Ken Cupitt has been elected Master of the Worshipful Company of Launderers (WCL).

He takes over from outgoing Master Captain Jack Strachan MBE who was inaugurated in July 2019.

Cupitt will serve for a one-year term and is the 61st Master in the Companies history. Cupitt’s inauguration ceremony was on 21 June at the Installation Court and Annual Service held at Launderers’ Hall.

In a statement at the time of his inauguration, Cupitt gave us some background about the Livery companies: “The livery companies, with a history going back to the 12th century, were originally the trade associations in the City of London. “Almost all of which are known as the “Worshipful Company of…” their relevant trade, craft or profession, for example The Worshipful Company of Launderers, which is sometimes referred to as a modern livery company.” “The reference to modern livery is because prior to 1926 no Livery Companies were formed in the previous 100 years and the launderers only formed in 1960. In 1963 a charitable and education trust was formed, by the launderers, which aims to give scholarships for the further education of people pursing studies of benefit to the laundry industry.”

On his plans for the Livery, he said: “Looking to the future the Launderer’s Livery is seeking to introduce new training and lecture initiatives to support the exchange of knowledge within our industry. It will also, against the backdrop of the government apprenticeship schemes and training opportunities, maintain its commitment to supporting all new initiatives within our industry and therefore, the investment in those who work within it.”

Between all of the City of London Livery Companies they raise over 70 million pounds per year for charitable causes. For Cupitt’s year in office his chosen charities are Dementia and Alzheimer’s societies, and the Admiral nurses who work with people and the families who suffer from these diseases. He also plans to raise funds for the Red Cross and will be Jailed at the Old Bailey, on 6 September 2021, along with 30 other Livery Company Masters, to be taken by members of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers to the Tower of London until they are bailed by raising at least £1,000 each. He says, “I hope that I have sufficient supporters to help make my stay be minimal by contributing what they can afford towards raising at least this amount.” Cupitt has had a long career in the industry and is also chairman of Council and Examination Board for the Guild of Cleaners and Launderers. He has also been a WCL Liveryman for many years and a member of the Laundry and Drycleaning Awards judging panel since the industry awards began – they’re now in their seventh year.