The Re-Industrialisation of Britain - Problems, Solutions & Prospects

Leaders from Finance, Energy, Technology and Pharma will be discussing the latest developments in their own fields and debating one of the key issues facing UK policy makers in the United Kingdom, the re-industrialisation of Britain.

Everyone is welcome to continue the discussion over a drink in the ICMA centre café bar after the debate.

Please note: this event is for students and staff of the University of Reading and Henley Business School only.

Over the centuries the self-regulating craft guilds of the City of London developed high standards of manufacture and service. Most were rewarded with a “grant of livery”. The founding of the World Traders Association movement gave rise to the creation of trading complexes in over 160 cities throughout the world. London was the first in Europe, built in St Katharine's Dock beside the Tower of London. Over 1,000 years earlier the same land was used by the Knighten Guild to trade in foreign goods, and in 1979 the then Lord Mayor, Sir Peter Gadsden, suggested that this tradition be revived by the creation of the Guild of World Traders to represent members of the international trading community in the City of London.

Granted Livery status in January 2000, the Worshipful Company of World Traders has over 250 members, drawn from a wide variety of professions and a charitable trust which has set up annual prizes to encourage young world traders. In this regard strong links have already been established with a number of schools, universities and institutes with the grant of prizes and scholarships. You can find out more at: www.world-traders.org

Livery Companies are vigorous, self-contained societies of professional and business people, bound together by traditional customs which have been handed down for generations, including a strong commitment to charitable and educational causes. This is all carried out under the direction of the Master assisted by the Wardens and Court of Assistants. With allegiance to the Sovereign and a vow of obedience to the Lord Mayor to maintain the franchises and customs of the City of London the membership also plays an integral function in the workings of local government in the City with liverymen taking part in the annual election of the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs.