Welcome to the latest edition (number 101) of the Company Newsletter – an Installation Special. In this edition you will find a brief report on the Installation Ceremony and the celebratory dinner that followed it, plus plenty of pictures from the dinner. Also photos of the new Wardens team and two new Court Assistants one of whom - Paul Kelly- features in our regular “Get to Know” section.   We also have an update on our new “Buddy system" from new Court Assistant Olga Croft, news of an award for Donna Herdsman and a new occasional feature: "Request for help". 

A New Master and a New Livery Year

It is a pleasure to report that the Worshipful Company of Management Consultants welcomed its 32nd Master, Collette Stone, at the Installation Ceremony on Wednesday 14 October 2026, marking the beginning of a new Livery Year.   Joining the Master was the new team of Wardens:

Two new Court Assistants, Olga Croft and Paul Kelly, were also installed, while your Editor was installed as a Court Assistant following completion of his term as Past Master. Nick Bush, Chair of the Education Committee, was co-opted to serve on the Court for a further year.

A Celebration at Apothecaries' Hall

The historic Apothecaries' Hall, near Blackfriars in the City, provided a splendid setting for the Installation Dinner, bringing together members and guests to celebrate the beginning of the Master's year.
The new Master was accompanied by her husband and consort, Les Stone, who will be supporting Collette throughout her year in office.
We were particularly delighted to welcome Alderman and Sheriff Prem Goyal CBE, accompanied by his consort, Alex Hayward. As one of the City's two Sheriffs for 2026–27, Prem plays an important role in supporting the Lord Mayor, promoting the City's financial and professional services sector, and upholding the rule of law through the City's close relationship with the judiciary at the Old Bailey. His extensive background in international banking, business leadership and public service made his presence especially relevant to our Company.

Our principal guest speaker was Captain Stratton Richey, commercial pilot, member of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots and the familiar voice of the Farnborough Air Show for over 40 years. He is a founder of BA HighFlight, a charity which, through aviation-based experiences, helps inspire young adults to engage with the hope of a more exciting future.
There were some particularly personal touches to the celebrations. Beautiful flower arrangements created by Mary Linington brought colour to the historic Hall, with their carefully chosen colours providing a subtle nod to the new Master's heritage.
Reflecting Collette's longstanding involvement in Girlguiding, a guard of honour formed by some of the Guides and Rangers from the 1st St James Girlguiding units in the Bermondsey and Rotherhithe area, where Collette volunteers, welcomed and supported the new Master.

Their presence brought a wonderful sense of youthful enthusiasm to the occasion. It was an evening of ceremony, friendship, lively conversation and celebration — a fitting start to the new Livery Year.

The Master's Diary

The Master's year brings a full diary of City engagements, from formal dinners to more informal gatherings. Their value lies in the relationships built, ideas exchanged, problems solved and opportunities created. This is how much of the City's business is conducted, and how we strengthen our connections, promote our profession and contribute to the life of the City of London.
In the year ahead, I will use this diary to bring you news of some of the conversations, connections and opportunities for our Company arising from these events.

600 (City of London) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force All Ranks Centenary Dinner – 16 October.  The very first engagement for the Master was the Annual Dinner of our affiliated RAF Reserve Squadron, accompanied by David Glassman.  My neighbour at dinner was Squadron Leader Chris Owen, Engagement Officer for RAF Air Cadets in London and the South East. Our discussion focused on the possibility of establishing an affiliation between WCoMC and an Air Cadet squadron. Squadron Leader Owen offered his guidance and support in exploring the opportunities and has already been in touch about possible links.

Lord Mayor-Elect's Presentation Dinner – 19 October. The Lord Mayor-Elect's Presentation Dinner at Haberdashers' Hall brought together representatives of the Livery Companies with which the Lord Mayor-Elect Alderman Bronek Masojada has longstanding connections — the Insurers, Distillers and Watermen and Lightermen — together with Companies assigned to him through the City's Livery Liaison Scheme, WCoMC being among them. In welcoming his guests, the Lord Mayor-Elect described everyone present as his Livery family, reflecting the importance of the relationships and friendships built through the Livery movement. This time I was placed next to the Consort of the Master Poulterer, who happens to have a relative working for a well-known gown-making company. That connection might just know something about pockets under Masters' gowns...

