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The Jeweller Spring 2022: Introducing the NAJ Summit 2022

17 Feb 2022

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If you were lucky enough to attend the first ever NAJ Summit last year, you’ll know exactly how much of a good thing this event is. Especially when getting together doesn’t happen quite so often right now!

Returning to the Staverton Estate in Northamptonshire – now under new ownership – the organising team has listened to the first-time feedback and made some helpful improvements to the event. First of all, it’s now going to be held in June. Holding the event in the summer means attendees can make the most of the venue with its extensive grounds and outdoor courtyard, when Covid is at its lowest, and at a friendlier time for retailers. The date for your diary is 10th to 13th June but take a look at the programme to identify the events best suited to you.

View NAJ Summit

Next, we’ve moved the Valuers' Conference forward to the Friday evening, avoiding unnecessary timetable clashes – you won’t have to choose between the valuer or retailer sessions but be able to enjoy both. Likewise, the Supplier Showcase is now just on one day, Sunday. With no sessions planned for Sunday afternoon, you can take in the Showcase at your leisure.

Sunday evening’s Gala Dinner will now include the NAJ Awards, previously held during December’s Benevolent Society Ball. The lively entertainment at the dinner was very well received in 2021, and it proved the perfect opportunity for networking (and the letting down of hair). Now with the NAJ Awards joining the evening, we anticipate more retailers will attend and also benefit from Sunday’s Supplier Showcase and the Retailer Jewellers' Congress the next day.

Ben Massey, NAJ marketing director, said,

“We learned a lot from the first Summit. You’ll see from the timetable that we’ve really listened to attendees’ feedback to make sure a great experience is had once again. We were delighted by the 2021 feedback overall, but we want to improve on this so more members benefit.”

Another change to the event will be how people register when they arrive. Previously the registration desks were through a separate hotel entrance, but this time the team will greet attendees in the hotel reception to help make the check-in as stress free as possible. Due to the feedback, the team will also offer a secondary hotel for attendees who didn’t book in enough time to stay on-site. The sensible way to avoid staying off-site is to book your accommodation early (using the code NATI090622)

The Supplier Showcase, taking place on the Sunday only, will also have a limited number (50) of retailer guest passes available. These passes won’t be eligible for the Valuers’ Conference, Retail Jeweller’s Congress or the Gala Dinner, which you need to book, but guest passes will mean attendees can have lunch, visit the Showcase and enjoy marketing talks in the small Better Business Seminar Series. Short applications for the guest passes are require.

Finally, and perhaps the most important change to the Summit, is the fees. Members' early bird tickets are priced at £375 (plus VAT) for the Valuers' Conference (Friday to Sunday inclusive) and £235 (plus VAT) for the Retail Jewellers' Congress (on the Monday), with further cost savings for Institute of Registered Valuers Members/Fellows (IRV) and JET Business Network Group Member.

After 5th May all ticket fees will increase by £50 (plus VAT) with a further final increase of £50 (plus VAT) for late bookings after 23rd May. Attendance at the Gala Dinner, which will feature the NAJ Awards, is first-come-first-served, with tickets at £65 (plus VAT) per person and tables (for 10) at £585 (plus VAT). However, the Gala Dinner ticket can be combined with attendance to the Valuers' Conference and/or Retail Jewellers' Congress.

The final date to book is Wednesday 1st June – no bookings will be accepted after that date. You can see all ticket options on the Summit's webpage.

Want to register for the nine-hole golf competition? Get your name down early!The nine-hole golf competition is limited to just 16 participants and will take place on the Saturday afternoon, with the first tee at 2pm. To reserve a place, email.

What did last year’s attendees think?

“As always a fabulous day with multiple takeaways that'll improve business.” ~ Hugh Potter

“An educational day full of inspirational speakers giving us the motivation we need to keep going.” ~ Olivia Stewart-Stead

“I will definitely be back. Some very positive ideas that I can take back with me AND some ideas that I now know I can ignore completely.” ~ Joy Barnard

“Very well organised, I wish the masterclasses were longer (so much to see and learn!) A great weekend all round.”

“All the workshops we attended were fantastic and very relevant to us as retailers.”

“No other word than FANTASTIC!”