience in learning where to put the debits and credits.   Following qualification, I spent twelve years in new roles, concerned with converting manual accounting systems to those newfangled computers.  Working in insurance, I had roles as the management and systems accountant, internal auditor and treasury manager.  Subsequent roles with a software vendor, included system architect for the accounting system, consulting to client Finance Directors. This experience naturally led me into consultancy with KPMG working primarily in financial services. However, my best move was to a boutique consultancy, OASiS, founded and run by Past Master and one of the founders of the Company, Wilf Eaton.  OASiS taught me everything there is to know about management consultancy and business transformation. I became an independent consultant in 1998, working extensively in the MOD, other Government Departments, Financial Services, and other business sectors. 
2.Where am I? -  I can be found in the leafy suburb of Hatch End, renowned for its restaurants and designer furniture stores.   Consulting has taken me, at times, further afield to Malaysia, Australia, the Netherlands and Belgium. 
4.When did I join the Company? - Following “encouragement” from Past Master Wilf Eaton and other members that I knew through the Richmond Group (now deceased), I joined in 2010 and progressed to Liveryman in 2013. I edited the Annual Report for a few years and was appointed Treasurer from 1st July 2025.    
5.Why join the Company? - The opportunity for Fellowship with a network of like-minded professionals, CPD Education, and Philanthropy by contributing to the voluntary sector with pro bono consulting and mentoring.  Little did I know this would take me to Israel, Bhutan, Netherlands, Mozambique and other more local destinations. 

And finally ....

With the recent spike in flu cases, which included me, I thought about bringing back “Masked Santa" from a few years ago.  On reflection I have decided to be more upbeat so, “Rock On Santa” - let's get stuff done in 2026.

Happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year.