Lord Mayor praises insurance industry's contribution to the City

The Lord Mayor, Alastair King (pictured), praised the contribution of the insurance industry to the continuing success of the City of London at a packed Mansion House dinner last night (19 May).

The dinner was the Worshipful Company of Insurers Annual Mansion House Dinner which was attended by over 260 members and guests.

The Lord Mayor praised the spirit of collaboration strikingly evident in many of the WCI's activities, highlighting a string of successful collaborations with other Liveries.

He also complimented the Master, Karl Jarvis, on his programme of outreach to ex-military personnel, neurodiverse groups and young people in the London Borough of Newham to set out for them the many attractive careers in the insurance industry.

The Master explained how this programme, built round the theme of Levelling Up the Playing Field, had many inter-linked objectives: "Inclusion is not just about fairness; it’s about getting the best thinking into the room.

"Levelling up the playing field is not about handouts; it’s about recognising potential, wherever it’s found, and having the courage to act on it.

"If we do this right — not just this year, but every year — we won’t just change lives, we’ll strengthen our industry, honour our heritage and build a market that truly reflects the best of who we are and who we can be."

The Master spoke about the growth of the WCI, its flourishing specialist groups and its plans to continue to make it, and the Livery movement, relevant in the present-day commercial world.

The Junior Warden, Ajay Gupta, welcomed the many distinguished guests on behalf of the company.

Photos: Jonathan Cherry