​At MorePeople, we've always believed that the best recruiters are those who truly understand the industries they serve.

That's why we're delighted to celebrate a significant milestone for our CEO, Andrew Fitzmaurice, who has recently become a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers and a Freeman of the City of London.

For many outside the City of London, those titles may sound steeped in history and tradition. They are. But they are also highly relevant to the industries we work in today.

What is a Livery Company?

Livery Companies are among the oldest institutions in the City of London, with origins stretching back to the medieval guilds that helped regulate trades, maintain standards, train apprentices and support their members. Today, there are more than 100 Livery Companies, each connected to a profession, trade or industry.

The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers has been associated with the fruit trade for centuries. Founded in 1463, it originally oversaw the sale and quality of fruit entering London. Today, it remains a vibrant organisation supporting the fresh produce sector through education, research, charitable giving and industry engagement. It is also heavily involved in initiatives such as the City Food Lecture, which brings together leaders from across the food supply chain.

Far from being purely ceremonial, the Fruiterers continue to champion excellence across the fruit and fresh produce industries, with more than half of their membership actively involved in the sector.

Following in Established Footsteps

Andrew's admission is particularly special because he joins MorePeople founder Guy Moreton, who became a Liveryman of the Fruiterers in 2021.

Earlier this year, Guy further strengthened his connection with the City's historic trade organisations by also becoming a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, reflecting MorePeople's long-standing involvement in both the fresh produce and horticulture sectors.

Having two directors involved with City Livery Companies linked directly to the industries we serve is something we're incredibly proud of. It reflects the depth of our relationships, our commitment to the sector and the reputation we've built over more than 25 years.

Becoming a Freeman of the City of London

As part of the journey to becoming a Liveryman, individuals are typically first admitted as a Freeman of the City of London.

The Freedom of the City dates back more than 800 years. Historically, being a Freeman granted the right to trade, own property and conduct business within the City. While those practical privileges have long since disappeared, the Freedom remains a respected connection to London's commercial heritage and civic life.

Today, it represents participation in a tradition that has linked generations of business leaders, entrepreneurs and industry figures to the City of London.

Industry Connections Matter

One of the things that makes the Livery movement so valuable today is its ability to bring together people from across an industry who share a commitment to its future.

Andrew's introduction to the Fruiterers came through Chris Newenham, the current Master of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, who first attended one of MorePeople's Executive Networking Dinners as a guest and client.

It's a fitting reminder that strong professional communities are built through relationships, shared experiences and a willingness to contribute.

Looking Forward

For Andrew, this milestone is both a personal achievement and an opportunity to become more involved in supporting the fresh produce industry through the work of the Fruiterers.

For MorePeople, it's another reflection of something that has always mattered to us: being genuinely embedded within the sectors we recruit for.

When the people leading your business are actively involved in organisations that have supported, promoted and championed their industries for centuries, it reinforces what our clients and candidates already know – we don't simply recruit within horticulture and fresh produce.

We're part of those industries too.

Congratulations, Andrew, on becoming a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers and a Freeman of the City of London.