Founder of her entrepreneurial venture, Verity Appointments and Education, and chair of the UK chapter of the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce for the last 18 years, Shernaz Engineer was awarded the Freedom of the City of London on November 25, 2024.
The Freedom ceremony that took place in the Chamberlain’s Court in Guildhall required Engineer to read the Declaration of a Freeman, confirming allegiance to the Sovereign, loyalty to the Mayor of the City and observance of the City’s Franchise and Customs; promising to keep the King’s peace and doing everything in her power to expose and hinder any plans or actions to subvert that peace or the rule of law. After signing the Freeman’s Declaration Book, she was presented a parchment certificate called The Copy of the Freedom, along with a copy of the Rules for the Conduct of Life and welcomed as "a Citizen of London.” "There is a lapel pin which I can wear so that people know I am a Freeman of the City of London,” stated Engineer in response to queries from Parsiana.
Shernaz Engineer (center) flanked by the master and clerk of the Company of Entrepreneurs
In Medieval times, receiving the Freedom of the City entitled a member of a livery company or guild to work and own land in the city and to travel and trade as a free citizen without being bound to or constrained by a feudal lord, explained Engineer. Famously, one of the privileges was the freedom to herd sheep over London Bridge and into the city! The word "livery” referred to a form of dress which denoted the status of belonging to a trade traditionally. Livery companies have five major roles: social fellowship, religious, trade and craft, benevolence (charity), participation in civic affairs.
Today, the title of Freeman is seen as an honor and valued as part of the history and respected traditions of London since the 12th century. The Company of Entrepreneurs of which Engineer is a founder member is one of the youngest of the 110 guilds and livery companies in London. These organizations together raise up to £ 75 million (Rs 805.62 crore) each year to support trade, education, charity and fellowship within their fields of interest and expertise. Their members elect the sheriff, endorse the election of the mayor of London and support major events in the city.
Engineer is hopeful that her enterprise that supplies secretarial, office support and teaching staff, would benefit from the "networking with other Freemen of the City of London. You never know who might say, ‘I am looking for staff and you can help me!’”