Jet Business Network (JBN) Names Final Congress Sessions Ahead of NAJ Summit

12 May 2022

The NAJ JET Business Network (JBN) has announced the final additions to its lineup of speakers and talks for the upcoming Retail Jewellers’ Congress, which is due to take place at the NAJ Summit 2022 on Monday, June 13.

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The first of two new sessions, titled “Retail Sacred Cows – Not to Be Questioned,” was developed in response to conversations at the JBN Regional Meetings this spring. Discussions centred on market uncertainty caused by war, supply chain challenges, inflations, mental health concerns, new viruses, cost of living hikes, technology advances, climate change and geopolitics. Within the Network, these challenges are referred to as ‘Bears’ because they are big and potentially dangerous issues on the horizon, especially if members are unprepared to face them.

Michael Donaldson, JBN facilitator and organiser of the Retail Jewellers’ Congress, says,

“To prepare for a ‘Bear’, you must seriously question everything in your business, from your people, product, processes and profit, as well as your purpose, and not ignore your ‘Sacred Cows’. These are the things that have always been done – stuff that’s been handed down through the generations but never questioned in terms of what they bring to a post-Covid business, let alone what they bring to a business in the context of current market conditions.”

At Congress, the “Retail Sacred Cows – Not to Be Questioned” session will replicate the type of conversations JBN members have at their Regional Meetings. Starting with a brief overview, retailers in attendance will be asked questions and encouraged to discuss in small groups before presenting key points to the rest of the room.

Michael Donaldson continues,

“It’s not complicated, and it doesn’t take long, yet it ensures lots of voices are heard and hearing from other retailers about what has worked or not worked for them in their businesses, can increase confidence and encourage positive action. It’s the very essence of the JBN - by retailers for retailers.”

Image: Marion Wilson 

Marion Wilson, formerly of the Birmingham Assay Office, has also joined the schedule and will present a talk titled, “Hallmarking – the Forgotten USP”. Wilson will explain how legitimate jewellers are facing unfair competition from fraudulent online traders by drawing on a research report she created for the British Hallmarking Council in 2020, which was sponsored by The Goldsmiths’ Company. Her evidence suggests that only 37% of consumers know what a hallmark is and that promoting this facet of jewellery-making is a useful USP for independent retail jewellers. The session will also update JBN members on available digital hallmarking information and the HALO (Hallmarking Awareness and Learning Online) Award.

This one-day event provides an opportunity for jewellery retail owners and directors who are looking for an effective and supportive jewellery network to “try before they buy”. The NAJ’s latest data suggests that 29% of JBN members attended the Retail Jewellers’ Congress prior to signing up to the Network.

Michael Donaldson adds,

“The ideas that are shared from the podium and discussed around the tables with other retailers in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere not only build relationships but business results too. The JBN has been delivering these business results since 2005, no matter the market conditions.”

Non-members of the JBN can secure tickets by contacting the NAJ  

Focusing on the themes of digital skills and staffing concerns, Congress 2022 speakers include social media experts, digital strategists and team-building pros who will address the main challenges experienced by JBN retail members. Previously announced speakers include Mark Saxby, Lucy Barkas, Martin Broadhurst and Howard Levine, as well as a trio of independent retail jewellers who will share their recent experiences of investing in bricks-and-mortar.

Taking place across an extended weekend from June 10-13, 2022, the NAJ Summit is an unmissable experience in the jewellery tradeshow calendar.

The event’s schedule includes the three-day Valuers’ Conference, hosted by the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV); a one-day Supplier Showcase; the NAJ Members’ Gala Dinner and The NAJ Awards 2022; the JET Business Network’s Retail Jewellers’ Congress, and a series of Better Business seminars and workshops.

Friday-to-Sunday tickets for NAJ Members are priced at £425 + VAT and £285 + VAT for the Retail Jewellers’ Congress on Monday, June 13. Further savings are available for Institute of Registered Valuers Members/ Fellows (IRV) and JET Business Network Group Members. Attendees are also encouraged to secure accommodation on site as soon as possible by calling 01327 220676 and quoting the code NATI090622 to receive the agreed discounted rate (£93 per night).

Attendance at the Gala Dinner is offered on a first-come-first-served basis, with tickets at £65 + VAT per person and tables (for 10) at £585 + VAT. Gala Dinner tickets can be combined with attendance at the Valuers Conference and/or Retail Jewellers Congress. Further information is available online. Pre-registration is critical to secure seats at popular workshops and seminars.

Register interest in the NAJ Summit 2022

Further information can be found here 

Discover more about the JET Business Network 

Source: National Association of Jewellers