September 25, 2026

WELCOMING OUR FIRST FOOD MANUFACTURER FREEMAN

The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire is delighted to welcome Max Scotford, founder of Sheffield-based chocolate maker Bullion, as a Freeman of the Company – making him the first food manufacturer based in Sheffield in the Company’s 402-year history.

Established by Parliamentary Act of Incorporation in 1624, The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire has represented Sheffield and South Yorkshire’s manufacturing community for four centuries. While its roots lie in the city’s historic metal and cutlery industries, its membership today reflects the breadth and diversity of modern manufacturing.

Max founded Bullion in Sheffield with a focus on creating high-quality chocolate from carefully selected cocoa beans. The company has become part of Sheffield’s growing food and drink manufacturing sector, bringing a contemporary chapter to the city’s long manufacturing story.

Says Max of his new Freeman status: “Sheffield is known around the world for its steel, but the city also has a fantastic food and drink manufacturing scene. It’s fantastic to see the Company recognising that, and I’m incredibly proud that Bullion is the first food manufacturer to become part of its incredible history. For us, it feels like a real connection between Sheffield’s manufacturing heritage and the next generation of businesses helping to shape its future.”

His admission as a Freeman marks an important moment for the Company, recognising the contribution of food manufacturing to Sheffield’s wider industrial and business community.

Sales & Marketing Manager at The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire, Sophie Micklethwaite, said: “Manufacturing has always been at the heart of The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire, and while our roots lie in Sheffield’s metal and cutlery industries, today’s manufacturing community is much broader. We’re delighted to welcome Max as a Freeman and recognise the important contribution food manufacturing makes to Sheffield’s thriving manufacturing landscape.”

The Company will celebrate Max’s new role with a special Bullion Chocolate Tasting & Meet the Maker event at Cutlers’ Hall on National Chocolate Day – Wednesday 28 October. Guests will have the opportunity to hear directly from Max about Bullion’s story and approach to chocolate making, alongside a tasting of its products.

The event is open to all and offers an opportunity to discover more about one of Sheffield’s modern manufacturers while experiencing the historic surroundings of Cutlers’ Hall.