Lady Mayor praises creativity and adaptability of the City and insurance market

The Lady Mayor, Dame Susan Langley, praised the creativity of the insurance market and the adaptability of the City in a passionate speech to a packed WCI Annual Banquet at Mansion House.

She said it was a special event for her in her Mayoral year: “It is a deep pleasure to welcome my mother livery company to Mansion House. This is our home and this year it is your home too.”

“I would not be standing here without the insurance industry. It shaped my life … it gave me mentoring and support.”

She said that insurance was one of the most important sectors of the UK economy and its contribution was immeasurable: “When I say the insurance industry changes lives it is not as a slogan but as fact”.

In a rapidly changing world, with extraordinary geopolitical pressures, she pledged that the City would retain its relevance: “The City has survived for 800 years because it adapts and survives” and will do so again.

She said one of the biggest challenges it faced was the wave of disinformation about London. She said the City would be launching a campaign to challenge this: “We have to take control of our own narrative and stand up and talk confidently about our City”.

The Lady Mayor was presented with the Company’s Royal Charter Award by the Master Sara Fardon, only the second recipient of the highest honour the company can bestow.

“Just midway into your term in office, we are proud to see the impact of your mayoralty, with a strong emphasis on a modern and outward‑looking City, global engagement, opportunity and social impact”, said the Master.

She said the Company was in good health and making a significant contribution on many key issues:

“The Worshipful Company of Insurers today is strong, vibrant and moving forward with purpose. Our membership is engaged and growing, and at just 47 years young we are firmly focused on the future — how we attract the next generation, support excellence in our profession, and ensure the Company continues to thrive.

“Through inter‑livery initiatives —education, climate, or charitable activity — we see what can be achieved when skills, insight and commitment are brought together. They are powerful and demonstrate the quiet but significant contribution that Liveries make to the life of the City and beyond.”

The evening began with a series of presentations to prize winners from our wide range of cadet and military affiliations.

• Many thanks to our sponsors for the evening, Wilkie, Farr & Gallagher LLP and Lumbis Associates.

• Photos by Jonathan Cherry. Full gallery