Affiliations & Links

The majority of the Company’s links and affiliations have historical roots, and together with the Company’s membership and associations with the City of London, they form a powerful network.

The trade, business and historical links and our affiliations combine to support the Company’s educational and charitable objectives, both financially and non-financially.

Trade Links

We maintain close links with the historic candle trade’s modern descendants and the edible fats and oil industries.

We provide the Honorary Secretary of the British Candlemakers’ Federation (BCF). BCF members include working chandlers from companies like church candle suppliers, Charles Farris.

We support the Federation of Oils, Seeds and Fats Association (FOSFA International) and the National Edible Oil Distributors’ Association (NEODA). The oil and fats industries derive some of their raw materials from tallow, making them modern inheritors of the tallow trade. Awards are presented to members of FOSFA International and NEODA each year.

Business Link

With the ‘energy’ connection, the Company has a close relationship with bp and each year the Lady Mayoress presents apprenticeship and technologist awards at the bp Awards Luncheon, held in the Tallow Chandlers’ Hall. Many senior members of bp are also members of the Company.

Historical Link – His Majesty’s Body Guards

Roger Monk, Master Tallow Chandler in 1826, was unusually a member of both the Honourable Gentlemen at Arms and the Yeomen of the Guard. In accordance with Roger Monk’s original bequest, the Company supports the annual dinners to celebrate the monarch’s birthday and enjoys reciprocal arrangements with both ancient institutions. A portrait of Roger Monk hangs in the Tallow Chandlers’ Hall and two copies hang in St James’ Palace, the home of both of HM Body Guards.

Affiliations

The Tallow Chandlers Company is affiliated to three military organisations.

In 2013 the Company became affiliated to the (now called) University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) Manchester. A Tallow Chandlers’ Award for the ‘best sea going cadet’ is presented each year.

In 2013, the Company affiliated with 206 Squadron, Royal Air Force, based at RAF Brize Norton. The Squadron’s principal focus is trials and experimentation in support of air and ground operations. An annual Tallow Chandlers’ Flight Test & Evaluation Award was introduced in 2014.

In 2023, the Company affiliated with the 1st Battalion The Rifles. Presently based in Cyprus for a return to UK (Chepstow) next, the 1st Battalion is an operational regular battalion, presently commanded by Lt Col Colin Oliver. The Company will be supporting the ‘Always a Rifleman’ programme and will be introducing an annual ‘innovation’ award.