WCoTA: what it means to me!

Tom Wallace

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Recently, someone asked me: ‘What sort of secret society is the WCoTA?’ Ireplied that if it is a secret society, we aren’t doing a very good job of keeping it that way! But it did getme thinking about people’s awareness and understanding of the company.

Livery companies are not new, with theearliest charter being granted to the Worshipful Company of Weavers in the 12th century. Nowadays, you no longer need to be a member of a livery to trade in the City of London, but their roots are still deeply based in education, charity and fellowship – and it was all these that drew me to the Company.

Education and social mobility have always been at the heart of the livery movement, and both are close to my heart. With longstanding links to educational institutes, the military and the tax profession itself – including its involvement with both the Tax Advisers’ Benevolent Fund and the Tax Advisers’ Charitable Trust – becoming a member of WCoTA has allowed me to be involved in supporting and promoting those aims.

But there is also the fellowship. Through its programme of formal and informal events throughout the year, you can meet and learn from a broad spectrum of those involved in tax. By becoming fully involved with the Company, I have met many people in the profession – who, given the diverse range of roles in tax – I simply would not have met in my day-to-day job.

I would wholeheartedly encourage you to join WCoTA, and look forward to meeting you at future events!

Agata Kozolup

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Whenever I mention being a member of WCoTA (and, invariably, I’m hugely excited), everyone asks, ‘But what does it give you?’ The answer is multifaceted. Being a member of the Company, maintaining the traditions, celebrating the history and shaping the future of the WCoTA constitutes an invaluable honour and a great privilege. The Company’s culture of belonging and true fellowship gives me a great sense of purpose and fulfilment – paradoxically, not easy to find in the 21st century, where most of us seek tangible benefits, immediate (and high!) returns on investments, and instant gratification. If you are looking for fellowship, reinforced by wonderful traditions, would like to focus less on chasing the inherently ephemeral and transient ‘success’, and truly embrace the present, join us at our next event!

WCoTA events are nothing like typical networking events. There is no initial awkwardness, discomfort and loneliness. You will never experience anything but kindness, support, encouragement and acceptance here! You will join a very diverse group of like-minded individuals, naturally bonded by their profession and embracing the same values, brought together by a common purpose and goodwill – the joy of giving, gratitude, and the belief that benevolence, philanthropy, charity, volunteering and giving back to the society constitute a privilege. Acommitment to serve the community is an integral part of their identities.

You will always receive a very warm welcome, meet some of the Freemen and Liveryman and, hopefully, do so in an atmosphere of conviviality and amiability, accompanied by laughter, camaraderie and friendly chatter.

For membership enquiries please refer to:www.taxadvisers.org.uk