Looking Ahead - Dates for your diary

There is plenty to look forward to as we approach Christmas, with new opportunities to meet, contribute and enjoy the fellowship of our Company:

• 22 October – Inaugural Young Consultants SIG Meeting. Hosted in conjunction with Accenture, this new group creates opportunities for younger members of our profession to connect, share ideas and become more involved in Company life.
• 4 November – Women in Consulting SIG Breakfast.  Another new special interest group, providing a welcome opportunity for conversation, professional connections and mutual support.
• 14 November – Lord Mayor's Show.  One of the great occasions in the City's calendar, bringing together the Livery movement and the wider City in celebration.
• 24 November – New Master's Reception and Admissions Ceremony. At Guildhall, we will welcome new Members and begin an important conversation about our Company's influence in the City. Building on progress already made through the Liveries' Financial Services Group, I would like us to share our views on what the City needs from management consultants, across the breadth of our profession.
• 14 December – Annual Christmas Lunch. A chance to come together once more before Christmas, enjoy each other's company and celebrate the fellowship that is such an important part of our Livery life.

Full details of these and other Company events can be found on our website.  The Master: "I look forward to seeing many of you over the coming weeks. There is much to enjoy, plenty to contribute and an exciting year ahead."

Get to Know ... Paul Kelly

My professional career started in various technology roles (firstly as a COBOL and Assembler Programmer for anyone who can remember!). I worked in both the Financial and then the Telecommunications sectors. Eventually through roles in Supply Chain and Operations Management my career inevitably led me to the world of Management Consultancy. I say inevitably, as I had long had the desire to be part of the profession; it became and remains a vocation. 

I continue to work as an Independent Consultant and have also helped to run a couple of boutique consultancies, including one I am still involved in today. Smaller firms and independents are a fascinating corner of the profession: full of passion and talent, going toe-to-toe with the big players, and of course it is financially precarious.

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is training and coaching new consultants, often senior executives making the leap into consulting later in their careers. What I have learned is that it is not for everyone, the change in lifestyle and shift from being the decision-maker to being the coach, influencer and advisor is often too much of a shock.

I am still actively involved in selling and delivering projects, though no longer full-time. Those early-morning flights eventually take their toll!
I joined the Company in 2021 and I am also proud to be a Fellow of the Institute of Consulting and have been a Chartered Consultant since January 2022. 

Since joining, I have also had the chance to work with three charities: XLP, The Snowdon Trust and Jerry Green Dogs Rescue. If you can excuse the pun, there is definitely something about ‘old dogs and new tricks’ that you get to experience when working in very different types of organisations and sectors.

I also work closely with the Centre for Management Consulting Excellence, supporting its research and its role in promoting the profession. Its events bring consultants together at every stage of their careers to talk all things consultancy; this is fellowship in action. 
Unsurprisingly, AI is a hot topic. Somehow this feels like a full-circle moment for me: I began my career helping to disrupt others through computer-led automation, and now I get to experience the impact of newer technologies myself.

I have recently rediscovered my love of cycling. In theory I should have more time on my hands to pursue this hobby, but it also seems that my wife (a recently retired nurse) and new grandson have other plans. 

Stepping Up to the Board

IPM Malcolm McCaig reports on the recent BDO sponsored event: 
"This event was part developing our corporate collaborations with major professional services firms. It is also part of launching our new Special Interest Group (SIG) for Non-Executive Directors (NED) and Trustees. The BDO event was aimed at aspiring NEDs, with a panel of three recently appointed NEDs talking about how they managed to get their first roles. The panel also included two Livery representatives, myself (Management Consultants) and Fiona Goldsmith (Chartered Accountants), explaining how being part of a livery company can help with your NED career.

The event was well attended by about half a dozen members from our own NED SIG, who benefited for their own personal development. They also took advantage of the opportunity to engage with potential new members. Our next event coming up in the diary is the NED annual debate on 5 November, on whether AI will revolutionise the Boardroom. Anyone interested in being part of our WCoMC NED SIG should contact Sue Ells or Nick Bush.

