Lindsey's Blog; Reopening, returning and revitalising to some sort of normal
05 Aug 2021
The last few weeks have felt a lot like normality has returned to my job at the NAJ. Engaging with fellow NAJ team colleges at HQ in Birmingham Jewellery Quarter has been so enjoyable and we’re all very happy to welcome back Katie Gillespie after her maternity leave; she’ll be picking up all matters relating to compliance.
View NAJ Resolve
Although the streets of Hockley seem quiet, lots is happening behind the façades and members are busy again! Ben Massey our Marketing Director helped guide a cameraman around some fantastic companies to make a video highlighting British manufacture and retail skills. As Ben had not visited many workshops settings, it was great to see his reaction to the light engineering tooling and hand skills involved – from casting to hand forging items.
The dynamics of modern retailing – from stone selection and mount style on high tech computers, to drawing skills for commissions from designers – were all observed and recorded. I can’t wait for the footage. Thanks so much to those members who opened up their premises and invited us in to see a little alchemy magic. Watch this space for the video which will help highlight Created in the UK… a benefit for members who make Jewellery, Silverware or related products in the UK. The video will prove a marketing aide to highlight members who are part of the scheme, a scheme which we’ll be making an major announcement on soon.
View Created in the UK
Trade fairs are back in my diary! I visited the first major trade show – Home & Gift Harrogate – and the sun shone on this popular, multi- tented venue! Most of the jewellery exhibitors had a good show and were pleased to be back out there, meeting customers face to face in a well-organised setting. The buzz of live events is like no other and I look forward to the NAJ Summit in Northamptonshire mid-September, where I’ll be attending informative seminars, engaging with retailers during networking dinners as well as visiting members’ stands to see their latest offerings.
View the NAJ Summit
For those who trade, whether import or export, I am in fortnightly contact with our government sector desk and asked to attend other virtual meetings about tariff agreements with other nations as part of the government post-Brexit strategy. Please keep in-touch if you would like to participate and feed information about any particular country or any problems with current paperwork. Additionally, the minister for small businesses holds a monthly meeting with various trade associations attending, so please send in ideas and let us know your issues where possible. The NAJ is here to represent you and to be your voice!
All the best,
Lindsey Straughton
Source: The NAJ