The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) will welcome Nicholas Wainwright, Chairman of luxury British retail brand, Boodles, to the NAJ Summit 2021 on Monday, September 13, as part of the JET Business Network’s (JBN) annual Retail Jewellers’ Congress.
Download the NAJ Summit brochure
Wainwright will share his experiences with attendees based on more than 50 years in the jewellery sector, covering some of the biggest challenges faced by JBN members: staffing, business growth and digital development.
His talk will offer retail jewellers an overview of the Boodles story, including its recent expansion to Leeds, as well as its strategies around customer engagement, maintaining loyalty and improving standards of excellence year-on-year. Wainwright will also touch on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and will share his business’ methods for tackling the challenges, maintaining close communication with customers and looking ahead to the future.
Wainwright says: “I think in any business focus is the most important thing. Certainly, for Boodles over the past 50 years we have focused, and we try not to be all things to all people. We have concentrated on fine jewellery because it’s what we love and what we feel can give us individuality and turn us into a brand. The principles of striving for excellence, of going for top quality, and trying to make everything better year-after year, are very important to us.”
He continues: “I hope to share with Congress attendees the importance of striving for excellence, of creating their own ‘look’ and their own brand. I also hope to encourage attendees to focus more on jewellery and fine jewellery and maintain standards of service, integrity and decency. These are standards that should never change. We’ve got to catch-up with the business we were doing in 2018 and 2019. Now is an opportunity to look very closely at your offering and focus on profitability.”
Ben Massey, Director of Marketing at the NAJ, says: “We are thrilled to welcome Nicholas to the NAJ Summit 2021. Now is an ideal time for independent retailers to engage with each other and share insights that may support and guide all towards future success. This year’s Retail Jewellers’ Congress has a fantastic line-up of speakers, which is only enhanced by the wider NAJ Summit schedule that includes marketing experts, round table discussions and, of course, the Institute of Registered Valuers’ Conference and a Suppliers’ Showcase.”
The broader Retail Jewellers’ Congress speaker schedule includes leading specialists across staff training and retention, digital marketing and retail growth. All will take to the stage at the Congress on Monday, September 13. Business owners wishing to enhance their knowledge of digital, including PR, Google advertising, social media and influencer marketing can also attend a series of talks at the NAJ Summit on Sunday 12th September, as part of the schedule of Better Business Seminars.
The NAJ Summit will take place at the De Vere Staverton Estate in Northampton, which offers a leisure club, spa and 18-hole golf course. It is conveniently located for UK business owners and within easy access of the M1, Birmingham Airport and West Coast Mainline, with a journey from London Euston to the venue taking just over 60 minutes.
Tickets are competitively priced, with discounts available for on-site accommodation and ‘three for two’ offers provided for independent retailers and their teams.
Tickets for the NAJ Summit 2021 can be purchased here: naj.co.uk/whats-on/book/naj-summit
Download the NAJ Summit 2021 Brochure here: mailchi.mp/naj/summit
