Newspages


Assay Office London Opens new Premises in Hatton Garden. London Sub Office 17 Greville Street, Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8SQ Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm closed Bank Holidays	Platinum, diamond set necklace with diamond & coral detached pendant By J Gorbould


London Forum Mark Gartrell, our committee representative, has attended a number of meetings of the two bodies rising from the DTI report on our industry, the National Jewellery Steering Committee and the Regional Steering Committee (London Forum). They envisage a ten year plan and Mark held a special committee meeting to consult us about common concerns and hopes for the future of the trade in this country. The following list covers our main suggestions to the London Forum. Our system of hallmarking must be retained. Support between the fashion and jewellery industries should be encouraged. Education of managers and retailers in craft/production and design skills would improve commerce within the trade and enable them to impart knowledge and authoritative advice to customers. 2013/4 should see a chauvinistic retail trade bullishly supporting British manufacturers. The trade should promote and publicise itself through fairs open to the buying public so that customers can meet makers and be enthused and educated by them. This extends further to overseas fairs and events. Promotion is needed at all levels and in all media. Many more inter-trade meetings and seminars with hospitality afterwards for networking. Free interchange of data and knowledge. Lobbying is needed for vocational training at school level. Retention of City & Guilds qualification or similar in light of failure of NVQ's UK price for precious metals should be the same as abroad. Lobbying is needed for tax breaks for manufacturers wishing to melt down old pieces in order to update their stock. A silver trade reinvigorated by turnover to tarnish-free silver. Please contact us for further information or to offer suggestions.