The Buddy System

Court Assistant Olga Croft reports: The WCoMC Buddy System was reinvigorated under the leadership of Immediate Past Master Malcolm McCaig to help new members feel welcome, informed and engaged from the outset. Since October 2025, every new joiner has been introduced to an experienced member who acts as a buddy, providing onboarding and orientation during the first twelve months. The allocation approach reflects the principle that any Company member can offer friendly, welcoming support to a new joiner. Buddies follow common guidelines that recommend helping new members understand how the Company works, including its traditions, rules, annual report, committees and charitable activities, as well as guiding them through their first key events. New members receive an introductory pack and are encouraged to explore opportunities that suit their interests and professional experience. By taking the initiative to ask their buddy about unfamiliar terminology, customs or dress codes, or to request an introduction, new joiners can find their place within the Company and feel connected. Every buddy relationship develops in its own way, and sharing experiences helps to make it enjoyable. The Buddy System has evolved and improved over the past year and now operates under the umbrella of the Fellowship Committee. Through the coordinated efforts of the Master, the Clerk, and the Membership and Fellowship Committees, an established allocation process is now in place. It ensures that every new member is introduced to a buddy on the day of their admission ceremony or shortly afterwards.

A dedicated Buddy System mailbox, also been created for confidential requests and suggestions, or simply to confirm a buddy’s contact details or to volunteer for a buddy role.

The inaugural New Members and Buddies Celebration on 29 September proved to be a successful networking event. Andrew Shuster and his buddy, Jonathan Shepard, shared their story with great enthusiasm, encouraging many others to reconnect with their buddies. A new WCoMC tradition was born, and the event has already been included in the 2027 calendar.

A survey of buddies’ experiences, conducted in September 2026, demonstrated wholehearted support for the initiative by everybody who responded. The survey found that buddies generally communicate on an ad hoc basis, offering support whenever a new member needs it, although lack of time on both sides can be a challenge. The feedback and suggestions received have influenced the Buddy System improvement plan for the coming year. The budding will continue to strengthen WCoMC ethos and tradition of fellowship.  (ED: For more information please contact Olga Croft, Buddy System Coordinator at buddy@wcomc.org)

Donna Herdsman's Award

News reaches me about Freeman Donna Herdsman.    She was recently awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from WeAreTechWomen.  The award recognises ‘an individual whose career, leadership and contribution have made a significant and lasting impact within the technology industry’.  Donna received her award at a lunch at Mansion House that was hosted by the Lady Lord Mayor Dame Susan Langley, on 16th October, and here she is with Dame Susan during a private audience for approximately thirty people before the formal awards event.

During their discussion Dame Susan shared some of her own management consultancy background.  I will leave the last word to Donna:  “I was completely taken by surprise by the award, as supporting others to achieve their dreams is something that gives me immense pleasure and is one of the reasons I have been a long term judge for both the #TECHWOMEN100 awards and the Black British Business Awards.”    

Hearty Congratulations to Donna.

And Finally... a Request for help 

This is a new and possibly recurring feature where Members can ask for help or indeed offer their support to other Members. This time we are kicking off with a prospective Member's request for help with his MBA. Sarjan Ram, who is due to join the Company in November, would welcome Members’ support with his final Executive MBA research project. The research explores how global hospitality, retail and emerging commerce technologies, including agentic AI, are merging to shape future guest experiences, shopping and distribution channels.

Could you spare 15–20 minutes for a research interview by phone, online or in person?

Sarjan is particularly keen to speak with consultants or professionals with experience in retail, hospitality or agentic AI commerce. Experience in any one of these areas would be highly valuable.  He would also be delighted to receive recommendations or introductions to anyone who could contribute relevant experience.  Interviews are planned for the coming weeks. The discussions are for academic research purposes, and individual contributions will remain confidential.  With permission, participants would be named in the project’s acknowledgements as contributors.  To take part or recommend someone, please contact Sarjan directly.

(Editor’s note: Similar requests for help will be entertained but we will not be using this feature for the purposes of charitable fund raising, for job seeking or for promoting private events).

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Thank you for reading this far. Many thanks to all those who contributed to this edition of the Newsletter, and to Mark Fox for the excellent photos from the Installation.

Steve CANT - Editor