News and Views

2023 has been a privilege to serve with my team at the Ward of Cheap and City of London. We've achieved significant milestones. I wrote a letter reflecting on our journey and accomplishments.



22 7 ways to encourage customers 0219 01 3

12 November 2024

Have your say!

As your local elected representatives we are keen to know what your prioirties are for the City. Is it safety? Economic growth? Green spaces? Culture? You can let us know by filling in this short survey – click here.

More
Qe3zcfogshmjixljmxxvg mini b800

10 November 2024

Councillors announce intention to stand for re-election

At the end of October City workers, businesses, livery companies and residents in the Ward of Cheap had a chance to connect at our annual reception. Over 50 city people joined in the beautirful St Vedast Church. Local Common Councillors Alastair Moss, Nick Bensted-Smith and Tijs Broeke announced their intention…

More
I7qbvrotqlaaqlk5gtbvya thumb b4d3

16 October 2024

Crime in Cheapside low, but shoplifting is up

Ward of Cheap Councillor Tijs Broeke joined businesses at a crime forum to get an update from our dedicated local police officers about crime in the City. He also went out with officers on patrol to speak to staff and managers in shops on Cheapside. If you are intersted to…

More
Alderman robert hughes penney in his office 2190679974 e1718711479645

18 June 2024

Robert Hughes-Penney Shrieval candidate

On Friday 14 June the Nominations Committee of the Court of Aldermen met to consider those Aldermen applying for higher Office. Amongst these was the Alderman for the Ward of Cheap, Robert Hughes-Penney, and we are delighted that the Committee have chosen to support Robert’s submission to be Sheriff in…

More
Medium c4b0d806 b1df 4a58 883d 3bca6090ae28

13 February 2024

A Message from the Newly Elected Alderman of the Ward of Cheap Club

I'm deeply grateful and honored to serve as the newly elected Alderman for the Ward of Cheap, appreciating your trust and support. Over the past six years, I've navigated changes globally, serving our community through initiatives like the Ward of Cheap Business Breakfasts and representing impactful investments. I'm humbled by the support shown in my re-election and am committed to serving the Ward and the City to the best of my abilities. Thank you for this opportunity, and I eagerly anticipate continuing our work together.

More
Medium fb13d84c a790 4b6e 9de8 363331dfb9af

24 March 2020

Working together to help the City of London navigate the present and into recovery

Recent weeks, and in particular the events of last week, have understandably caused high levels of anxiety. Naturally, we all have questions, and having worked with my colleagues to try to find some tangible answers for everyone within the Ward of Cheap.

More
Medium 4774d887 1089 42a6 aac2 46c02f587222

25 January 2020

Business Breakfast At Saddlers' Hall With Guest Speaker Renowned Economist Julian Jessop Discussing "Life After Brexit"

The Ward of Cheap Club and Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney invited members of the Club to a Business Breakfast in partnership with the Cheapside Business Alliance kindly hosted at Saddlers' Hall with Party Ingredients Event Catering

More


Medium 05cf69ef 8a34 4838 a6c0 ae90aeb8928f

03 December 2024

Justice for the accused - are we doing right by society?

Innocent until proven guilty, or the presumption of innocence, has been a hallmark of the UK's legal system for a long time. However, while it's no secret that the justice system is currently under enormous strain, this basic principle on which so much is built is being severely compromised.

More
Medium 5b499972 ad10 4996 b165 b939cd5d9c12

14 November 2024

Advancing UK as a Hub for Sustainable Investments

Robert Hughes-Penney addresses the role of private equity and venture capital in growing the UK’s impact investment market.

More
Medium 4c8eae9d 2de9 400a 97f3 ee1d47a4c90b

15 October 2024

In the interests of justice

As Alderman Gregory Jones KC takes up his position as aldermanic Sheriff for the upcoming year, making him the first KC to be appointed sheriff in some 900 years. Having also been delighted to receive the nomination for the shrievalty in 11 months time, I have been reflecting on the realms of law and justice in support of the current sheriff as well as considering my own personal belief in it as a core value within our society.

