Sarah Czarnecki named Merchant Adventurer

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce today congratulates Sarah Czarnecki and Laurence Beardmore on being named as Merchant Adventurers.

Sarah, our current York & North Yorkshire Chamber president and Laurence, her predecessor in the role, were both awarded the prestigious accolade at the historic Merchant Adventurers’ Hall.

The Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York was founded as a guild in 1357 and incorporated under a Royal Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I in 1581.

During the entirety of this time the institution has promoted enterprise and commercial ‘venturing’, with a Merchant Adventurer an individual who risked his or her own capital in pursuit of trade.

Today the company maintains and improves its hall for the education and enjoyment of the public and as an important place for business. It active in the economic development of the City of York and aims to identify, encourage and inspire young entrepreneurs as well as fulfilling its charitable objectives through its two charitable trusts.

Sarah said: “It is a great honour to be named as a Merchant Adventurer.

“I am very proud of York and of the city’s business community so be honoured among so many centuries of the city’s finest entrepreneurs is a humbling experience.

“I must also pay tribute to my predecessor as Chamber president Laurence Beardmore who can reflect on a remarkable career in the city.”