New Freemen

We welcome the following who have recently been made Freemen of the Company.

Freeman Guy Armitage joined in September 2024

Guy was born in Harrogate and still lives in Yorkshire with his wife and two children. On graduation with a degree in Agricultural Economics, Guy spent a few years working in business and IT. In May 2005, Guy joined the family business, York Handmade Bricks, and assumed the role of Managing Director in January 2016. Today, York Handmade Bricks sells approximately 2.5 million bricks a year. In his spare time, Guy enjoys horse racing, gardening and running.

Freeman Stuart Black joined in September 2024

Stuart was born in Portsmouth. After gaining various qualifications in Electrics and Engineering, Stuart undertook a number of roles as a fitter and then a sales man. He moved into group sales and management with Keystone and IG Lintels, then Timloc Building Products and Cupa Pizzaras. He is now South West and Wales Regional Manager for the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. Stuart lives near Sherborne with his wife and two children. He is interested in slate, geology and the bult environment, and is a Southampton FC supporter.

Freeman Rupert Ford joined in September 2024

Rupert was born in Hong Kong and educated in England. Rupert took part in a Land Rover Rally to Post War Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2001 and subsequently became involved with the rebuilding of Post War Bosnia-Herzegovina - starting a lifelong interest in the country. He went on to study architecture at university and has worked as an architect since 2005. He joined Holden Harper, now Holden Ford in 2013 and progressed to be the partner of Liveryman Richard Holden, and, with Richard's retirement, is now Director of Holden Ford. Rupert lives in Hampshire with his wife and three young children. His hobbies include building and construction (he is restoring his own home in Hampshire) and classic car restoration.

Freeman Danny Lyon elevated from Craft Freemanship in September 2024

Danny was born in London and attended the London Nautical School. After studying slating and tiling with City and Guilds, Danny worked as a roofer before setting up his own company Lyons Roofing Solutions Ltd, of which he is now Director. Danny was awarded Master Craftsman status and became a Craft Freeman of this Company in 2022 and has now progressed to full Freeman. Danny lives in Kent with his wife Kelly and son Joshua. He enjoys boating and running.

Freeman Jon Ward joined in September 2024

Jon was born and schooled in Hertfordshire before attending West Lothian College in Scotland. An eclectic career followed including self-employed plumber and a variety of marketing and management roles in the Music Industry. Jon started Marylebone Interiors Ltd in 2004. 20 years later, the business of which he is Owner and Director has flourished. mongst his many hobbies and interests, Jon is scuba diver, a school governor and an Arsenal supporter.

Freeman Robin Nowell joined in March 2024

Robin was born in Burton on Trent and now lives in London with his partner, Ruth. He attended Goldsmiths College, University of London and then Sandhurst. Following a successful 10 year career as an officer in the British Army, Robin moved into the financial sector. Since September 2022 he has been a management consultant working for Alpha FMC within their UK asset and wealth management consulting business. Robin enjoys hiking, camping, cycling and woodwork.

Freeman Rachel Malpas-Brown joined in December 2023
Rachel was born in Keighley and studied maths at St John's College Oxford. Following an internship at PWC and consultancy roles at PWC, Lane Clark and Peacock and Deloitte, Rachel is now Lead Systems Analyst at the Legal and General. She is a Fellow of the institute and Faculty of Actuaries. She now lives in Richmond with her partner Alex and son George. When not working Rachel is interested in Code, biking, culture and crafts.

Freeman Bob Coutts joined in September 2023
Bob Coutts was born in Fauldhouse, a village in West Lothian, Scotland. He now lives a few miles from his birthplace in Newarthill with his partner and fiancée Anne.After an apprenticeship as a Slater/Roughcaster, Bob transferred to Hart Builders Ltd where he refined his crafts. In 1975 he began lecturing to Craft and Advanced Craft Level. He lectured at Telford College/ Edinburgh College and advanced to Senior Lecturer (Curriculum) from 2017 he has been a Trainer/Assessor of Roof Slating and Tiling based at Nutts Corner Training Centre, Belfast NI.When not involved in Slating and Tiling competitions at regional, national and international level Bob enjoys his RA Freemasonry and making brass badges especially with a roofing theme.

Freeman Stuart Williams joined in March 2023
Stuart is a qualified Chartered Accountant. Following employments with some of the major accounting companies, Stuart became an entrepreneur in 1975 and set up and ran his own businesses. He has worked and lived in Sao Paulo, Brazil and London. In 1997 he co-founded Topps Tiles PLC and was its Chairman until 2006. He is still a major shareholder. Since 1999 he has also been a commercial property developer. Stuart lives in London with his wife, Hilary. They have two sons.