More
Medium 0aef2421 c487 42e9 8cbe 1c5c536b84a6

24 September 2024

Charity & Philanthropy Colloquy – Tuesday 24th September

I was honoured to represent the Lord Mayor at the Charity & Philanthropy Colloquy at Mansion House. This event brought together experts and key figures to explore transformative philanthropy and new approaches to modern charity. As part of Alderman Michael Mainelli's 'Connect to Prosper' theme, we engaged in thought-provoking discussions aimed at advancing charitable efforts.

More
Medium 0a4c3b72 6e20 44df b93c 15d41293e06f

14 June 2024

Representative Lord Mayor IMCT Dinner Speech Weds 29th May

I had the privilege to represent the Lord Mayor at the Inaugural Gala Dinner, a joint initiative between the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute (SWFI GWC), the Guild, and the charity (The Investment Managers' Charitable Trust), on 29th May at the beautiful Haberdashers' Hall. I was deeply humbled to receive an award from the SWFI Chair, Lakshmi Narayanan, recognising the importance of our collaborative efforts.

More
Medium 450c498f 2115 4ee9 a9c7 a6907edf36fd

06 June 2024

We owe our forebears more than remembrance on D-Day

The people we celebrate and commemorate on this, the 80th D-Day anniversary, paid an enormous price to protect what we consider to be the most basic of liberties. They are freedoms that plenty of people in today's world still don't enjoy. It's my wholehearted hope that we never have to ask for that kind of commitment from anyone ever again, but we also owe it to those who have given so much of themselves before us, not to simply remember, but to proactively protect and appreciate the gifts that they gave us.

More
Medium 689b2b94 eb8f 4e5d a85a f664f68a126b

28 May 2024

Creating the UK's financial future

Now is the time to generate greater enthusiasm for the British market, not only by showcasing it on the world stage, but by enabling and empowering individuals across the UK to invest in it, become engaged with it and thereby igniting greater entrepreneurial activity. Here are some of my thoughts as to how.

More
Medium ef5789cb ec8b 4e14 aa78 4507894220ff

09 May 2024

Insights From The Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit

Get to know the highlights from the Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit 2024, featuring key insights from Alderman Robert Hughes Penney.

More
Medium 8703837d 6388 4193 8961 c312b5bb6dbd

24 April 2024

Falling into the advice gap

I think preserving the City’s tradition as a place where people can come from all walks of life to make their fortune should be a collective aspiration that not only embraces those who work here, but those who seek to invest here as well. To achieve that, we have to address the advice gap when it comes to financial choices.

More
Medium 9a04607f a597 44db 8037 2f7b8b0d62c9

10 April 2024

Considering your feedback on the nation's financial health

Last month I wrote about some of my views on the nation's financial health and areas of potential focus for improvement. Many of you kindly gave both positive and thoughtful feedback with points that certainly develop that conversation, some of which I wanted to take time to respond to.

More
Medium d1c6c198 477c 4ed4 abae 72446179e771

04 March 2024

Improving the nation's financial health

One of my great passions is enabling financial independence and autonomy, which I think requires greater access to financial education and a collective review of our attitude towards debt. I have put down some thoughts in this article and would be interested in your perspective.

More
Medium cbc3019a a5de 4925 aac9 bf9c8f07bec0

20 December 2023

2023 Year End Review: A Snapshot of Our Year's Success

2023 has been a privilege to serve with my team at the Ward of Cheap and City of London. We've achieved significant milestones. I wrote a letter reflecting on our journey and accomplishments.

More
Medium 079fb390 1101 4454 a6e6 21b05b9da4b3

28 November 2023

The power of an international perspective

The City of London is part of a global community, and while its societal function is primarily focused on fiscal responsibility and betterment, the impact of doing that well is wide reaching. In the pursuit of a better world, the City has a profound role to play. Here are my thoughts.

More
Medium 3ff297c7 98da 49fe babe 32db6ec0354b

21 November 2023

Livery Education Conference

Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney passionately addresses the 10th Livery Education Conference, highlighting the diverse history of education, emphasising the need for well-rounded character development alongside academic learning, and expressing gratitude to the City's livery companies for their enduring support in shaping generations of young minds.

