First set of speakers published for NAJ Summit 2020
March 2020 – The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has revealed the first selection of speakers presenting at Valuer, Supplier and Designer events taking place at the NAJ Summit, and also announced the theme for the Retail Jewellers’ Congress, also part of the Summit.
Taking place from Saturday 20th to Monday 22nd June at Northampton’s Staverton Park Estate, The Summit is home to the popular Retail Jewellers’ Congress (hosted by the JET Business Network), long standing 3-day Valuers’ Conference (hosted by the Insititute of Registered Valuers), SecurityWise, Better Business and Created in the UK seminars. A Valuers’ Dinner takes place on the Saturday evening and a Gala dinner for all attendees takes place on the Sunday evening.
From industry trends to wellbeing at work, data security to being wowed with mourning jewellery. The Summit features a broad range of presentations, workshops, case studies and networking opportunities, with the major benefit being the ability to move freely from one event to the other, enabling you set your own programme.
Harriet Kelsall, NAJ Chair who will be attending the event said:
“The Summit will reflect the range of communities that make up this wonderful industry to both learn from one another and network together. The NAJ membership is made up of Retailers, Valuers, Designers, Manufacturers and Suppliers, all of which play a crucial role in making our industry fit for the future, and we’ve found time and time again when we get together, good things happen.”
The Valuers’ Conference
The Valuers’ Conference, hosted by the IRV, will take place over all three days and include an international speaker line up including Hayden Peters, Cidgem Lule and Richard Drucker. Hayden Peters is a Jewellery Historian, Lecturer and Experience Designer. Hayden’s talk takes the same name as the website he founded, The Art of Mourning; a teaching platform to share knowledge and educate about this important part of history between the years of 1517- 1920. The award-winning mineralogist and gemologist Cigdem Lule will be giving a workshop on Cultured Pearl Grading and Diamonds. Based on her scientific background, gem trade and market experience in Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States, delegates can expect an insightful and engaging experience from Cigdem. Richard Drucker, Director of Gemguide, has been active in the jewellery industry for over 35 years and will be sharing his wisdom during his talk ‘Pricing coloured gemstones’.
From UK shores and sharing his insight on jewellery and auction houses will be Richard Winterton, Director of Richard Winterton Auctioneers. Dr Maria MacLennan, Lecturer at Edinburgh College of Art and Academic Research Lead for the Police Scotland is also joining the event to introduce us to the experimental field of forensic jewellery.
Doing Better Business?
Starting on the Sunday are the series of Better Business seminars. The idea behind Better Business is to support you, your business and your employees become aware of new ideas and actions to do ‘better business’. Four themes will span two days, covering People and Planning, Sales and Marketing, Product and Procurement and Money and Operations. Opening speaker Marion Wilson, industry consultant will dive into consumer, retailer and trade insight to give attendees a welcome view of the current jewellery market.
On Sunday’s People and Planning session will be Cheryl Thallon, a leading name in ethical nutrition and beauty who will talk about how she incentivises and retains employees and teams across her wholesale and retail businesses. Also appealing to Operations and Store Managers is Rebecca Day’s talk on workplace wellbeing; mental, physical and cultural. Not to be missed! Apprenticeships are changing the face of entry into the workplace for many, and Marie Garnett, NAJ’s Head of Education will also feature to bring attendees up to speed on what is possible with Modern Apprenticeships.
In parallel, the Better Business Sales and Marketing session is aimed principally at Suppliers and Designers and will kick off with the William Agency’s Sarah Jordan showcasing the art of storytelling in PR. Andrew Martyniuk and Rachael Taylor, founders of the popular boutique jewellery show The Jewellery Cut Live will also make a presentation titled ‘Long live events! How to get the most out of trade, networking and VIP events’ calling upon their experience as successful event organisers. Gordon Glenister, Chief Executive of the Branded Content Marketing Association (BCMA) will be speaking about the fastest growing advertising medium in the world: influencer marketing, in his talk ‘Influencers and brand promotion in luxury industries.’
Taking place on Monday 22nd June, will be the Product and Procurement theme for Better Business, aimed at those in senior Supplier or Designer roles. David Brough, founder of Jewellery Outlook will be hosting a panel session with NAJ Chair and Founder of Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery, Philip Newman, Editor of Metals Focus Magazine, the publication for one of the world’s leading precious metals consultancies and finally, Jayant Raniga, owner of London retailer PureJewels.
Money and Operations will complete this triad of sessions for Better Business also taking place on Monday 22nd June, with speakers to be announced very soon.
Paola De Luca, co-founder and creative director of TRENDVISION Jewellery + Forecasting and founder of The Futurist Ltd will be speaking in the ‘Creativity in the UK’ seminar taking place on Sunday 21st June, along with a selection of UK designers and manufacturers. Paola leads design projects; educational programmes for buyers, government organisations; brands and manufacturers; she coordinates think tanks and market trends-focused projects. Paola’s session aims to advise those creating jewellery in the UK to understand likely trends from 2021 onwards. This will be supported by Vicenzaoro.
The NAJ will soon unveil speakers for the Retail Jewellers’ Congress, under the theme ‘Grow your people, Grow your business’. Delivered through a tried and tested format of insightful and relevant keynote speakers, supported by knowledge sharing in the room. Congress is the opportunity to experience the value and community the JET Business Network delivers year after year.
The speaker line up will constantly be updated on the NAJ website (naj.co.uk/summit), where bookings are also being processed.
About the NAJ
The National Association of Jewellers is the trade body representing all sections of the UK jewellery industry. With over 130 years of history, and more than 2,000 members, we cover everything from bullion dealers to registered valuers, and all points in between. As an industry-leading education provider, we deliver internationally recognised qualifications, exciting short courses and bespoke business mentoring. The Association was formed in 2015 through the unification of the British Jewellers’ Association (BJA) and National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG). The Institute of Registered Valuers is also part of the NAJ family, comprised of around 150 professional valuers with formal qualifications and substantial experience. Every NAJ member is required to abide by the NAJ’s Code of Conduct – based on honesty, integrity and professionalism. Members proudly display the NAJ’s Grant of Arms to signify commitment.
