Trades on parade: shining a spotlight on skills that shape our world

Air pilots, bakers and clothmakers – that’s just scratching the surface of more than 100 livery companies representing a variety of trades and professions. While they may have ancient origins, with some dating back to the 12^th century, their work is as pertinent today as it’s always been.

Championing industry

Some of the trades, expressions  and livery activities could be new to you, so what’s it all about? Varying in size, structure and interests, livery companies share the same ethos: supporting trade, education, charity and fellowship. Working in the best interests of the communities in which they operate, they play an important role in the life of London and beyond.

That’s why as a specialist PR and communications agency for cleaning, FM and environmental, we’re proud to support the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC). As a liveryman and Court Assistant herself, Ceris is involved first-hand in their work, focused on maintaining high standards of industry practice. Also passionate about all things equestrian, Ceris is additionally a liveryman of the Loriners, which has the lorinery trade and horses at the heart of it.

A unique style of networking

Livery companies provide unique networking experiences  – with functions held in Livery Halls and other magnificent venues, such as Mansion House and Guildhall, many of which are not open  to the general public. It’s great to network with a broad range of people with shared professional interests, whose expertise covers the breadth of the industry. There are fun and unusual events you can join too, including a sheep drive across Southwark Bridge – just one of the many opportunities to connect with members of other livery companies.

The livery companies and the City of London have grown together. To this day, places in the city such as Bread Street, Ironmonger Lane, and Cloth Fair, mark the sites where it all began. Livery companies are integral to the City’s governance too. The annual election of the Lord Mayor of the City of London – an international ambassador for the city –  is a shared responsibility between liverymen and the City Aldermen.

Honouring the cleaning industry at the Lord Mayor’s Show.

The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners will be celebrating the cleaning industry with a float at the Lord Mayor’s Show 2024, taking place on 9 November. One of the oldest, longest, and best loved civic processions in the world – this dazzling display has even inspired writers from Shakespeare to Ian Fleming and is broadcast live by the BBC!

Ceris Burns International is particularly proud to be a Silver sponsor of the WCEC float. This is the first time in twenty years that WCEC will have its own float in the popular parade across the City of London. Celebrating cleaning through the ages, it will help raise the profile of the industry amongst the many crowds who come out to watch, including the younger generation.

Stay posted on the livery social for more on this event which celebrates the success and vibrancy of our modern trades.

You can find out more about The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners by visiting www.wc-ec.com and for more on the all the Livery companies visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/about-us/law-historic-governance/livery-companies