Fellowship
The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers provides a forum for meeting like-minded people whose interests centre on the automotive and aerospace industries, coachmaking and the armed forces. The Livery offers members and guests the opportunity to meet and dine with senior figures and business leaders, in unique environs within the City of London. It encourages social interaction by arranging events nationally and internationally.
We provide support in the form of educational bursaries to students within our associated industries. We also encourage and promote, within those industries, excellence in design, technical development and commercial significance through commitments to individuals for long-term educational courses.
The company provides scholarships and bursaries for students studying motor vehicle design at The Royal College of Art and aerospace sciences at Cranfield University, City University and Kingston University. Three flying scholarships are also provided for an individual who, in competition, has shown aptitude and determination to become a pilot. We support schools through the Livery Schools Link. We also support the Lord Mayor’s annual appeal.
City of London
We fulfill our obligations to the City of London in the election of its officers and support the Lord Mayor in the promotion of international business relationships.
UK Armed Forces
We support and engage with our armed forces through active participation with our specific affiliated units: HMS BULWARK, The Royal Dragoon Guards, RAF Brize Norton, the Commando Helicopter Force and the Sea Cadet movement.
The Coachmakers has strong links with the armed forces
City of London Livery Companies
Trade and craft associations have flourished all over Europe for centuries, but the City of London companies, now known as the Livery, are unique in their survival, number and diversity.
The social and economic conditions which gave birth to the original guilds have long since been overtaken by the development of industry and commerce, but the Livery Companies still flourish today as living institutions. Their survival has been achieved by doing what they have always done: fostering their trade in a wide context, serving the community, and embracing modern skills and professions. Today there are 108 Livery Companies in the City of London, some of modern origin (Builders Merchants, Environmental Cleaners, Information Technologists and the Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers) and some of ancient origin (Mercers, Goldsmiths, Weavers, Fishmongers) with the oldest being the Weavers, incorporated in 1115.
The Company’s survival has been achieved by doing what they have always done: fostering their trade in a wide context, serving the community, and embracing modern skills and professions.
Some, such as the World Traders and Water Conservators, were only incorporated in 2000. Whether ancient in origin or not, Livery Companies are custodians of much City heritage and are trustees of many traditional and innovative charitable endeavours.
There are over 40,000 Liverymen of the City of London, 41 Companies have their own halls, 96 admit women and 85 maintain an active link with their trade. Some 171 units of the armed forces of the Crown and 61 churches are actively supported by Livery Companies.
Livery Companies have traditionally run almshouses, and in recent times the more modern equivalent, sheltered housing, where today 41 housing schemes and 947 residents are supported.
Livery Companies are widely involved in education. Around 125 educational establishments and schools have a specific link with Livery Companies and benefit from financial assistance.