On Thursday 24^th July 2025, Cutlers’ Hall hosted one of the most significant events for the Company of Cutlers – the annual Forfeit Feast, hosted by the Master Cutler, Mr Philip Rodrigo.

This year’s event welcomed over 250 distinguished guests, including the principal guest, The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Alastair King DL. Also in attendance, the HM Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, the South Yorkshire Mayor, the Lord Mayor of Sheffield and Civic Mayors from across South Yorkshire. A testament to the event’s importance for both civic and business communities.

The Forfeit Feast began when the Company imposed forfeits (or fines) to members for their failure to attend meetings, the forfeits were used to fund this annual event. Today, whilst this tradition continues, the Forfeit Feast has evolved to celebrate the region’s manufacturing and engineering industry, serving as a platform to highlight opportunities, encourage collaboration and champion innovation.

Attendees also included Members, Freemen and Friends of the Company of Cutlers, which represents a wide spectrum of businesses and organisations, honouring the region’s industrial heritage but also empowering networking and dialogue to help drive future growth.

In his address, the Master Cutler warmly welcomed the Lord Mayor of the City of London and the Lady Mayoress to Sheffield along with guests from London Livery Companies, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Sheffield City Council to name a few. He reflected on the challenges currently facing the manufacturing sector, which was also highlighted in the Senior Warden’s speech from the Cutlers’ Feast in May. These challenges include rising energy costs, budgetary expenses, and the lack of long term planning for national resilience and security of supply. However, he also highlighted the region’s strengths boasting world-class advanced manufacturing research facilities, skilled workforce, and hundreds of apprentices and graduates shaping the future of the industry.

The Master also praised the Better Learners Better Workers programme, aiming to raise aspirations and build confidence amongst young people in the region through employer-led initiatives and activities. The Master Cutler echoed the Lord Mayor’s enthusiasm from his ‘Growth Unleashed’ agenda highlighting the South Yorkshire’s role of “being the industrial heart of the UK with Made in Sheffield being a brand that we protect“.

The Forfeit Feast remains an important event for the Master Cutler and the Company of Cutlers, celebrating rich heritage and excellence within the Sheffield and South Yorkshire manufacturing sector. The feast has proved to be a forward-looking event fostering collaboration and ambition, highlighting the region’s potential and vital role in shaping the future of the UK manufacturing.