HMS President is based in the heart of London, just downstream of Tower Bridge. This important Royal Naval Reserve unit overlooks the entrance to St Katharine Docks, the spiritual home of the Company, where our forefathers first met to establish the Guild of World Traders, which would later become the Worshipful Company of World Traders.

With such a rich history in St Katharine Dock, in June 2023, it was with much anticipation that the Master of the day, Michael Shapiro, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Commanding Officer at HMS President, Commander Greg Young, to establish a partnership of co-operative understanding. This new affiliation for The World Traders will raise awareness of the role and activities of HMS President and The Royal Navy Reserves within the World Traders and more broadly within the City of London.

Recruiting across the Greater London area, HMS President is the largest Royal Naval Reserve unit in the country, maintaining a permanent Royal Navy presence in London, whilst offering reservists a full range of RNR career opportunities, combined with a vibrant sports and social programme.

Along with its main London presence, an integral part of the unit is Medway Division, located in the town of Rochester, attracting recruits from Kent, South East London and South Essex. The unit holds privileged regiment status, granted by the City of London in 2016, which allows the Ship’s Company to march with bayonets fixed during the Lord Mayor’s Show.

The World Traders has several existing relationships with HMS President and many thanks go to Past Masters Sue Hughes and Mary Hardy, Court Assistant Ian Aitchison, and Liverymen Cdr Nicholas Chatwin and Sarah Emilie Goodhew for their support and role in establishing this new affiliation for the World Traders.

Liaison Officer: Liveryman Nicholas Chatwin