The Furniture Makers’ Company welcomed nine new freemen at an admission ceremony held at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London, on 4th December.
Becoming a freeman is the first level of individual membership within the livery company. For many, it is the first step towards becoming a liveryman, the senior membership tier that carries voting rights in the governance of the City of London.
During the ceremony, the new members declared their support to the company and were formally welcomed by immediate past master, Brian Ahern. Afterwards, the new freemen joined guests at the Festive Mixer event.
The new freemen are: Beth Grover, design consultant, Carbon Efficiency; Susan Mancini, commercial manager, Studio 1718; Anees Mehkri, head of design - consultant, Mela Artisans; Kim Pinnington, owner, Telegraph Contract Furniture; Nick Sneller, designer/maker, Nick Sneller Designs; Robert Stephenson, founder and MD, Sedilia; Simon Taylor, MD, Simon Taylor Furniture; Josh Topham, production manager, Create Seating; and James Viney, chairman and joint MD, Clockwork Components.
Debbie Johnson, master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, says: “We are delighted to welcome this exceptional group of professionals as freemen. Their skills, enthusiasm and shared commitment to our values will be a great asset to the livery, and we look forward to them becoming an integral part of our community.”
Pictured: (top) Beth Grover, James Viney, Kim Pinnington, Josh Topham, Robert Stephenson, Nick Sneller, Susan Mancini, Anees Mehkri and Simon Taylor; (bottom) senior warden Jessica Alexander and Brian Ahern
