Posted on Lord Mayor Of London #695 2023-2024, Gresham College & Other Education Interests

Gresham College Revisited

Today we held the fourteenth annual Lord Mayor’s Gresham Lecture given by The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of the City of London and attended by 500 people. Back in 2009, I created the idea of the Lord Mayor’s Gresham Lecture, first given by Nick Anstee in 2010, based on a simple idea: the President of an academic institution should provide an annual academic lecture. I was thrilled to be giving it myself for a change, for many reasons, including:

  • As a Honorary Life Fellow (2017-) and former Fellow (2009-2013), Trustee (2008-2020), member of the Gresham Committee (City Side – 2013-2021), and member of the Joint Grand Gresham Committee (2013-2021), I am clearly a big supporter of our ‘Tudor Open University’;
  • As Lord Mayor I have the honour of being President of Gresham College ex officio;
  • Having given some 29 full lectures as Mercer’s School Memorial Professor Commerce might seem a lot, but add in another eight full lectures as a Fellow, plus over 30 symposia, and quite a few special events, so this was yet another chance to try and get a lecture right.

My aim was to provide an academic backdrop to this year’s Connect To Prosper theme, thus it was entitled, “Connect To Prosper – The Power Of Networks”.

Cities are networked networks of connectivity and information sharing. They create, often indirectly, communication, transportation, commercial, and intellectual networks.  For the City of London, expanding and changing networks develop its strengths. Over 40 learned societies, 70 higher education institutions, and 130 research institutes surround the City of London, creating a network of knowledge connections among science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and finance.  In this lecture, I drew upon Z/Yen and my more than two decades of research into smart and financial centres worldwide.  

I explained how the 2023-2024 Mayoral theme: “Connect To Prosper”, with its emphasis on multi-disciplinary networks, hopes to link forces to advance, just a bit, a few solutions to global problems. The talk was followed by a discussion with Professor Julia Black, Professor Mark Birkin and Professor Michael Batty, whom I thank most sincerely for some excellent contributions.

The Gresham College website has the full lecture.

If, like me, your preference is a print transcript with slides here.

Or watch on YouTube:

Posted on Lord Mayor Of London #695 2023-2024, Life As We Live It

Fanfare For The Lord Mayor Of London

Every Lord Mayor needs an anthem, fan fare (geddit?). We’re not deprived!

0:02 / 1:44

Bliss: Fanfare For The Lord Mayor Of London

Philip Jones Brass Ensemble – Topic

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group, Bliss: Fanfare For The Lord Mayor Of London · Philip Jones Brass Ensemble · John Iveson The 20th Century Album ℗ 1980 Decca Music Group Limited Released on: 2002-02-26 Producer: Chris Hazell Composer: Arthur Bliss

Posted on Lord Mayor Of London #695 2023-2024, The City of London & Broad Street Ward

Connect To Prosper – Lord Mayor’s Banquet Speech

The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of London Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli’s speech at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet

Monday, 13 November 2023

Guildhall

Remarks to: My Late Lord Mayor, Your Grace, My Lord Chancellor, Prime Minister, Mr Speaker, Lord Speaker, Your Excellencies, My Lords, Fellow Aldermen, Sheriffs, Chief Commoner, Honoured Guests:

My Sheriffs – Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley, and Alderman Bronek Masojada – and I would like to wish you a very warm welcome to the Lord Mayor’s Banquet.

The City of London is the world’s oldest democratic workers’ and residents’ cooperative.  It is an honour to be standing before you as the 695th Lord Mayor of London.

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Posted on Lord Mayor Of London #695 2023-2024, The City of London & Broad Street Ward

Remembrance Sunday – Mansion House Remarks

After our St Paul’s Church service at 10:15, we lay wreaths at 11:45 at the memorial in front of the Royal Exchange. Then we host 250 servicemen, reservists, and cadets at Mansion to curry and beer (and some wine). It’s a wonderful chance to connect. Here are my remarks:


Chairman, Fellow Aldermen, Sheriffs, Chief Commoner, Ladies and Gentlemen…
It is my pleasure to welcome you this afternoon to Mansion House.
This is only my third day as Lord Mayor of the City of London, so let me say once again how deeply honoured I am to serve you over the coming year.
Today, of course, is about remembering all those who have laid down their lives in service to this country, paying the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live freely and without fear of oppression.
Together, we also remember those who have suffered great loss and who continue to serve in operations overseas.
Both the City, and the office of Lord Mayor, have a long and proud association with the Armed Forces, and I look forward to strengthening those ancient bonds this year…
…highlighting the vital work our reservists undertake to keep us all safe…
…promoting the Cadets’ incredible contribution to their communities…
…and as a proud liveryman, celebrating the important affiliations of the City’s Livery Companies, with individual units across all three Services.
I am extremely grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to make today’s ceremonies such a moving tribute to the fallen.
In particular, thank you to:
• The staff of St Paul’s and the Corporation;
• The City Police;
• The Band of the HAC;
• And, of course, the Old Comrades and all the reservists who participated in the Parade and Marchpast.
Together, through these collective acts of remembrance, we pay tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom…
…and we give thanks to those who continue to serve and risk everything for our protection.
Once again, welcome, all, to Mansion House. I hope you enjoy the rest of your lunch. Thank you.