A Founders’ Hall bustling with people from different backgrounds, a range of ages and surrounded by some good conversations was where I found myself last week, on the occasion of the 2026 Robert Warner Lecture.
Liveryman Michael Findlay was our speaker this year, in his capacity as Chair of the London Stock Exchange, but he was also able to draw on his experiences as Chair of global professional recruitment company, Hays plc.
Topics such as the importance of refocusing UK pension funds and investment back into UK public and private companies to help drive all-important UK economic growth, removing barriers to enable longer-term investment in UK businesses, the dangers of short-term policies which stifle growth, as well as cyber security and AI were all on the table as part of a lively Q & A session.
Michael was able to tackle all with good humour but with relevant insights drawn from decades spent speaking in board rooms pushing government ministers to do more to back British businesses.
Our Liverymen, Artisans and guests from the worlds of industry and manufacturing, the City and academia as well as schools and universities, were treated to a frank and sometimes challenging presentation, followed by the usual Founders’ hospitality over drinks and dinner.
It won’t have been missed by those present that headlines the following day were full of news of software vulnerabilities needing patches and the head of the London Stock Exchange, Dame Julia Hoggett, DBE calling on the Government “to deliver a boost to domestic investment as the exodus of companies from Britain becomes a national security issue” and urging “ministers to prioritise UK capital markets as a ‘strategic’ capability helping the country keep hold of its strongest companies.” In the article in This is MONEY, she added, “‘As the Government considers how best to drive growth, it should view its capital markets as a strategic national capability and therefore a source of national economic security.”
The Master, His Honour Judge Simon Oliver, thanked the speaker and the attendees for coming and making the evening such a success. As our Assistant Clerk noted, “The evening gave everyone the chance to make new connections and enjoy conversations with people whose paths might not otherwise crossed. This is very much at the heart of what our Company aims to do.”
Pam Murrell
Chair - Industry Committee