The Garage 351

NEWS
NTDA members turn out in force for
Wheelwrights’ Mansion House Banquet
From left to right: NTDA Treasurer Donald
Carmichael, NTDA CEO Stefan Hay, Gavin White -
Autotech Group, Robin Shaw - Halfords Autocentres,
Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor Nicholas Lyons, Laurence
Abbott - Autotech Group, Master Wheelwright
Nigel Biggs, Simon King - Autotech Group, Mike
Craddock - The Tyre Group, Paul Emery - Hankook,
Chris Freeman - The Tyre Group, Richard Bezzant -
Michelin and David Johnson - Michelin.
On Thursday 11th May NTDA members from the tyre trade and associated UK automotive
aftermarket were very well represented at the most impressive event in the Worshipful
Company of Wheelwrights’ social calendar the White Tie Banquet held at the official
residence of the Lord Mayor of London; Mansion House in the heart of the City.
The NTDA is affiliated to the Worshipful
Company of Wheelwrights, the
Company, which is one of the 110
Livery Companies of the City of London and
number 68 in the ‘Order of Precedence’.
Incorporated by Royal Charter in 1670,
the original purpose of the Company
was to regulate the manufacture and
quality of handmade wooden wheels,
(the Ancient Craft of Wheelwrighting), a
role it still fulfils to this day by supporting
working wheelwrights across the United
Kingdom. Today, the Company is primarily a
philanthropic and social organisation, with a
particular emphasis on providing charitable
backing for wheeled mobility and education,
as well as supporting the Lord Mayor and
the City of London Corporation.
By means of numerous social events,
ranging from high-profile formal banquets,
(such as Mansion House), and dinners,
where guests can experience the historic
traditions and customs of the livery
companies of the City of London, to interlivery
skiing, sailing, shooting, go karting
and golfing events and an annual traditional
wheel-making weekend experience, the
Company provides a platform for its wide
cross section of members, to socialise in
true style.
In addition to continuing to support
the Ancient Craft of Wheelwrighting, the
Company has, in recent times, attracted
many Liverymen from the associated
descendant trades and now has both strong
links with the NTDA and the wider modern
wheel and tyre industry and associated
sectors, with a key focus on Corporate
Social Responsibility covering such areas
as, environmental issues, sustainability,
apprenticeships, tyre technician skills
development, community outreach
programmes and other mobility-related
activities.
To develop further these key activity
areas, help businesses become
more sustainable, support corporate
Environmental, Social, and Governance
initiatives and develop cross-industry links,
the Company has launched the Corporate
Affiliate Programme with a view to engaging
key stakeholders and decision makers from
the wider related business community and
has attracted companies such as ETEL and
NTDA North West & North Wales Chairman
Stephen Callow presents the Master Wheelwright
Nigel Biggs with a charity donation cheque for
£1737.75 raised at past regional events.
Autotech Group into membership.
The Company also sponsors the NTDA’s
National Apprentice Tyre Technician of
the Year and Environmental & Sustainable
Solution of the Year awards at the annual
Tyre Industry Awards held in October,
where the NTDA also holds a charity raffle
in support of the Wheelwrights’ Charity and
the many, many good causes it supports.
If you are interested in membership of
the Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights
visit: www.wheelwrights.org for further
information on the Wheelwrights’
Corporate Affiliate Scheme contact: Nancy
Hay via: nancyhay@ntda.co.uk
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