After more than six decades working within the ceramics sector and construction industry, Shackerley founder and Chief Executive, Brian G Newell MBE, is still encountering new challenges.
But his latest achievement has nothing to do with understanding architects’ requirements, developing innovative facade systems or managing teams at Shackerley’s factories. The task at hand was literally herding sheep!
In a break from his day job at Shackerley Facade Systems, Brian was in London on Sunday 27th September to take part in the Woolmen Sheep Drive, an annual event that recreates a tradition dating back centuries. Historically, freemen could bring livestock into the City of London for sale at market without paying the usual bridge toll. Brian sells facades, not mutton but, as a Freeman of the City of London for more than 20 years, he has the right to herd livestock across the Thames toll-free, and, of course, he wore a Shackerley high vis jacket for the occasion!
As well as a Freeman of the City of London, Brian is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers, one of the City’s ancient Livery Companies, and an organisation that maintains close links with the modern tiling and bricklaying industries. He took part in the event as part of the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers, adding a new milestone to a career that includes decades of work developing British, European and international standards, as well as receiving an MBE for services to the ceramics industry.
This year’s Sheep Drive event was held on Southwark Bridge. It may not have included negotiating a good price for the livestock, but it certainly involved a great deal of patience and tenacity to get the sheep over the bridge – a somewhat different technical challenge from those Brian has tackled during his career.
The annual Woolmen Sheep Drive is organised by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen and, in addition to celebrating the historic rights of Freemen of the City of London, the event also raises funds for charitable causes. Proceeds from the 2026 Sheep Drive will support the Woolmen Charity and the Lady Mayor’s Appeal.
Brian, received a certificate as a permanent reminder of his brief shepherding career, signed by Susan Langley DBE, the 697th Lord Mayor of London. The Woolmen Sheep Drive provided an opportunity for Brian to celebrate one of the more eccentric traditions associated with the Freedom of the City and to demonstrate that, after a career devoted to ceramics and façades, there are still new skills left to master!