More
Medium b84298a8 c261 4828 9cd0 cad2e3282d8a

14 November 2023

The City's purpose - past, present and future

As Rathbones completes its combination with Investec Wealth & Investment UK, it's gives me cause for a moment of positive reflection on how the successes of individual institutions in the City belong to everyone in a nationwide financial ecosystem that serves people across the country.

More
Medium 5054578e 354c 453c a078 d6d4907eb747

03 October 2023

A City of golden opportunity, not silver spoons

This month marks the 30th anniversary of my first day working in the City of London, and it continues to not only be a privilege to work here, but a great joy as well. I am acutely aware of how much the City has given me, and how important it is to make sure it's a place where the front door is as wide as possible for anyone with genuine talent, aptitude and commitment. It's a heritage and a future that I think we should all aspire to.

More
Medium d9397037 5bbc 4bce be3a f6d3afc67dc5

12 September 2023

Ethics and economics are not mutually exclusive

Repaying loans whilst generating growth, helping individuals to have autonomy over their own financial success, creating transparency in the UK’s shareholding framework - could a different cultural attitude to debt create a healthier economy?

More
Medium a250fd80 30b7 46da bfc5 04cc1b24c2a8

19 July 2023

Are we approaching AI in the City thoughtfully?

AI promises so much to The City and the UK – new jobs, new opportunities, new growth - all things we need and want to encourage, but we need to remember that in amongst it all, we are still human.

More
Medium 572c712f d698 44d8 ae68 f6bd7cecd3d0

07 June 2023

Empowering the individual: remembering that work and community are about people

Last month I wrote about the value of shared wisdom and community within the City and beyond. Whilst such philosophical reflections are interesting, there is a point at which one asks - how does this all relate to our daily experiences and tangible goals?

More
Medium 9a40789d c6bb 4fac a64f dd04eb8e76df

18 May 2023

London City Mission Reception – Mansion House

An uplifting and thought-provoking message, shedding light on the compassionate endeavours of the London City Mission.

More
Medium 9cccb1b5 f282 4d99 af83 9da835457790

25 April 2023

Individuality and community: the value of shared wisdom

To make sure the City of London operates at its best in the coming wisdom age, serving the nation and doing genuine good across the country and beyond, we need to listen to all parts of the society we serve for inspiration and greatest levels of interdependence so that we're not just self-serving or existing in an echo chamber. Inspired in part by Stephen Covey’s, The 8th Habit, I think there’s enormous opportunity for the City going forwards.

More
Medium 59691e50 0d9c 429c b248 2350b2be6e7c

10 March 2023

City of London Wealth Management Awards

The City of London Wealth Management Awards (COLWMA) promote, acknowledge and reward the quality of service provided by Wealth Managers. COLWMA is unique in that the winners in each category are determined by the investors themselves who cast votes online via the Goodacre website. In 2022, some 45,000 votes were cast from members of the investing public.

More
Medium aef7e017 6a87 4142 b045 b5bf8645430c

23 February 2023

Reflecting on the Rules for the Conduct of Life

Reflecting on the Reverend Canon David Parrott's revised publication of the legendary book, the Rules for the Conduct of Life, there are lots of lessons we can learn for navigating current challenges with human decency and commercial integrity.

More
Medium 96e358cd 48b4 4ebf a52f 48321c196636

10 January 2023

Trade is the first line of defence 

With my own military background, now viewed through the lens of a career in the City, I believe trade delegates and our armed forces have an important role to play in working towards a positive future for the UK as well as our international allies.

More
Medium 0b51cd0c f6a3 42ba 902c 9e5f3ed18e58

12 December 2022

Looking forward with hope - economically

As the FTSE 250 Index celebrates it's 30th anniversary, it's a time for reflection on theist and looking forward with hope for the economy.

More
Medium bde8a70f 57fb 4133 bb88 bd5b38d6863e

31 October 2022

The City and ‘serving the nations’

The City of London has an important and powerful role to play in supporting the UK and our international allies at this moment in time. Its economic importance cannot be underestimated, and while its position when things are good is important, its skills, expertise, power and values are even more poignant when times are hard. For me, the role of The City is about service - as individuals to The City, as companies to our clients, and as The City to the nation and the world. Now, more than ever, we have an opportunity to serve.

