Sustainability the Theme of Houlden’s Spring Event

08 Mar 2022

 

Sustainability, adapting to the challenges facing the industry and exploring future opportunities, was the focus of the Houlden London Spring Event.

The three-day event, the second full buying opportunity since the start of the pandemic, attracted high attendance from Members and Suppliers alike. It also featured many new and guest Suppliers who provided fresh insight and a point of difference, welcomed by Members who are continuously striving to strengthen their offering.

The challenges of adapting to fast-paced changes facing businesses were discussed and Members expressed a willingness to explore opportunities to take steps collectively to improve social consciousness - while remaining focused on their core offering.

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Carefully selected speakers informed Members of opportunities to improve their sustainability status. This included exploring the changes made by luxury gold brand FOPE; the changes made - and resulting accreditation - for family business Diamond by Appointment; the ‘how to and why’ facts from accreditation body, the Responsible Jewellery Council, and a resounding success story, direct from Houlden Member, John Pass, who have now achieved carbon neutral status.

Houlden Member, Andrew Pass of Crewe based jeweller John Pass, said,

"By focusing its chosen theme on Sustainability, Houlden demonstrated to its Members, Supplier Partners and the wider trade alike that they understand what is important for all of our successes in the future. It was inspiring and very enlightening.

“It was once said that every successful business depends upon the community around them working together, and the recent Houlden event typified this adage."

Peter Chamberlain, Director, Diamond by Appointment said,

“It was fantastic to have the opportunity to share what DBA have achieved to offer Houlden members a Responsible Jewellery Council accredited, ethical and socially responsible Engagement ring supply. We encouraged some best practices that any size of company can implement, and it is our opinion that the next generation of end consumers will expect proof of sustainable practice.”

Economic vision was provided by Sanjiv Tumkur, Head of Equity Research at investment management company, Rathbones, who kept the future in focus, albeit from a different perspective. Sanjiv shared current research into industry trends and insight into what challenges retailers may face in future.

 

Image: Sustainability was the main focus of the recent Houlden London spring event, held last week.

Helen Haddow, Chief Executive of Houlden, commented,

“Once again it was fantastic to meet face to face with our Members and Supplier Partners. The power of face-to-face connection cannot be underestimated.

“Our theme of sustainability gave us a plethora of opportunities to stimulate debate and inspire and motivate our community. It was refreshing to hear that most Members have already taken steps to make changes in their business and were in full support of Houlden’s collaborative commitment and collective responsibility to make small steps together that will make a big difference.”

The unexpected success the Members have experienced during, and post-pandemic was still apparent in buying behaviours, with Suppliers reporting strong sales during the day two buying event.

Stockholm based bespoke jeweller, Michael O’Dwyer, said,

“Being a relatively new Supplier to Houlden, I am impressed by the organisation of these events, the knowledge and wealth of experience is inspiring. After two difficult years, the Members had a positive outlook to buying and were receptive to my personal, non-strident approach that I believe builds some strong foundations and helps form great customer and manufacturer connections. Going forward, I genuinely believe that my relationship with Houlden will become the single most important aspect to my business and I look forward to strengthening my relationship with the group.”

Helen Haddow added,

“We introduced some exciting new initiatives at the event and reinforced the invaluable experience of bringing likeminded retailers and Supplier Partners together under one roof.

 “We were also joined by our new Member, G. Hewitt of Grimsby and a host of newly appointed Supplier Partners and guest Suppliers each bringing something that helps us evolve and strengthen what Houlden can offer, making it a profitable and engaging experience for all involved.”

Christina Hewitt, from newest Houlden Member G. Hewitt of Grimsby said,

“I thoroughly enjoyed our first Houlden event in London as Members. The expertise and knowledge of both the Members and Supplier Partners is paramount. We know that the Houlden Advantage is going to be so valuable to us a business and we’re very much excited for our future with Houlden.”

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Source: Houlden Jewellers