CMJ launches Growth and Learning Network
April 2019 – The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) has launched a new series of regional Growth and Learning Network events.
These have been designed for members and suppliers to share knowledge, meet with like-minded peers and further growth potential.
Each event has its own theme and will feature opportunities for members and suppliers to learn from different industries, and other regions of the UK.
CMJ members at the launch of a new series of Growth and Learning events at Clydeside Distillery, Glasgow.
The launch event was held at Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow, on March 20, where CMJ members benefited not only from conversations and presentations around the latest jewellery and watch trends, but also by sampling whisky and chocolate and learning about the dockside history and the birth of the whisky industry.
Cynthia and Peter Wong, of Wongs Jewellers in Liverpool, said they very much enjoyed the day and that it “really gets you to rethink on the business and focus on improvement,” adding that they, “would highly recommend making the time to attend.”
Likewise, Bruce Wells, of Wells & Co in East Kilbride, said: “Informative day and very enjoyable meeting and discussion of current events.”
Terry Boot, CEO of CMJ, said: “We have listened to our members and again have delivered what they have been asking for. This inaugural event gave members a literal taste of this thriving, independent business and they were able to get to grips with the challenges it faces and has overcome; challenges that many of our members will no doubt recognise.
“It’s all about transferable skills. Independent businesses have to thrive against a backdrop of increased online competition, and our high streets have been feeling the squeeze as shoppers have made their way to outlets away from the city centre.
“However, we have been encouraged by the resolute nature of our independent retail jewellers and we continue to support them, and new members, through these events, encouraging them to ‘make more friends’ in 2019 and beyond.”
Further events will be held monthly and will include guest speakers, town tours and will allow members to experience wider activities, such as driving a Land Rover around the beautiful surrounds of the Eastnor Castle Estate.
All of these activities are geared towards members, and suppliers, to bolster those relationships and help them work more collaboratively across their businesses.
Amber Saunders, who has more than 15 years’ industry experience, recently joined CMJ as membership development executive.
With a remit to increase member numbers with retailers that fit CMJ’s ethos, she said: “What a fantastic opportunity this is. We’d really encourage members to speak to their non-member friends about the benefits these networking events yield, and the support CMJ provides across a whole raft of marketing and business disciplines.
“Our strength is in numbers, and the more members we have, the better our negotiating terms with the key suppliers will be.”
The second event will be held at Barnsdale Hall Hotel in Oakham, East Midlands on April 12. Speaking at this event will be industry specialist Jo Henderson who will share her retail expertise and sales techniques with delegates.
