From Innovation to Business Growth: The Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Business Catalyst Large Grants 2025 Support UK Jewellers

10 Apr 2025

The Goldsmiths’ Centre, a stone’s throw from London’s jewellery quarter Hatton Garden, is proud to announce the recipients of its Business Catalyst (Large) Grants for 2025. These grants, providing up to £7,000 (including VAT), empower UK-based jewellers, silversmiths and allied industry businesses to develop new skills, expand their businesses, and explore new creative avenues.

Funded through modern philanthropic giving, via the Goldsmiths’ Foundation, from members of the Goldsmiths’ Company, these grants offer a vital opportunity for recipients to invest in self-development time, training, equipment, and market expansion. This year, two exceptional designers have been awarded up to £7,000 grants through an anonymised selection process: Katherine Brunacci, the founder of Katherine Alexandra Brunacci Jewellery, based at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, and Shivani Chorwadia, an independent jewellery designer for 17 years working from her studio in the West Midlands. As part of the 2025 grants, jeweller Arabel Lebrusan Fuentes of Lebrusan Studio was also awarded a Commendation Grant.

Katherine Brunacci, whose jewellery designs are inspired by ancient treasures, exploration, and mythical stories, will use the Business Catalyst (Large) Grant to invest in time with a mentor, seeing her learn micro pavé setting techniques and enhancing her design capabilities while reducing manufacturing costs. “This funding allows me to incorporate more intricate settings into my work and continue my mentorship with master craftsperson Harry Forster-Stringer,” she explains. “I’m excited to push the boundaries of my designs while preserving the art of traditional craftsmanship.”

Shivani Chorwadia, known for her artistic bespoke designs, will focus on wax carving and CAD training to refine her technical skills and develop a new collection. Since 2023, Shivani’s approach to jewellery design has evolved, experimenting with new techniques and placing a greater emphasis on ethical sourcing and sustainability. “This grant is crucial for my development,” she says. “It will allow me to explore innovative techniques and integrate Fairmined gold and ethically sourced gemstones into my work.”

Julia Skilton, Grants and Engagement Manager for the Goldsmiths’ Centre congratulates this year’s recipients:

“We’re delighted to support this year’s talented grant recipients as they take the next steps in their creative and professional journeys. The Business Catalyst (Large) Grants offer recipients the flexibility to utilise funds over twelve months, whether by adopting new techniques, investing in team training, or exploring new markets. In addition to their financial contribution, recipients are also encouraged to mentor others in the industry upon completing their training, helping to foster a culture of shared knowledge and innovation.”

Learn more and register your interest to apply for the Business Catalyst (Large) Grants 2026 or follow this year’s recipients’ stories in their own words at www.goldsmiths-centre.org/apply-for-grants

 

Source: Goldsmiths' Centre