Two Suffolk businessman have become Freemen of the City of London.
Brian Moore and Matthew West, both directors of Ipswich-based Cloud Media Insight, were joined by family and friends at the ceremony, held at the city’s Guildhall.
They were eligible to apply for the freedom – a status which dates from 1237 – due to their long-term association with the Guild of Public Relations Practitioners.
Mr Moore, who was master of the guild from 2011-12, said: “It’s been a privilege to be involved with the guild for over 20 years and a great honour to be awarded with the Freedom of the City of London.”
Mr West added: “We’re delighted to have taken part in such a unique and historic ceremony. However, I don’t think we’ll be taking advantage of some of the more traditional privileges associated with being a Freeman such as taking a flock of sheep over London Bridge!”
The Freedom of the City of London originally entitled recipents to carry out their trade in the Square Mile but is now largely ceremonial and is presented to individuals who have made a substantial contribution to the city and its livery companies.
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