Bulletin from The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor
18 September 2020, Read the full bulletin (PDF) here
An abridged version is below:
Fellow Liverymen
There is a distinctly back-to-school feel in the air. I have returned to Mansion House after my summer break and I very much hope that all of you, like me, were able to find some time for rest and recuperation over August. I trust that this bulletin finds you safe and well and ready to face the autumn of this unusual year.With the ongoing circumstances of the Coronavirus, we have not quite returned to the fresh slate of a new term. But we in the Corporation are especially keen to see life in the City return to some semblance of normality and are focused on facilitating a return and recovery for the Square Mile’s businesses and communities. This reflects the Government’s own determination to have people return to the workplace if it is safe to do so. We have therefore begun the process of doing this with our own elected Members and employees, in a way that maintains staff safety, keeps our spaces COVID-secure, and takes advantage of the flexible ways of working we have embraced so much this year. By doing so, we hope to encourage other City employers to do the same. My virtual engagement program continues, and what is clear from these conversations with business leaders and investors is that they share our resolve to ensure that London remains resilient and competitive at this testing time.
I know that this is the shared hope of all of us in the Livery too. I have heard from so many of you that the lockdown and other limitations has not interrupted your ability to engage with your members, your trades or the communities you support. In the face of the current restrictions we will need to continue to look for imaginative ways to do so. The Lady Mayoress and I
have already enjoyed joining virtual events and Zoom banquets. I am sure these will continue through the autumn but that also in due course we will begin to see physical events taking place once more, when they can be staged safely. Please do let me know via email to LMProgOffice@cityoflondon.gov.uk of how you are doing so. I also remain keen to hear about the charitable and voluntary activities that Companies and liverymen are undertaking in response to COVID-19……………….As you will be aware, this month also traditionally marks the gathering of the Livery in Common Hall for the Election of a Lord Mayor for the year ensuing. The current circumstances, and in particular Government social distancing and public health requirements, present limitations on the manner in which the proceedings for the Election might be conducted this year. Careful consideration has been given to the most appropriate format, and details of the streamlined event, which will necessitate a smaller number of attendees, can be found on the Livery Committee’s new website http://www.liverycommittee.org/ (Incidentally the new website contains a wealth of additional information and I recommend that you explore it). I am grateful for the understanding that Livery Companies have shown in this respect, given the unprecedented situation, and I look forward to what will nevertheless be a key moment in the Livery calendar.
I hope that despite these present difficulties we will have many other opportunities to meet, virtually and actually, in the coming months. The Lady Mayoress and I are anticipating doing so with much enthusiasm. Thank you for your continued support.With best wishes from me and Hilary.
Alderman William Russell
The Rt Hon the Lord MayorRead the full bulletin (PDF) here
Back to news