Lindsey's Blog; Trade shows, awards and Jubilees
05 May 2022
With trade shows back in full swing, it’s been a busy few weeks of travelling and in-person catch-ups.
NAJ Awards
As I write this, judging for the NAJ Awards is still underway. So, for the retail finalists reading this blog, you may be getting a mystery shopper visit from the excellent service provider, Storecheckers! Many thanks to past winners and industry leaders who generously gave their time to help judge the competition - it is greatly appreciated.
Make sure to book your tickets for the award evening (just £65+VAT per person). To make the most of the NAJ Summit, visit our Supplier Showcase in the afternoon, sign up for marketing tutorials and be inspired by the speakers at this Retail Congress.
For more information about the NAJ Summit, which takes place over an extended weekend from 10-13 June, please visit our website - https://naj.co.uk/summit-2022
Show Round-up
Inhorgenta - I arrived just in time for mask restrictions to have been lifted in Germany. There was a hesitation in visitor footfall on the opening days; however, post-show networking still went ahead at the famous evening foyer gatherings. The show looked stylish, with a sustainability theme running throughout the fair. The reshuffled halls worked well with design-led jewellery alongside some larger fashion brands in Hall C, and innovation projects housed alongside the trend-focused seminar area. As usual, the stone halls were bustling as designers and retailers flocked to replenish stock. A noticeable effort had been made with exhibiting watches, which has been a growth area for Inhorgenta. Some UK retailers visited the show as part of the Buyer Programme - watch out for next year’s call for applicants.
BCTF - The British Craft Trade Fair will remain in Harrogate for 2023 but is moving to the town's main Harrogate exhibition centre. This will allow the show to grow and make it easier for buyers to arrive by train.
BCTF Online - After the successful launch of their first-ever online show last Summer, BCTF Online returns on the 15-17 May. The event will bring together a nationwide audience of retail buyers with over 200 carefully vetted designer-makers of British handmade crafts for three days of virtual trading, networking, exposure and discovery. NAJ members will receive a discount on participation costs, and I encourage retailers to engage online if they are looking for something homegrown, designed and Created in the UK
PURE JEWEL - Another new trade show this summer is PURE. NAJ members can receive a stand discount. We will be in attendance meeting people and catching the latest trends. A fashion-led show with interesting accessories now opens up a prime location area for the highest-end design-led jewellers. Attend from 17-19 July and see the latest trends for the autumn season
Jubilee Competition
As we all prepare to deck out our shops and businesses for the Jubilee celebrations, I am thrilled that the BATF Jubilee silver competition-winning bowl will have a lasting legacy within the BATF's silver collection. This piece was commissioned to commemorate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee created by Tim Lukes with fine silver donated by Cooksongold UK. The special jubilee mark will be struck on the piece at Birmingham Assay Office and presented at the Federation's AGM on Friday 10 June at the Staverton Park Hotel. I can't wait to meet Tim and see the piece.
Halo Award
The British Hallmarking Council’s HALO Award encourages all jewellery retailers to review their online hallmarking information. To take part in the awards, download the forms here.
BEIS
Our sector desk is keen to know any specific problems members have with import/export paperwork and couriers. So please send me any relevant information so I can pass it on - lindsey.straughton@naj.co.uk
Source: National Association of Jewellers