The Prime Warden’s Theme

Year of Entrepreneurship 2023/24

The theme for Hugh Taylor’s year as Prime Warden at Saddlers’ Company is Entrepreneurship

Whether it is helping Craft Saddlers be more commercial, creating awareness of how to start a business amongst City of London Students and City Academy Pupils, or to helping our charitable partners create opportunities.

The company will be hosting:

  • A company lecture with 2 separate entrepreneurs in the equestrian world talking about their challenges and strategies for creating their businesses.
  • Bayes Business school to do a mini business course or module for Saddlers and other crafts drawn from fellow Livery Companies, held at the Hall.
  • An entrepreneurial themed event at the Hall to celebrate the 130 year partnership between City University and Saddlers.

As part of the entrepreneurship theme, we will be showcasing the best of entrepreneurialism that is invigorating the UK saddlery, leather crafts and equestrian industries. See below to learn about their experiences, the lessons learned and paths to success:

Nikki Newcombe-who-spotted-a-niche-in-the-market

 

 Nikki Newcombe – Spotted a gap in the market to create Bliss of London

 

 

 

Rachel Rayners-Lok Master Saddler sets up on her own entrepreneur

 

Rachel Rayner-Lok – Turned her passion for horses and riding into a successful saddlery and leather crafts business based in West Kent

 

 

 

Godfrey Morris MBE at Saddlers' Hall - Saddlery Showcase - entrepreneur

 

Godfrey Morris MBE – Optimises his passion for leather goods in London

 

 

 

Michael Darley – Equestrian Entrepreneur who feels networking is key

 

Michael Darley – Equestrian Entrepreneur who feels networking is key

 

 

 

Charles Laurie London is a leather goods company and manufacturer founded by craftsman, designer and entrepreneur Charlie Laurie

 

Charlie Laurie – Entrepreneur inspired by ancestor to start his own business

 

 

 

Camilla Lywood – entrepreneur - What a Pickle - organic growth and making mistakes has led to success

 

Camilla Lywood – Food Entrepreneur’s organic growth and mistakes has led to success

 

 

Sam Laurie - Saddlers' member, entrepreneur in multi-media design business

 

Sam Laurie –  Seizing opportunities in an expanding luxury market

 

 

 

If you would like to be considered for our entrepreneur showcase or to provide support or mentoring please contact the Saddlers to participate.

Click here for further information on Hugh Taylor