In a new series of monthly updates, Merrell Casting Managing Director, Gary Wroe, shares insights into the jewellery industry, trade events and upcoming awards that we are participating in.
New year, new optimism and a new way of operating, business in times of Covid.
2021 was a strange time and the pandemic will have a lasting effect on the jewellery industry and our operations. Moving forward into 2022, there will be internal movements as we shape our future. This is an exciting time of change for both Hockley Mint and the jewellery industry!
Managing Director, Gary Wroe.
The Return of Trade Events
Weddings are not the only item on the agenda. Trade events are making their big return and we can’t wait to see all our industry friends and colleagues! First, flashback to 2021, The Benevolent Society Ball was a huge success, setting the bar for future events. Trade charities: The Goldsmith’s Company charity, the Silversmiths and Jewellers charity and The Benevolent Society were presented with the inaugural NAJ Chair’s award, and it was well deserved.
During times of uncertainty in the industry, these charities collaborated to help companies in need, setting a precedent for our future. Make sure to attend this year’s ball on Thursday 8th December, once again held at The Grand Hotel Birmingham.
The Grand Hotel, Birmingham
Houlden London 2022
Kicking off our trade events this year was Houlden London 2022 at The Waldorf Hilton from 28th February to 2th March. Since the last London meeting in February 2020, we’ve been on a strange journey, both personally and professionally.
However, it’s good to be back amongst these elite, independent luxury jewellers. Together we’re working towards the same goal; creating a sustainable future for the jewellery industry.
CMJ Spring Event, Birmingham
Secondly, The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) Spring Trade Event on 13th/14th March. This show is extra special given they will be celebrating 40 years of CMJ, Together we Thrive! Held at the Metropole NEC, Birmingham.
Find out more about the Spring Trade Event here.
NAJ Summit 2022
Thirdly, after the success of the inaugural NAJ Summit in 2021, we are pleased that another summit has been scheduled for June 2022. The three-day event was a huge accomplishment last year. There were 50 specialist speakers from the jewellery industry, bringing together retailers, manufacturers and suppliers. It was a pleasure to see more than 250 attendees, customers, and friends under one roof and emphasised continued support for the NAJ.
Final mentions for September include the Houlden exhibition and the UK Jewellery Awards. More on these events later in the year.
Find out more about the NAJ Summit 2022 here
NAJ Awards 2019
Shaping our Future
Internally, we rolled out our new IT system in January to streamline our services. We settled on the name Clarity after company vote. Additionally, we advertised multiple positions in the new year and Hockley Mint grew by 5 employees. More positions available soon. These new employees joined a range of departments from accounts and manufacturing to a new north area sales manager, Laura Hopkinson.
In addition, we have a keen focus on employing more apprentices, recently hiring a trainee setter with the hope of adding another trainee setter and mounter. ‘Honest British Craftsmanship’, under this philosophy we offer the training to set apprentices on successful career paths within the British jewellery industry.
Our new North Area Sales Manager, Laura Hopkinson.
Baggies Bike Challenge 2022
Finally, on a charitable note, I will be participating in The Albion Foundation Baggies Bike Challenge 2022. The challenge? Cycle 180 miles in just 2 days! Leaving Fulham FC’s Craven Cottage on Sunday 13th March, arriving at the Hawthorns on Tuesday 15th in time for the evening fixture. Myself, Merv and Steve are raising funds for The Albion Foundation who support local communities by running Alzheimer’s cafes, food parcel deliveries, educational initiatives in schools and creating sporting opportunities in disability sport, anti-social hot-spots and supporting sports development for girls. Their goal: deliver 10 million hours and make a difference to 100,000 lives, in the next 10 years.
Visit our JustGiving page for more information
