Peter Alvey has become the new Master of the Worshipful Company of World Traders.
The glittering installation ceremony took place at Mansion House, the home of the Lord Mayor of London. It is rare to obtain permission to hold a livery event at Mansion House and the World Traders greatly appreciate the honour.
Mr Alvey was installed at Ceremonial Court which took place before the Installation Dinner. The Court meeting also saw the installation of the new Wardens, as well as the admission of new Court Assistants, Liverymen and Freemen. After the Installation, guests were received by the new Master and Wardens and drinks served in the splendid Salon on the first floor, before guests were led into the stunning Egyptian Hall for the formal dinner.
The Lord Mayor was unable to attend due to commitments overseas. However, the World Traders were delighted that he was represented by Alderman Sir Andrew Parmley, Lord Mayor in 2016-17. He was accompanied by Lady Parmley, and the Sheriffs (including our own Past Master Michael Mainelli) with their consorts.
Music was provided by the London Banqueting Ensemble who finished their performance with the Echo Post Horn Gallop – something not to be missed if you have not experienced it before!
About Our New Master
Peter has had an interest in the City since he started at IBM Basinghall Street in 1972.
Growing up in Hampton, Middlesex, Peter was educated at Orleans Secondary School, Thames Valley Grammar School and Twickenham Technical College. Recently he spent a year at SOAS learning Arabic part-time in 2014.
After a brief foray into retail banking and the operations side of IT management, he joined IBM in the City. During his twenty years at IBM, he held several Business Support and management roles. One highlight was being on the replacement pan-European fulfilment system, valued at UD$ 500M, as a user manager for the UK.
In October 1992 he left IBM to set up a consultancy business. He remains Director of the same company with his partner Paul. Initial clients were Prudential and Key Finance, a residual investment leasing company.
Non-Work interests
Peter has been a member of the Kensington & Chelsea Chamber of Commerce since 1993, becoming a Director and later Chairman in 1998.
In 2002, he returned to general management as Acting Head of the Tax Faculty, ICAEW, followed by consultant to the then Technical Director. In January 2003, he headed what was to become the Operations Department of Technical, ICAEW as a permanent member of staff.
Peter’s Livery career started In July 2006 when he was admitted as Freeman to the World Traders, being clothed a year later. He joined the Events Committee in 2008, was installed as Honorary Treasurer in April 2012, and as Junior Warden in October 2017.
In February 2014, he was elected as Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the charity, Verification, Monitoring and Training Information Centre (VERTIC). He was elected Chairman in 2016.
Peter’s partner is Paul Benbow and they have been together since March 1989, receiving their Civil Partnership in June 2006 at Fulham Registry Office. Paul is keen gardener and works as an accountant who looks after several small businesses in the south-west London area.
