About The Guild

History of the Guild

The beginning of the Guild of Motoring Writers was an informal meeting of seven influential journalists at London's Press Club on 9 October 1944, when plans for a Motoring Correspondents Circle were formulated. From this small start the Guild has grown to a point where today its membership numbers well over 400, both UK and overseas.

This includes daily and regional newspaper correspondents, magazine writers, book publishers, photographers, radio and television broadcasters. The Guild is recognised as the leading association for automotive journalists, authors, photographers and broacasters, and its views carry a great deal of weight within the motor industry. There is much co-operation between Guild members and motor industry press offices, particularly through MIPAA, the Motor Industry Public Affairs Association.

The Guild publishes an annual yearbook Who's Who in the Motor Industry, which is regarded as essential by all those professionally involved in the automotive industry. A copy of this book is one of the many benefits of Guild Membership. Guild members receive a number of benefits, while the Guild also runs a Benevolent Fund, which is there to help members who may fall on hard times.

At an early date the Guild agreed a Charter, which is still its guiding principle today: "To strive constantly by whatever means in its power to raise the standard of motoring journalism. To encourage motoring, motorsport and road safety. To safeguard the interests of members in relation to the aims of the Guild and to make representations, where necessary, for facilities to enable them the better to pursue their vocation. To provide a link for fellow members all over the world. And to promote social events for members and those interested in motoring."