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The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire |
The Company Today
| The Company of Cutlers was established to
regulate the cutlery industry in Hallamshire - one in which the majority of the
population was involved. It controlled apprenticeships, maintained quality and
registered trade marks. Over time the industries changed and more qualifying
trades were included through further Acts, significantly with the steelmakers
in 1860, and so the role of the Company has evolved. The Company of Cutlers
provides a focus for the promotion and support of local manufacturing
industries and businesses and the Freemen represent a large base from which to
establish links and networks for Sheffield industries. Today, persons who apply to the Company and are suitably qualified are granted their 'Freedom' and admitted to the Commonalty of the Company on a half-yearly basis. The Company, which is statutorily formed by 33 people, is drawn from the Commonalty, as it has been since 1624. The Company also continues its stance in protecting the name of 'Sheffield ' by seeking to prevent its illegal use on goods manufactured elsewhere and Trade Mark business is still transacted through the Sheffield Certification Mark. Since 1926, it has worked with the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers of London to support awards in the traditional trades. As the face of industry in Hallamshire has changed, so has the Company, but it still strives to promote and support the industries and businesses of the area and to work for its people. Recent examples are the Acclaim and Accolade Awards, the Tribute Awards, the South Yorkshire Police Awards, the Strategic Education Forum; the formation of a regional Technopole and most recently the Gold Medal Award, presented annually to an individual in Hallamshire for Excellence in Manufacturing. The Company also administers various charitable trusts and every year up to two thousand people benefit from the distributions. The day-to-day management and administration of the Company and the Hall is carried out by the Clerk, with a small secretariat, an accountant and an archivist, together with a Beadle, a Deputy Beadle and a front of house team. |
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