May 22, 2025

THE 388TH CUTLERS’ FEAST AT THE CUTLERS’ HALL – 15.05.25

On Thursday 15th May 2025, the annual Cutlers’ Feast took place at the Cutlers’ Hall – a prestigious occasion served not only as a tribute to South Yorkshire’s manufacturing and engineering heritage but also a call to the Government for support through the industrial strategy.

The Master Cutler, Mr Philip Rodrigo

The Master Cutler, Mr Phil Rodrigo, welcomed over 300 guests including Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, High Sheriff of South Yorkshire, Lord Mayor of Sheffield, South Yorkshire Mayor, as well as industrial, civic and community leaders. Members, Freemen and Friends of The Company of Cutlers also joined.

This year’s feast was more than a celebration – it was a powerful call to action. During the evening, the Senior Warden, Professor Keith Jackson CEng CDir, delivered a speech reflecting on the region’s legacy and urgent need to reignite British manufacturing. He states that whilst the Government is committed to growth “We need a fully funded, long-term industrial strategy, aligning defence, energy, infrastructure, skills, innovation, and trade into one mission: to grow British industry, build world-class capability, and secure our economic future”.

Senior Warden, Professor Keith Jackson

The South Yorkshire Mayor, Mr Oliver Coppard, responded to the Senior Warden and echoed this message, reinforcing the need for national support to unlock the full potential of our manufacturing sector.

South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard

The Master Cutler, the ‘Voice of Manufacturing’, addressed guests about the “ongoing importance of manufacturing in this region”. The Master Cutler also explained how the region is “ready with the infrastructure, innovation and advance manufacturing hubs, skills, and can-do mentality to allow the defence security and energy security decisions that will be made by Government to help stimulate & drive growth in manufacturing and prosperity”.

Thank you to all the Members, Freemen, and Friends who joined us and supported the Master Cutler at the Cutlers’ Feast. Your continued support and dedication plays a vital role in our shared mission to strengthen and champion the future of manufacturing in our region.

Link to the Yorkshire Post Article – Cutlers’ Feast, Sheffield: Oliver Coppard backs call for ‘bold’ Industrial Strategy after Labour warned UK manufacturing ‘can’t survive on sentiment’