The Court
The Master
Mr Huntly Taylor FBDO
The Master
Mr Huntly Taylor FBDO
Background: retired dispensing optician and practice ownerMr Huntly Taylor FBDO took up office as Master on Wednesday 2 October 2019
Upper Warden
Mr Nigel Haig-Brown FCA
Upper Warden
Mr Nigel Haig-Brown FCA
Background: multi-sector experience as an accountant and business consultant
Renter Warden
Mr Ian Davies BSc, MCOptom, Dip.CL, FAAO
Renter Warden
Mr Ian Davies BSc, MCOptom, Dip.CL, FAAO
Background: optometrist by training; senior roles with a major multi-national optical business
The Deputy Master
Mr John McGregor OBE
The Deputy Master
Mr John McGregor OBE
Background: polymer manufacturing. Founder and Chairman of Contamac Ltd.The Deputy Master is the Immediate Past Master.
Past Master Assistant
Dr Robert Chappell OBE
Past Master Assistant
Dr Robert Chappell OBE
Background: optometry in practice and at national and international levels. Long involvement in European optical education
Past Master Assistant
Professor John Marshall MBE
Past Master Assistant
Professor John Marshall MBE
Background: vision science and innovation; pioneer of laser eye surgery.
Past Master Assistant
Mr Chris Hunt
Past Master Assistant
Mr Chris Hunt
Background: dispensing optician; career in optical manufacturing & leadership
Past Master Assistant
Mr Don Grocott TD
Past Master Assistant
Mr Don Grocott TD
Background: business and management consultancy.
Senior Assistant
Mr Michael Harris
Senior Assistant
Mr Michael Harris
Background: optometrist and practice owner
Senior Assistant
Mrs Liz Shilling (Liz Tomlin)
Senior Assistant
Mrs Liz Shilling (Liz Tomlin)
Background: lead orthoptist at major London NHS teaching hospital
Court Assistant
Ms Karen Sparrow
Court Assistant
Ms Karen Sparrow
Background: optometrist; international volunteer and global technology training manager
Court Assistant
Dr Natalie Briggs
Court Assistant
Dr Natalie Briggs
Background: leadership roles in vision charities and education
Court Assistant
Mrs Rupal Lovell-Patel
Court Assistant
Mrs Rupal Lovell-Patel
Background: optometrist, university academic lead for vision sciences
Court Assistant
Mr Marc Bennett
Court Assistant
Mr Marc Bennett
Background: accountant; financial and business adviser to optical practices
Court Assistant
Ms Hayley Wainer
Court Assistant
Ms Hayley Wainer
Background: optometrist and practice owner based in the heart of the City of London
Court Assistant
Mrs Fiona Anderson
Court Assistant
Mrs Fiona Anderson
Background: dispensing optician and SMC(Tech) qualified technician, ABDO tutor and examinerThe Clerk
The Clerk, Mrs Helen Perkins, is at the centre of the Livery Company and acts as its Chief Executive Officer, providing continuity and support for each Master of the Company.
The Clerk took office in June 2015 following a 25-year career as a Company Secretary and qualified Chartered Governance Professional.
The Clerk’s duties include the management of admissions to membership, day to day administration of the Company’s office and compliance with legal and accounting requirements, organisation and minuting of Court and Committee meetings, relationships with members, other optical bodies and organisations and the City of London, PR, event management and maintenance of the Company’s current and past records.
The Assistant to the Clerk is Mr Michael Bray.
The Beadle
The Beadle was traditionally the Company’s constable and enforcer. Today the Beadle’s duties are more ceremonial. He plays a leading part in the admission and clothing of new Liverymen, conducts major events such as the Company’s Court Luncheons and Dinners, acts as our Toastmaster and advises the Master and the Clerk on matters of protocol. Our Beadle is Mr Peter Thompson.
