Agenda item

To consider several applications relating to the provision of hospitality.

HOSPITALITY WORKING PARTY OF THE POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

(Wendy Mead, O.B.E.)

13 March 2018

Applications for Hospitality

(a)      Early evening reception at the Museum of London to mark the centenary of women’s suffrage

2018 marked the 100^th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which enabled all men and some women over the age of 30 to vote for the first time.

A number of activities had been planned by the City Corporation to mark the occasion under the umbrella programme ‘Women: work and power’.  These activities were largely aimed at engaging members of the public. In addition, the London Metropolitan Archives, Barbican Centre and Museum of London would be running their own programme of events throughout the year. 

It was therefore proposed that the City Corporation host an early evening reception jointly with the Museum of London. This occasion would provide the City Corporation with an opportunity to mark the centenary of women’s suffrage and celebrate women’s role in culture and the arts. It would also provide an opportunity to invite Members and senior representatives from cultural and creative industries, City businesses and political figures from central and local government and enable further engagement with opinion formers about the City Corporation’s Culture Mile initiative.

It was therefore recommended that hospitality be granted for an early evening reception, with arrangements made under the auspices of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

This would be a full Court event.

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for an early evening reception, with arrangements made under the auspices of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

(b)      Armed Forces Flag Day 2018

The Armed Forces Flag Day forms part of a week of activities across the country to raise public awareness of the contribution made by the Armed Forces.  Armed Forces Flag Day was established to provide an opportunity to show support for members of the Armed Forces and Service families.

To mark this occasion, and in line with previous years, it was proposed that the City Corporation hosts a flag-raising ceremony in Guildhall Yard during the afternoon of Monday 25 June, followed by light refreshments in the Old Library.

This event would provide an opportunity for the City to show its support for the Armed Forces and raise awareness of the contribution made to our country by those who were currently serving or had previously served in the Forces.

Guests would include serving and retired military personnel, reservists, cadets, Masters and Clerks of Livery Companies, school children from the City’s schools and representatives from the City’s Privileged Regiments. The Election of Sheriffs was to take place on the same day and was expected to result in a larger audience for the ceremony.

It was therefore recommended that hospitality be granted for a flag-raising ceremony to mark Armed Forces Flag Day, followed by light refreshments, and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

This would be a full Court event.

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for a flag-raising ceremony to mark Armed Forces Flag Day, followed by light refreshments, with arrangements made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

(c)      Early evening welcome reception for the Australian British Fintech Cyber Catalyst

The Australian British Fintech Cyber Catalyst conference was to take place in London from 2 – 5 July. The conference aimed to build links between Australia and the UK in the Fintech and cyber sectors. 

In 2016, Australia and New Zealand were identified as priority markets for the City Corporation and Her Majesty’s Government, resulting in them being included in the Lord Mayor’s International Visits Programme for the next 3 years. The intention was to promote trade between, and investment in, the three countries.  In February 2018 the Lord Mayor led a delegation of senior business leaders on a visit to Australia and New Zealand.

It was therefore proposed that the City Corporation hosts a short presentation followed by an early evening reception in the Livery Hall at the end of the first day of the Australian British Fintech Cyber Catalyst.  This would provide an opportunity for the City Corporation to welcome the delegation to London, build on the relationships formed during the Lord Mayor’s visit, and to be updated on any progress since the Lord Mayor’s visit.

Guests would include representatives from the Australian British Chamber of Commerce, members of the Lord Mayor’s overseas delegation, key Australian and City Stakeholders, representatives from the cyber and fintech industry and government representatives.

It was therefore recommended that hospitality be granted for an early evening reception for the Australian British FinTech Cyber Catalyst and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.

The host element would be the Policy and Resources Committee, Chief Commoner and immediate past Chief Commoner and Members with relevant business interests.

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for an early evening reception, with arrangements made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; the costs to be met from City’s Cash and within the approved parameters.