More
Medium 5c356fb6 0b8d 46fd abd3 59b3c29fb468

11 October 2022

How The City can support individuals across the UK

The City is a centre of commerce and trade, but it’s ultimately here to serve people. By thinking about it that way, I think we do our jobs better, more compassionately, we serve the community as a whole, and we remain focused on the higher purpose of everything we do.

More
Medium 982fac44 839e 4df0 9a4f b10248cbe0a0

04 October 2022

200 years of independence in Brazil

Having been born in Brazil, it is a country that I have much affection for, and so it was a particular delight to join The Ambassador of Brazil, Mr Fred Arruda, and Mrs Lenice Arruda, at Cadogan Hall for a celebratory concert to mark the 200th anniversary of Brazil's independence last month.

More
Medium cf159264 abfe 4179 b8e0 2ee2c9c486e9

03 October 2022

Annual Report Launch speech 2022

Robert Hughes-Penney, Alderman of the Ward of Cheap, thanked all who came to celebrate the CBA Annual Report launch for 2022. The work of the ward had been focused on building community among workers and businesses in the City. In collaboration with the CBA and the City of London, the ward will continue to work toward maximising efforts to support London's businesses and increase economic prosperity.

More
Medium 0c0f7b5f 4328 4c73 85b4 bb4f6ac2e6f2

14 July 2022

Manchester Metropolitan University Graduation

It is a day for celebration. The Bridgewater Hall is full of students and families celebrating their achievements, and as I stand here I can feel the sense of pride, hope and ambition that radiates off these new graduates.

More
Medium c9ebc8d0 ff8b 4e1f 9818 e68e372b11c6

14 June 2022

What kind of place do we want The City to be?

I wanted to take a moment to think about the role we can play as a community in the City of London to ensure a compassionate environment in which we live and work.

More
Ward of cheap

29 March 2022

Is tradition still relevant in The City?

Tradition is a big part of the City of London - its structure, its governance, its architecture, and in plenty of the annual rituals and ceremonies. The question is, are they still relevant or is it just pomp and circumstance?

More
Medium f77d62f6 afa7 4834 9ee3 922f2ac31f33

10 February 2022

An incubator for world-leading innovation

The City of London has always been a place of growth and innovation, and post pandemic data shows that it’s continuing to honour that tradition.

More
Medium aabe8e4a 49c2 4033 9b6a f98978e19a8f

06 February 2022

Patronal Service of St Vedast-alias-Foster

Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney's Address at the Patronal Service of St Vedast on 7th February 2022

More
Medium a0fe385b 31e7 468c 8fab e3e9e467d49d

24 December 2021

Finding balance in the City of London

While the big picture when it comes to finance is looking cautiously optimistic, it's important to remember the individuals and personal plights that surround us. However, I also hope that the overarching economic view can provide some sense of encouragement for all as we look to a new year.

More
Medium a9017eea 885d 4639 9829 76f2f179927b

30 November 2021

Spears 500, Recommended 2021 HNW Wealth Manager

The Spears Index includes a range of advisers dedicated to looking after private client funds. Spears rank UHNW and HNW wealth managers, private bankers and the leading recruitment consultants that work in this area. As well as London one can also find their recommendations of advisers in financial centres such as Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Channel Islands.

More
Medium f803fb65 149f 40dd addf 658dbd925094

30 November 2021

Supercharging the UK’s communities

Levelling up isn't just about government supporting community - it comes from community as well, with each individual, business, and organisation doing its bit where it can.

More
Medium d0422ab1 e29a 4fdc 8b87 90fc6c57da42

11 November 2021

Hughes-Penney's at the Bank of England’s Act of Remembrance

Arranged by the Bank of England Christian Union and the Bank Employees That Served network

More
Medium 94bfa0b4 bf57 43a3 affa f724e138beca

26 October 2021

A City of compassion on a global scale

When we think of the City, we think of commerce, business and career ladders, but community, charity and compassion also play a significant role both within the City itself and as part of its global endeavours.

More
Medium 7366c6a3 1f0d 4171 bcf1 704b42eecfa5

20 September 2021

Back to school in the City of London

This year, September’s traditional ‘back to school’ mantra takes on new significance, as for many it’s not only a return to the classroom but also a return to the office in the City of London.

