The year ahead as Master of the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators

October 28, 2025

Last night, I had the honour of being installed as Master of the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators (“the Company”) at the magnificent Goldsmiths’ Hall in London. Surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and members of the Company, I was installed as the 43rd Master since the Company’s formation in 1981 (with Mrs Margaret Bickford-Smith KC and Mr Michael Stephens each having served two terms). 

For those less familiar with the Company, it’s one of the 113 Livery Companies of the City of London, bringing together professionals across arbitration, mediation, adjudication and all forms of private dispute resolution. Our purpose is to promote excellence within the profession and provide a forum for learning, collaboration, fellowship and service. From those with decades of experience to those just beginning their dispute resolution careers, the Company welcomes members from every area and every stage of dispute resolution practice. With that in mind, the theme for my year ahead is: 

“Uniting Generations: Honouring our roots, growing our future”

I chose this theme because it reflects the Company’s greatest strength: its members. Our more senior members carry incredible wisdom, experience and know-how, while our newer members bring fresh ideas, new skills and often a broader outlook which is vital in a rapidly evolving world. The theme also ensures that we honour our roots by upholding the traditions, ethics and standards that define arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, while at the same time growing our future by investing in people through welcoming new voices, encouraging ideas, and mentoring the next generation. I continue to experience first-hand the numerous benefits of mentoring and pupillage schemes both for the mentor and the mentee. As a mentee, you can gain confidence, clarity and support while navigating new challenges. As a mentor, you can often learn just as much through alternative perspectives, renewed purpose, and the fulfilment that comes from giving back and seeing others grow. Both mentor and mentee learn, both benefit and together, we build a stronger, more supportive community.

So, this year, I hope to:

- create more opportunities to connect senior and junior members;

- encourage fresh thinking, inclusivity, diversity and innovation in all that we do; and 

- ensure every member, at every stage of their career, feels valued and inspired to contribute. 

I also hope members of all ages will join me in celebrating this intergenerational partnership and feel inspired to learn from one another while working together for the future of dispute resolution. Even though it’s rooted in the City’s centuries-old livery tradition, the Company is about so much more than that: it’s about progress, partnership and moving forward together.  

The Master’s Challenge: Land’s End to John o’Groats

Speaking of moving forward, I’ll be doing a lot of that for my Master’s Challenge! The Master’s Challenge is a long-standing tradition in which an incoming Master may select a charitable or community-focused project that brings our members together and leaves a lasting, positive impact. It’s an opportunity to do something meaningful that embodies the spirit of service and fellowship that defines our Company.

For my Challenge, I’ll be taking on an iconic test of endurance and determination by cycling from Land’s End to John o’Groats. From 23rd July to 4th August 2026, I’ll be pedalling over 950 miles from the southernmost tip of England to the northernmost point of Scotland and by doing so, I will be raising funds for two incredibly worthwhile charities that make an extraordinary impact in the community. Firstly, the WCA Charitable Trust which provides grants and annual prizes supporting education, the Armed Services, and civic causes such as the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and Poppy Appeal.  It also funds scholarships, advocacy competitions helping to broaden access and opportunity, and special projects including relief initiatives and support for Court users. Secondly, Solving Kids’ Cancer UK, which is dedicated to helping children and families affected by neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer. It aims to create a future where no child dies from neuroblastoma or suffers because of its treatment by driving innovative research, raising awareness, and advocating for change. They also provide vital information and support to children and families throughout their cancer journey.

Charitable work lies at the heart of the Company and is a key part of our Livery tradition. Our charitable income is primarily generated through regular donations from members and from a variety of fundraising activities, so if you'd like to donate or even join me for part of the route, please visit the MCMS website to find out more.

Looking ahead 

As I begin this year as Master, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable legacy that defines our Company. It has a history built on integrity, service, and fellowship and each generation of members has added something unique to that story. The formal occasions, the charitable giving, the pupillage opportunities and shared sense of purpose all remind us of the values that have guided the Company for decades and my aim is to continue to ensure those traditions remain vibrant.  However, while our history provides firm foundations, our future relies on us all working together with purpose and imagination. Our more experienced members carry extraordinary knowledge and insight, but our newer members bring fresh perspectives and a vital understanding of a world shaped by evolving technology and change. When those strengths come together, I think that is where there is some real growth and opportunity for us all.

So, I’m looking forward to working alongside our members, wardens, and committees and building on the achievements of those who have gone before, strengthening our fellowship, broadening our impact, and ensuring the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators remains a beacon of integrity, excellence and community within the City and beyond for many more decades to come.

Finally, thank you to everyone who has encouraged, supported and trusted me with this role. I’m excited, motivated and, with enough cycling training, hope to be considerably fitter by the end of it all!