Whittington to world financial centre - John B. Stuttard

In this fascinating new book former Lord Mayor Sir John Stuttard describes the role of Lord Mayor - ancient and modern. It is a unique office, as relevant today as it has ever been. In the modern world this chiefly involves supporting, representing and promoting the UK financial services industry, but it also offers a rich variety of activities, from ceremony to public and charitable service. Being Lord Mayor is a full-time 'job'. In his year in office, the author undertook nearly 2000 engagements, including 466 formal lunches and dinners, 764 speeches and 133 media interviews. He spent more than 100 nights abroad in 23 countries. Every day was different; every day was special. Much of this time was spent on ambassadorial and city financial work, but he also promoted the UK as a centre for business education, 'City of London - City of Learning', and sponsored his successful charitable Appeal in support of cross-border learning.

The Lord Mayor also entertained many guests from around the world, as John Stuttard's diary of his year eloquently reveals. This book is a 'must' for all those with an interest in the City of London's business and its traditions and the different roles of the Corporation, the Foreign Office and UKTI, not to mention business and trade associations, the Livery movement, and significant charitable organisations. It clearly defines the significance of the Lord Mayor's role in maintaining London as the prime international financial capital in the world.