Opportunity and belonging
In my first address as Master of the WCIT, I reflected on collective achievement, technological change and the opportunities created through Livery service.
A funny thing happened on the way to the Mansion House: somehow I became Master of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists.
I am deeply honoured to address the Company as its 31st, and I am told its youngest, Master in the 26th year since our grant of Livery.
Before I continue, I cannot help but remember Colin Black, our former Honorary Treasurer, who would have occupied the Master's chair this evening had he not been taken from us far too soon. Colin, we miss you.
The Company's 25th year has been a resounding success. My predecessor, Chris Histed, and his wife Felicity have represented the Company at hundreds of events, culminating in a Guildhall banquet attended by more than 80 Livery Masters.
None of us would enjoy the trappings of an established Livery Company - a Hall, schools, a healthy charitable fund, a Royal Charter and even a Thames Cutter - without the work of our members. Hundreds of people volunteer their time and expertise, and give generously, to support the Company and its Charity. They are supported by a capable and hard-working Hall team.
I am not announcing a new flagship project or military affiliation. Instead, I want us to focus on recognising, publicising and celebrating what we have achieved together. In an organisation where people care deeply about what more could be done, it is easy to concentrate on the obstacles. We should also recognise what we have already achieved, what is under way and what we can build in the years ahead.
Day one as Master of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists (Mansion House, 11 October 2017).
The words 'agile' and 'flexible' are seldom applied to me. But we are planning the agile development of new software that will give members more flexible ways to interact with the Company. We intend to introduce online event payments and online applications from prospective members.
We begin by announcing a new mobile app for iOS and Android, giving members access to Company information and the events calendar. With the support of the Technology Panel, we will continue to innovate and make the Company an exemplar within the City in its use of technology.
For me, the Livery can be summed up in one word: opportunity. That means not only the opportunities we create for people through charitable funding and project work, but also the opportunities we enjoy by taking part in the life of the Company.
Opportunity creates value for society. I am proud to belong to an organisation, and to a wider civic family, that uses professional expertise and voluntary service to change lives, shape the future and continue evolving.
I am proud to serve the Company as Master. I am also proud to wear the Master's badge, generously donated by Past Master Nic Birtles, with its binary-coded message around the outside: 'Never show my wife the receipt.'
My challenge to every member is simple: find something during the year, however large or small, to which you can point and say, 'That is why I am proud to be part of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists.'
Origin story
It is a surreal moment when the Beadle bangs his gavel and says ‘Pray silence for the Master of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists’ and you suddenly realise that means you. This was my first speech as Master, delivered in the magnificent surroundings of the Egyptian Hall at Mansion House, in the presence of the Lord Mayor Sir Andrew Parmley and Lady Parmley.
As at September 2026, I still hold the record as the youngest person to occupy the office of Master of the WCIT.
Edited for publication: formal acknowledgements, stage directions and the concluding toast have been removed.