Coachlines - April 2023

27.04.23 Honorary Assistant Lesley Upham

Welcome to new Liverymen and Freemen

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At the Automotive Industry Court on 23rd March at Vintner’s Hall, we welcomed four new members who were clothed in the Livery, 11 new Freemen, and one Honorary Freeman.

The Master had the great pleasure to swear Patricia Bunn, widow of the late PM and erstwhile Clerk, Gerry Bunn CBE, as an Honorary Freeman.

Our new Liverymen

Richard Bryson and his wife Sarah live in Chiswick. Educated at Prior Park, Bath, Richard is now Managing Director & CEO of Rex Resorts & Rex Safaris. Throughout his professional career and social interests Richard strives to bring equity, diversity, and inclusion to all organisations with which he is involved. Among other charitable activities, he has been a member of the Honourable Society of Knights of the Round Table for more than 30 years. In his spare time he enjoys sailing, classic British sports cars and attending classic car events.

Mike Hawes and his wife Sophie live in Tarporley, Cheshire. Mike was educated in New Zealand and Australia where he graduated from Monash University, Melbourne. He is currently Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Mike’s interests are wide ranging and include automotive, rugby, football, golf, skiing, travel, and travel writing, as well as politics and military history.

Nicolas Williams-Howes lives in Putney with his wife Katie. He attended Henley Business School, Kingston University, Coventry University and Oxford Air Training, where he gained his Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence. He is currently Programme Director at the Department of Health and Social Care. He is a mentor for the Prince’s Trust and Heropreneurs, and his hobbies include travel, motorcycling and flying.

Max Izen lives in Muswell Hill with his partner Jennifer. His interests include automotive and motorsport, cricket, and the theatre.

Our new Freemen

Nicholas Anderson and his wife Lucy live in Petersfield. Nicholas studied Electronic and Electrical Engineering (B.Eng.) at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and an Engineering Doctorate (D.Eng.) at University of Warwick. He is currently Chief Executive, UK Defence at QinetiQ. He is a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Nicholas has been a Trustee of the Team Army Sports Foundation for 10 years and in his spare time his interests are fly fishing and being a general sports fan.

Christopher Aylett and his wife Fiona live in Warwick. He went to Nottingham High School and is currently Chief Executive of the Motorsport Industry Association and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors. Christopher’s charitable activities include the Motorsport Foundation. He is a member of the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC). His interests and hobbies include business, travel, catamaran sailing, racing cars – McLaren, Aston Martin, Lola, and Chevron, plus most sports.

John Beckner and his wife Inge travelled from Munich, Bavaria to join us at the Automotive Dinner. He studied Political Science & International Relations at the University of Southern California. He is currently CEO, Horizon Technologies. He has been involved with aerospace for more than 40 years and successfully transitioned a worldwide consultancy business into a thriving SME in Reading which is an aerospace OEM. John is a professional oboist playing in local concerts when his schedule allows. In his leisure time, he plays golf and sails a small Cat22 mostly with his wife.

Christopher Boot and his wife Heather hail from West Grinstead, Horsham. He studied at West London College and has a professional qualification in Aeronautical Engineering. He is currently Managing Director of Headstrong Consultants Ltd. Christopher has been a business mentor with The Prince’s Trust and the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy. His leisure interests include all forms of boating and sailing, shooting, and motor sport. He has a passion for the world of wine and recently bravely embarked on two major house builds.

Benedict Bridge and his wife Lucie live in London. Ben was educated at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, Amersham, attended the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, Defence School of Languages at Beaconsfield and INSEAD, Fontainebleau. His professional qualifications include Service Pilot (rotary) and he is an Arabic linguist. He is currently Head of Global Business, Airbus Defence and Space and Chairman, Airbus Defence and Space UK. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, achieving a Master Driver Distinction. In the limited time he has, Ben engages in playing the piano, cryptic crosswords, Arabic and French languages and culture, as well as advanced and performance driving and classic cars.

John Fuggles and his wife Irina live in Worcester Park, Surrey. He was educated at the University of Greenwich and is a published author, school governor and charity founder. John’s interests and leisure activities include climbing, cycling and motorsport. He is the founder & chairman of the GT-R Owners Club with worldwide membership & official recognition by Japan. John has a passion for automotive, with special interest in Alpine, Nissan, and Gordon Murray Design

Stephen Gladston and his partner, Catherine live on Portland, Dorset. He went to Bath University where he gained a BSc (Hons). He is currently CEO of Developing Assets (UK) Ltd, having previously been an officer in the Royal Navy (FAA Helicopter Pilot). His notable professional achievement is to have built his company from scratch to win the Queen’s Award for Export in 2022. Stephen is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He has a lifelong interest in classic cars, or cars that have now become classic cars, currently owning a 1966 Austin Mini Cooper, a 1962 Alvis TD21 series 2 and a Maserati 3200.

Neal Jennion and his wife Gaye live in Cambridge. He was educated in Cheshire, followed by time at the University of Salford where he gained a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering. He is the owner of Jennion Associates Ltd, a management consultancy business which specialises in supporting clients in the aerospace and defence sectors. Neal is a member of The Royal Aeronautical Society. He is also an active member of the Stakeholder Challenge Group for South Staffs Water, which incorporates Cambridge Water. Hobbies include socialising with friends, annual family holidays, and watching motor sport.

Patryk Nelkowski moved to the UK in 2006 and now lives in Exmouth in Devon. Patryk attended Exmouth Community College and then moved to Exeter College/Kingston University where he studied for an Engineering BTEC L.3, Foundation Degree Aircraft Engineering, CAA P.66 Basic. At Kingston University he gained a BEng (Hons) First Class in Aircraft Engineering. In his spare time Patryk enjoys reading autobiographies and books on military history, as well as technical publications. He also likes mountain biking and general fitness activities.

James Saker and his wife Linda live in Leicester. He attended university in Swansea, Manchester and Leicester. He is currently Emeritus Professor at the School of Business & Economics at Loughborough University, President of the Institute of the Motor Industry and chair of the Women’s British (Professional) Basketball League. His notable achievements include the launch of the world’s first degrees in Retail Automotive Management with Ford, and more recently leading the IMI’s taskforce on diversity & inclusion. Also after the break for the pandemic, presenting the WBBL play off trophy to the winning team at the O2 in front a record crowd for a women’s basketball game in the UK.

Peter Zanatta lives in London and was educated at Sheldon School in Chippenham. Now working in the automotive industry as a Director of Operations. Peter is a member of the Honourable Artillery Company, and is an active polo player. He lists mountaineering among his interests and is a keen equestrian.