Join the Horners and you will be warmly welcomed into a lifelong fellowship supporting the heritage of an ancient guild and modern City of London livery company. Our awards and education programmes promote sustainable design, innovation and development in the polymer and related industries and encourage students to study and pursue careers in science. Members enjoy a full social calendar of events and raise charitable funds for the vulnerable and disadvantaged in society.
As a Horner you become a member of an ancient City of London livery company, part of a fellowship of both ancient and modern guilds which have evolved from trades, crafts and professions practiced within the City since medieval times. We help maintain the constitution, traditions and customs the City of London supporting the Lord Mayor and Corporation and promoting the status of the City.
Our diverse membership enjoys a rich social fellowship supporting both the heritage of the ancient crafts of the horner and bottle maker, the sustainable development of the polymer industry and science education. Members support our educational programmes and charitable activities and are able to participate in a range of activities from dinners and unique social events to sporting activities such as shooting, golf and croquet. Liverymen can also participate in the election of the City of London Sheriffs and the Lord Mayor.
Our membership is not restricted to those who are or have had any association with the polymer industry but applicants must be aged 18 or over. Individuals with an interest in becoming members of the Horners’ Company are often introduced by friends who are already Liverymen; if you are interested, new members are welcome so please contact our Clerk.
Freedom of the Company
To become a full member of the Company an individual will apply for and be granted the Freedom of the Company. In this the candidate will be sponsored by one or more Liverymen, to whom he or she is well known. It is likely that candidates will have attended Company functions. All candidates are interviewed and the successful ones are then admitted to the Freedom of the Company in a short ceremony before the Court.
Freedom of the City of London
The second stage is to obtain the Freedom of the City of London. Armed with the certificate of Freedom from a Livery Company applicants register at Guildhall. Applications are set before the Court of Alderman for approval. Thereafter they are granted the Freedom of the City in a short ceremony in the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall.
The Livery
The final stage is to be admitted to the Livery, which is normally considered after two years as a Freeman have elapsed and the Freeman has been granted the Freedom of the City. A Freeman’s attendance at Company functions is taken into consideration at this stage. Once again, being “Clothed in the Livery” takes place at a short ceremony before the Court.
Associate Horners
Associate Horners are drawn from younger candidates, aged 18 to 35, who are given the opportunity to decide whether or not to become full members of the Company in due course. The financial obligations facing Associate Horners are modest and they are able to attend Company functions at reduced rates. It is hoped that at the end of their time at this level that they will wish to become Freemen of the Company.
For further information about becoming a Horner and to receive an application form, please contact the clerk at:
Corporate Membership
Our Corporate Membership scheme is an exciting new development that offers great benefits to companies with the vision to support the sustainable development of the polymer industry, science education, design and innovation awards and charitable activities while experiencing the fellowship of business leaders, professionals, academics, and others from diverse backgrounds with common interests. Your subscription also includes tickets to prestigious events and access to unique and exclusive places and activities.
Corporate Associate Horner
The Corporate Membership subscription offers the CEO or equivalent and a specified number of directors or senior executives the opportunity to become a Corporate Associate Horner with all the benefits of an individual member of the Horners Company.
A Social Fellowship
Corporate Membership of the Horners offers access to a full calendar of social events and the subscription includes free tickets to our annual banquet and the Ralph Anderson Lecture. Events give members an opportunity to meet, share thoughts on the industry and broaden perspectives or just to relax in the company of others in exclusive venues.
Ralph Anderson Lecture
Our popular annual lecture, delivered by an eminent academic or member of the polymer industry is on a polymer related topic with a strong sustainability theme. Apart from the educational benefit, this gives an opportunity to network with fellow attendees from the industry and academia.
Looking to the Future
Corporate Membership offers the opportunity to participate in the work of its committees to help promote sustainable advances in the polymer industry, its science education and careers initiatives and its social and sustainability themed design and innovation awards.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Help fulfil your company’s corporate social responsibility objectives through the Horners Charity Fund where members can make a positive contribution to the polymer industry and society through its science education programmes and charitable activities helping the vulnerable and disadvantaged.
Publicity Opportunities
City of London livery companies are highly respected institutions with influence over the governance of the “Square Mile” bringing great prestige and high regard to their members and giving you great PR opportunities. We will publicise news of your support and articles through our website, magazine and LinkedIn.
How to Apply
There are two levels of Corporate Membership – Standard and Premium. A summary of the Corporate Membership benefits for each level of subscription is here.
Our Corporate Membership brochure describing the benefits of subscribing in more detail can be found here.
For further information about the Corporate Membership subscription scheme, terms and conditions and an application form, please contact the clerk at clerk@horners.org.uk.
