Emerald Strategy Partners Founders Awarded the Freedom of the City of London

Emerald Strategy Partners (ESP) is proud to share that its founders, Conor Farrelly and Luke Middleton, were formally awarded the Freedom of the City of London on 20 February during a ceremony held at the historic Guildhall in London.

The Freedom of the City is one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies in the United Kingdom, with origins dating back more than 700 years. It recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to public life, commerce, or society and who maintain strong connections to the City of London and its historic institutions.

The ceremony was led by the Clerk to the Chamberlain’s Court, who presided over the formal proceedings and administered the declaration. The event was also attended by Timothy Hailes, an Alderman of the City of London who is scheduled to take up the role of Lord Mayor of the City of London in November 2026.

For ESP, the moment was both a significant honour and a meaningful milestone. The ceremony was attended by colleagues and close associates who have supported the journey of the firm and its founders, as well as family members and friends.

ESP would like to express its sincere gratitude to everyone involved in organising and hosting the ceremony, and in particular to Alderman Timothy Hailes, whose friendship and support made the occasion especially memorable.

Receiving the Freedom of the City of London is a deeply symbolic recognition, reflecting a long tradition of civic values, international commerce, and professional service—principles that align closely with the work ESP continues to undertake across Ireland, the United Kingdom, China, and beyond.