More
Medium 17128a13 c589 4ec7 818f be4d1bb425ed

27 April 2021

South Africa's National Day and Future Trade Opportunities

Today, Tuesday 27th April, marks South Africa’s National Day, otherwise known as the National Freedom Day

More
Medium cb5f7a7b 6ece 4f19 9e7c b1c0a8d9d250

07 December 2020

The City of London’s Commitment to Charity

As we enter the Christmas period, and with it the season of thinking of others, generosity and making gifts, I would like to reflect on some of the charitable activities undertaken in the City.

More
Medium 5517aa71 d8c6 48e5 9f59 b615d7cda9bc

26 November 2020

The Mayflower...

...and a Cheapside Haberdasher's involvement

More
Medium c013bb33 70af 4c3b ada8 deef81fc8bee

27 October 2020

ESG and Impact Investment Space Future

This month marks the end of my four-year tenure on the board of Investing for Good, an impact-driven sustainable and social finance intermediary. Founded in 2004, Investing for Good has a mission to grow the pool of investment capital that is mobilised for social purpose, resulting in measurable benefits for society. My departure seems like an appropriate time to reflect on the recent evolution of this investment space and look ahead to its future in light of the global pandemic.

More
Medium 30a27632 f488 42bf 97ba 38572c1e1b5c

20 October 2020

Now is the time for leadership and progress

Over the course of the last eight months we have relied heavily on the use of digital communications. In many ways we have probably leapt forward in a matter of weeks what would otherwise have taken years, and in many places, this has been very effective. However, the way we have been operating cannot be a complete or a permanent alternative to the economic, social and infrastructural value of the traditional way we do business in the UK and its economic heartland, The City of London.

More
Medium b076afab c1b5 4cfd 8664 12dd2f6002cd

16 October 2020

The City Prayer Breakfast 2020

The 2020 Annual City Prayer Breakfast was recently held on Wednesday 14 October 2020 and because of COVID restriction was held virtually.

More
Medium 46a93743 1aa9 4ae6 9fb8 e87033848631

04 October 2020

Results and Relationship: Reimagining Success

For many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges into view that we never saw coming.

More
Medium 599b26e4 1eb9 4f29 8249 89b78606d083

22 July 2020

A time for patience and practical considerations

It has now been four months since many of us left our offices in the City of London to work from home, and while 'normality' is still some way off, it is a good time to reflect on what has been achieved as well as what we can, need and want to do moving forward.

More
Medium 5c0a76ed 54dc 4b72 afaa 1470b3f6803c

25 March 2020

Message from the Alderman of the Ward of Cheap

Recent weeks, and in particular the events of last week, have understandably caused high levels of anxiety. Firstly, for the health and wellbeing of our friends and loved ones, and also because of the impact coronavirus is having on businesses and jobs in the City and across the UK.

More
Medium b754eeeb acb7 4ec9 b451 f9f210281033

28 January 2020

Guild of Investment Managers Annual & Civic Dinner

Welcome Speech At The First Annual Dinner

More
Medium 74fa2620 65d3 45e8 a856 3a5aa2cb352c

20 December 2019

City's Investment Managers Guild

The Guild of Investment Managers was set up in 2015 and has the ultimate aim of becoming the Worshipful Company of Investment Managers – joining the City of London’s 110 existing livery companies.

More
Medium 3c43b680 db55 44a6 b844 693fd6b59db6

19 June 2019

Partnership project between Theos and St Paul’s Institute.

I am pleased to be a Theos Supporter to help shape the conversation to show how Christianity, and faith, are part of the solution for a better society – not part of the problem. They have recently published a very insightful report.

More
Medium 5d640ec7 8480 44cf 8e3f cb2a7399cd46

05 November 2018

A Rich Tapestry of Communities

The City of London is a location and an environment that to many looks to be as impersonal as they come - filled with imposing office blocks and impenetrable reception desks backed up by security. But behind this façade, as I discovered on my route to becoming an Alderman of the City of London in July 2018, there is a rich tapestry of communities.

More
Medium 91b9b22c 2043 4868 a4dc ddbc08400397

31 December 2017

Spears List Of Top Wealth Managers

Click here for the profile on the Spears' list.

More