UK
The Worshipful Company of Launderers held its first ever Leadership Seminar at historic Glaziers Hall in London in February. Former Livery Master John Shonfeld, who organised the event, reports on a day to remember
Perhaps the simplest way to understand the culture and vision of the WCL is to see and experience its home, the prestigious and historic Glaziers Hall adjoining London Bridge.
The first Leadership Seminar of the Worshipful Company of Launderers, like its hall, was designed to cherish tradition but also to look to the future. Professor Vikas Shah (pictured), the CEO of the Swiscot Group and several other businesses and philanthropic projects o
pened the seminar, the theme of his presentation; inspiration. It was hard not be inspired when sharing a room with such a wonderful orator who combined his fantastic presentation with humour, honesty and key takeaways everyone could reflect and learn from.
His fascinating life combined of immeasurable talent, incredible dedication and his own personal conflict left all who attended in complete awe of a man so worthy of his recent MBE. Shah’s final takeaway was ‘stay inspired’ and he had certainly done his share of inspiring for the day.
The Leadership Panel staged a lively Q&A session hosted by the ever-humorous former Livery Master Stuart Boyd.
The panellists were Peter Egan of Johnson Service Group, another former Master, Selwyn Burchhardt of Kannegiesser and current Master, David Pantlin of the Bates Group (pictured). It may have been a room full of competitors but the atmosphere and culture of the session was friendly and reflective and pursued its purpose which was how to develop as an industry and the sharing of best practice.
Perhaps the most important outcome of this session was how the laundry industry can face the growing disruption of digitalisation and economic uncertainty and what we can do to demonstrate our importance to other sectors and the UK economy. Vikas Shah inspired the room, but the panel made everyone think about what they can do individually for their businesses and the industry.”
Aspiration as the theme
“An unforgettable luncheon was provided by H Forman and Son, Britain’s oldest salmon curer. This was followed was the final speaker, and the generous provider of the lunch, Lance Forman. The theme of his presentation was aspiration but it transpired that this was just as much about how to endure and thrive in an external crisis. During the early 2000s H Forman and Sons was flooded, flamed and forced to relocate due to the London Olympic Games regeneration project. Lance shared with the room the sacrifices and dedication needed to survive and grow in such adversity. Most importantly, he shared with us how building a positive culture in your staff and giving them a sense of real ownership of the business can enable you to meet any obstacle and overcome it. There was another short Q&A with Lance Forman after his fascinating talk
“The first Leadership Seminar of the Worshipful Company of Launderers was a tremendous success. Each of the 51 attendees took something different from it but I’m sure all who attended would agree it was a fantastic day with some truly inspiring speakers. Undoubtedly this will become a regular feature in the Livery’s calendar.
“Immense thanks must go to the Worshipful Company and the Oliver Family Education Trust with special mention to Roger Oliver for providing funding for the course and John Shonfeld of Tibard for organising it. It simply wouldn’t have happened without these individuals going above and beyond,” said Livery Master David Pantlin of Bates Group.
